Jonae Williams ’17 Interviews Tom Hanks
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n December, 13 students attended an event at Tri-C Community College featuring two-time Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks. The “Behind the Camera” event was sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. Tom Hanks, who began his professional acting career in Northeast Ohio with the Great Lakes Theater (formerly Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival), shared his journey and advice for pursuing a career, both in front and behind the camera.
Event moderator Jonae Williams ’17 interviews Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks has a unique tie to Saint Joseph Academy. Distinguished Alumna Mary Fournier Bill ’42, also a former Saint Joseph Academy Drama teacher, was the first full-time employee for the Great Lakes Shakespeare Theater. She created grants to underwrite youth tickets, and she went on to become the Managing Director. It was here she met young Tom Hanks, with whom she remained in contact until her passing. Jonae Williams ’17 was chosen as the moderator for the Greater Cleveland Film Commission event. After
L-R: Saint Joseph Academy Drama Coaches Sr. Donna Emerson, CSJ ’59†, Mr. Ray Culley and Mrs. Mary Fournier Bill ’42† circa 1971
demonstrating her articulation and poise at a local speaker event, Jonae impressed event attendee, Ivan Schwarz, President of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission (a co-producer with Hanks on Band of Brothers). Mr. Schwarz invited Jonae to serve as the moderator. Jonae held a one-on-one discussion with Hanks in front of nearly 800 students from 58 Northeast Ohio high schools and colleges. Hanks shared thoughts about his role as the voice of Woody in the Toy Story movie franchise, keeping his privacy in Hollywood and what he’s reading. Questions were submitted in advance by students. “The day came to interview Tom Hanks, and I was nervous,” shared Jonae Williams ’17. “When I met him, I went in for a handshake, but he gave me a hug. He asked about my plans for the future. It was both nerve-wracking and amazing at the same time. I learned a valuable lesson from this experience: Always show your best side because you never know who is watching and what opportunities will arise.” President Mrs. Mary Ann CorriganDavis ’71 stated, “Jonae Williams was so poised while interviewing Tom Hanks. We are all so proud of her! Afterwards, Jonae was joined by the 12 other Saint Joseph Academy students backstage. I so enjoyed seeing them interact with this famous actor. It was an experience they will long remember!” While backstage, students from the Academy asked Tom Hanks to
reenact the social media challenge “Andy’s Coming!” from Toy Story, and he eagerly agreed. The challenge is where a person merely yells “Andy’s coming!” and everyone in the room who is in motion acts lifeless and drops to the ground, like the toys in Toy Story. The Academy’s “Andy’s Coming!” challenge went viral on social media. Olivia Heidorf ’17, who was among the group of students who attended the event, shared: “It was a surreal experience. For Mr. Hanks to address us as students was inspiring. He empowered us by reminiscing on the times he sat in our chairs and how we all have the tools to pursue our dreams. He is larger than life and is a testament to the capability of true talent. He is truly a genuine man. I am amazed I was able to attend, and it was done all because of the resources at Saint Joseph Academy.”
L-R: Event moderator Jonae Williams ’17 hugs Tom Hanks at the conclusion of the event
Saint Joseph Academy SPRING 2017
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