Students listened closely as Batman, portrayed by John Buckland of Huntington, delivered a positive message about acceptance and respect during his “Be The Hero Against Drugs & Bullying School Tours” around the state of West Virginia.
“The primary focus is to empower kids through tough things and to teach kids to be empathetic towards kids who are going through tough things,” He said his message to the students is based on four principles: never give up, always do the right thing, help other people and never be a bully.
“I developed this message so that I could impact these kids with a message they can relate to. … Anything to share hope nowdays,” Buckland explained.
He discussed some of his own struggles while in school and how he over came them, and the reasons behind why he chose to become the “world’s only full time Batman” to help empower our youth and communities.
article credit: Scott McCloskey, The Intellingencer, Wheeling News-Register