Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

Die-Hard 'Hunger Games' Fan Salutes the Masses on Opening Night

Posted Saturday, November 22, 2014, at 6:26 AM

11-year-old Danyelle McDade of Magnolia, Arkansas salutes 400 moviegoers on opening night.

"It is an old and rarely used gesture of our district, occasionally seen at funerals. It means thanks, it means admiration, it means goodbye to someone you love." -- Katniss Everdeen

One young fan of "The Hunger Games" film series made quite an impression on hundreds of fans in Saline County on Thursday night.

Five minutes before the very first screening of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part I" began, at Cinemark Tinseltown in Benton, Arkansas, 11-year-old Danyelle McDade, of Magnolia, Arkansas, walked down to the front of the buzzing auditorium -- center stage.

With a packed house watching, she gave the 3-fingered salute of District 12 to the entire audience. People began clapping and cheering, as they proudly returned the symbol, and stood to salute her. The theater was roaring with applause for the youngster.

Danyelle received a number of high-fives on the way back to her seat and gave everyone in attendance a truly memorable moment before the film. She was there, in attendance, waiting to see the movie for the first time with her older sister MaKayla McDade.

I know Danyelle had to be nervous, but she summoned the courage to conquer her stage fright and she actually stood in front of hundreds of moviegoers. I'm sure it's a moment the young lady and that audience won't soon forget.

It must have been thrilling for Danyelle to be up in front of almost 400 people. "One of the greatest experiences ever," she said afterward.

And the movie is not to be missed.

RECOMMENDATION: SEE or SNUB:

SEE