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Education
22 March 2025

Chris Pratt Delights Lucerne Valley Student With Surprise Reply

A signed photo and note from the actor inspire a sixth grader and his classmates through the Flat Stanley Project.

A sixth-grade student from Lucerne Valley Elementary School received a signed photo and note from actor Chris Pratt as part of the Flat Stanley Project—a program designed not just to enhance reading and writing skills, but also to foster curiosity about diverse people and places.

Dominic Dozier, the lucky recipient of Pratt's autographed correspondence, was understandably astonished. It is not every day that a High Desert student gets a personalized message from a Hollywood star known for his roles in blockbuster hits like "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Jurassic World." Following the protocol of the Flat Stanley Project, Dominic mailed a request to Pratt, who is one of his favorite actors.

The Flat Stanley Project started in 1995 by Canadian teacher Dale Hubert with the goal of improving students' writing abilities while also creating interest in learning about different locations around the world. Based on a 1964 children's book by Jeff Brown, the project involves students mailing out paper cutouts known as "Flat Stanley" to family, friends, and notable figures, hoping for replies that often include lessons about geography, culture, and creativity.

Under the guidance of library technician Candyce Kennedy, the After School Program at Lucerne Valley Elementary School actively involved students in the Flat Stanley project. Each student crafted stories around their own cutouts and colored their creations before sending them off to a range of individuals—many of whom were celebrities.

“At the beginning of the program, we were not getting many addresses back, so I had the students each choose a celebrity they would like to send one of their Stanleys to,” Kennedy recalled. The search for addresses turned into an exciting hunt for all kinds of personalities—from actors and musicians to sports stars, and even former President Donald Trump.

Being mindful about expectations, Kennedy cautioned her students against getting their hopes too high. However, last week, she received an email that turned out to be extraordinary. The response was from Chris Pratt, complete with a signed picture featuring the actor from "Jurassic World." Not only did Pratt send the picture, but he also took the time to sign the Flat Stanley cutout as well.

"I am shaking as I write this," Kennedy confessed, describing her emotions when she first saw the actor’s response. "This is going to be an amazing experience for one of our students and I can't wait to tell him!"

When Kennedy unveiled Pratt’s signed photo to Dominic and his classmates, the excitement in the room was palpable. “Dominic was completely awestruck when I did the big reveal, as were the rest of the students in the elective,” she said, her eyes glistening with emotion. After a moment of processing the gesture, Dominic exclaimed, “I think I’m gonna cry.” Kennedy couldn’t help but tear up as well, sharing in the joy of that moment.

The entire experience sparked a newfound energy in the Lucerne Valley Elementary students, who felt inspired by Pratt’s response and the overall concept of dreaming big. Their excitement was magnified by the realization that even a simple piece of mail can bridge the gap between their small classroom and the Hollywood industry.

For Kennedy, the Flat Stanley Project is as much about learning competencies in reading and writing as it is about nurturing curiosity. “We want our students to understand that their words matter and that there is a world beyond their immediate experience,” she stated. “Chris Pratt’s response is a beautiful reminder that connections can be made in the most unexpected ways.”

In a world where digital correspondence often overshadows traditional letters, Kennedy and her students are learning that sincerity and enthusiasm in reaching out can yield pleasant surprises. It’s a driving force behind projects like Flat Stanley, which remind both young learners and adults that every written note has the potential to bring joy and foster meaningful connections.

Dominic's signed photo not only serves as a treasured keepsake but also as a testament to the power of creativity and outreach. His story reflects the essence of the Flat Stanley Project—where imagination meets education in a fun and engaging way.

As they look forward to more replies from other celebrities, the students of Lucerne Valley are reminded that persistence, creativity, and a little bit of luck can lead to wonderful adventures and unexpected friendships. Indeed, in their quest to reach out and share stories, they are learning valuable lessons that extend far beyond the classroom walls.