Parmis Sahrapima, Web Co-Editor-in-Chief
On June 5, the Hero Project featuring Nina Revoyr, the author of “Wingshooters,” was held in the Peters Auditorium. The hour-long session brought great excitement to students from both regular and honors English classes, as well as parents and staff members. The event also served as a great opportunity for those who were interested in learning more about Revoyr herself as a person, the personal connections that she created with her book, and the smallest mysteries that “Wingshooters” presented to its readers.
Another question asked was whether the same experiences that Michelle went through in her school were linked to Revoyr’s own childhood experiences in school, which Revoyr answered with a yes and even described specific experiences. The question that followed was why Revoyr had decided to leave Michelle parentless, and Revoyr said that she wanted to create a setting where Michelle was stuck. The last question was about why Michelle’s grandfather, Charlie, who had a lot of power, did not apply any effort into changing a lot of opinions in the town. Revoyr answered this by saying that as things changed in the town, Charlie lost his power as he also changed into a different person.
“Wingshooters” received many positive reviews from students, who felt that the book turned out to be much different from what they had originally expected it to be.
‘”Wingshooters’ was an amazing book! I was really happy that I chose to read it because it had a deep impact on me, and going to the assembly and meeting the author really inspired me to stand up against bullying and make a change. I was kind of upset when I heard that the book was fiction, but the book was well written and I really think everyone should read it. I actually liked it better than last year’s book for the Hero Project. ‘Wingshooters’ was so easy to read and every page was so unexpected and unpredictable! I recommend it to everyone! It is a must-read book!” sophomore Ashley Zendedel said.
Hero Project Coordinator Julie Goler also found Revoyr to be very inspiring to students and having a good rapport with them. Goler was very moved when she saw so many different types of kids participating in a project that encourages reading, and she truly believed that the habits that come from reading are the habits that will ensure success in all school work.