State Theatre Hosts The Leelanau School for Awareness Building

Leelanau School Awareness Night at the State Theatre Is May 18th

Students at the Leelanau School know that they are in a special place. They know that they are surrounded by people who accept and support them, and that the experiential learning they encounter on an everyday basis will help them make their educational and career dreams come true.

On Monday, May 18, we will be sharing those and other unique benefits of our school during Leelanau School Awareness Night at the historic State Theatre in downtown Traverse City.

This very special evening will consist of a short presentation about the Leelanau School, followed by a free showing of the inspirational 1999 movie October Sky. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, October Sky is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner’s son who was inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957—and an encouraging teacher (played by Laura Dern)—to take up rocketry against his father’s wishes. Despite resistance from others, Hickam pursued his dreams and eventually became a NASA engineer.

The theme of October Sky is one we truly believe in at Leelanau: Stick to your passion and dreams and don’t worry about failing, because you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Leelanau School Awareness Night gets underway at 6:00 PM on the evening of May 18 and is open to the public. Because we want to pack the theatre, please share this information with all your friends, family, neighbors, favorite teachers, and anyone you think should know more about our amazing school. As Leelanau School’s Head of School, Matt Ralston says, “The Leelanau School is as unique as the students who attend here.” Let’s let the general public know that on May 18.

We are incredibly grateful to Michael Moore and the folks at the State Theatre—which showed the first talking movie seen in Northern Michigan in 1929 and is the home of the Traverse City Film Festival—for helping us make this special night possible. To educate the public about our one-of-a-kind school at a one-of-a-kind movie theatre is a great honor.

The State Theatre is located at 233 E Front St. in downtown Traverse City. Free Movie Postcard