Approximately 150 students spent time with Chagrin Falls High School alumnus Lee Unkrich ‘85, director of “Coco,” on Dec. 14...
Director of Coco, #1 Film in the U.S. and Internationally, and Chagrin Falls Alumnus, Visits Chagrin Falls Schools
Approximately 150 students spent time with Chagrin Falls High School alumnus Lee Unkrich ‘85, director of “Coco,” on Dec. 14 in the Black Box Theatre asking questions and learning more about the director’s career and impact Chagrin Falls Schools had on his life. Senior Jack Reboul was the moderator. Unkrich also co-directed “Toy Story 2,” “Finding Nemo” and “Monsters Inc.”
Unkrich graduated from USC School of Cinema-Television in 1990. He won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year – “Toy Story 3” in 2010. In 2011, he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay for “Toy Story 3.” He has been nominated and won numerous other industry awards throughout his career for “Toy Story 2,” “Toy Story 3,” “Finding Nemo,” “Coco” and “Monsters, Inc.”
Unkrich offered several pieces of advice to the students. He encouraged the students to become really good at what they are most passionate about in their lives.
“You never know when an opportunity will present itself and you want to be ready when it does.” He also said, “Fear is a good motivating factor. If you are not on the verge of failure, you are not trying hard enough.”
Unkrich also shared how there is a Tiger pride bumper sticker on Andy’s car and a Tiger sticker on Andy’s toy box in a scene in “Toy Story 3.”
Unkrich is married to Laura and they have three children: Max, Alice and Hannah. The family lives in California. During his visit with Chagrin Falls students, there was a special guest in the audience, his mom, Emilie Unkrich. She shared that her son always wanted to be a movie director like Steven Spielberg since he was a child.
“In the movie “Coco,” one of the themes is to follow your dream. Whatever your dream is, pursue it. That’s what Lee did and I’m very proud of him,” said Unkrich’s mom on encouraging him to follow his filmmaking dream.
CFMS Students of the Month
The mission of the Chagrin Falls Middle School Students of the Month is to acknowledge and reward students for exemplary performance. The students depict Tiger Techniques: Think, Integrity, Grit, Effort and Responsibility. Each month, the seventh and eighth grade teams collaborate and choose a male and female “Tiger of the Month” and the students receive a special treat from the PTO to take home and share with their family.
December’s Students of the Month were Elizabeth Rankin, Dylan Glickman, Claire Stinson and Andrew Zimcosky.
Elizabeth Rankin has devoted extra time and effort into the Academic Club of Speech and Debate. She has a great attitude and is a real asset to the team. Elizabeth works diligently in class each day, always comes prepared to class, is responsible and participates often. Elizabeth always has a smile on her face and is happy to do anything asked of her.
Dylan Glickman is diligent about his work. He is always on task and asks when he does not understand directions. He works well in groups and is so open to other kids. He is a hard worker and an impressive young man.
Claire Stinson is a bright, effervescent, ball of energy. Her positive attitude, smile and passion for learning are contagious. She helps brighten every classroom. Claire’s questions and curiosity keep class lively and fun. Claire is an active learner and participates daily putting forth her best effort.
Andrew Zimcosky is polite and willing to lend a hand in band if extra help is needed. He is always prepared for class and focuses every day. Andrew excels in the classroom. He is constantly helping classmates with his kind, gentle manor. Andrew is a good student, organized and responsible.
