Joe Fiduccia is the owner of Optimus Is Here, the only full size, fan-built replica of Optimus Prime from Transformers: Age of Extinction.
In addition to attending several community events and comic-cons, Fiduccia also visits elementary schools across North America delivering a very special presentation encouraging students to rise up against bullying.
Joined by members of Greater Sudbury Fire Services and Greater Sudbury Police Services, Fiduccia surprised students at C.R. Judd Elementary School in Capreol with a special visit from the leader of the Autobots April 18.
Despite the snowy conditions, students embraced the opportunity to listen to Fiduccia’s story.
“I want to extend our gratitude to Joe for a very special visit,” said Susan Cousineau, principal for C.R. Judd.
“The police and fire truck escorts made it extra thrilling and added to the whole experience. I know our students will be having lots of conversations at home about what they saw and the important message they heard. Our Jaguars are excited to join team Prime and Rise Up Against Bullies!”
The targeted presentation discusses examples of bullying, why people bully, and effective ways to deal and combat bullying before capping off with a special message from the transformer himself.
Students are then encouraged to join Team Prime and help fight against bullying.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to bring something to Capreol that these students have never seen before,” said Fiduccia. “This could not have been done without the support of the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre and Susan Cousineau. My hope is that our message to rise up against bullies will resonate with most of them.”
C.R. Judd was the final stop for Fiduccia after splitting a busy two weeks between Timmins and Greater Sudbury where he presented at several schools, attended TimminsCon and gave the keynote address at the Cambrian College Student Innovation Challenge.
