High School Students Invited to Explore Justice and Leadership in Classic Film Study: 12 Angry Men Screens October 6 at Samuels Library

All high school students are invited to take part in a powerful film experience on Monday, October 6 at Samuels Public Library, where the 1957 courtroom classic 12 Angry Men will be shown and discussed as part of The Classic Film Study Project—an educational program developed by Dr. Onalee McGraw of the Educational Guidance Institute.

This special event will be held in Meeting Room A. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., the film begins at 5:00 p.m., and a guided discussion will follow at 7:00 p.m., concluding by 7:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to RSVP by emailing classicmoviestudy@gmail.com.

The goal is to give students a chance to watch and explore a film that doesn’t just entertain—it makes you think about who you are, what you believe, and how your voice can make a difference.

“12 Angry Men teaches timeless lessons about the responsibilities of citizenship, the courage to think for yourself, and the importance of civil dialogue,” said Dr. Onalee McGraw.  “This is more than a film screening—it’s a moment for young people to reflect on what it means to be a leader of character in today’s world.”

Why This Film?

Directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Henry Fonda, 12 Angry Men takes place in a single jury room. Twelve men are deciding the fate of a teenage boy accused of murder. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case—until one juror begins to ask questions no one else is willing to consider.

It’s a story that shows how assumptions, personal bias, and peer pressure can influence even the most serious decisions—and how one person who’s willing to stand alone can change everything.

What Students Will Learn

The post-film discussion will explore:

• Thinking critically instead of going along with the crowd
• Spotting bias that can cloud judgment
• Practicing moral courage in everyday choices
• Citizenship and due process in a democracy
• Respectful debate as a tool for solving problems

Students can share, ask questions, or simply listen and reflect.

About The Classic Film Study Project

Directed by Dr. Onalee McGraw and the Educational Guidance Institute, The Classic Film Study Project helps young people explore character, citizenship, and leadership through classic films. These stories offer a meaningful way to connect timeless values to modern life.

 How to Attend

The event is free of charge. Please RSVP to classicmoviestudy@gmail.com to reserve a seat.

This is the first film in the fall series, with 3:10 to Yuma up next. More classic films and discussions are planned in the months ahead.

For high school students ready to think deeply, ask questions, and step into bigger conversations about truth, justice, and personal responsibility—this is a night not to miss.