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A Show Of Appreciation

STAFF/CLIFF MCBRIDE

Ruben Zapata 14 leaves the concession stand with popcorn & a drink, Zapata and other students from Madison Middle School spent the morning going to a movie at Zota Theaters at Britton Plaza. Students at the school who made the honor roll wee treated to a free movie at the theater.

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 2, 2008

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BAYSIDE WEST - Madison Middle School students took over Zota Theatres in Britton Plaza this week on a field trip celebrating their academic work.

For making honor roll, high honor roll or principal's honor roll, about 80 students were treated to a free movie, "Alvin and the Chipmunks."

"We are trying to lure the kids towards academics," said Aaron Bolton, the school's parent and community liaison. "Some students have people pushing for them outside of school, but a lot of our students don't have that."

Eighth-grader Christopher Wilson said his friends where shocked that he was among those who made the list, announced last week.

"I'm the kind of person people don't expect to get honor roll," Wilson, 14, said. "I'm cool and hang around with the so-called popular kids. They all think I get F's, C's and D's."

He earned high honor roll with only one B, although it was in his favorite subject, U.S. History.

Wilson, who wants to be a pharmacist, said the movie was a nice incentive but not the reason he works hard.

"I study a lot. My dad makes sure I do all my homework," he said. "This helps, but I get good grades so I can get into a good school. But this helps."

This is the second nine-week period the school, 4444 Bay Vista Ave., has offered the field trip. Zota manager Ken McBroom said the partnership with Madison was an easy decision.

"Over the years, as customers come in, I get to meet people," said McBroom, who decided to offer the free movie after meeting Madison staff.

Tubs of popcorn, monster-size sodas and other concessions were available at Monday morning's screening, though for a charge.

"It's really fun and makes you work harder," eighth-grader Ana Puebla, 14, said. "My friends want to get honor roll so we can come together next time."

Guidance counselor Amy Knight said the movie treat particularly helps borderline students.

"It's the peer influence on the ones left behind," Knight said. "The more consistent these field trips are, the better the impact."

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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