Magician delivers message, and surprises, to students

There is no trick to good character. According to magician Ken Northridge of Dovetail Presentations, the magic to integrity is persistence.

Northridge paid a visit to the Southard School, Howell, on Jan. 9 and presented a program that was a good mix of entertainment and a way to reinforce the important pillars of the Howell K-8 School District's character education program, according to Principal Drew Smith.

Northridge's visit was sponsored by the cultural arts committee of the Southard School PTA.

During his show Northridge emphasized six traits for pupils to embody by using "sleight of hand" tricks and illusions to convey the message. The six categories of good character were responsibility, respect, trust, being fair, caring for others and being a good citizen.

Pupils in grades three, four and five lined up in single file and entered the gymnasium. The noise level rose as the youngsters waited to see what would happen.

They watched the magician conjure up a dove from his colorful silk scarves.

They clapped with enthusiasm as he produced another dove from a fire that was set in an aluminum pan. With every trick he completed, Northridge relayed a message.

Pupils at the Southard School, Howell, enjoyed a performance by magician Ken Northridge, during which he reinforced the principles of good character that are a part of the Howell School District curriculum. "You future depends on the decisions you make today," he told the children.

In addition to the six categories of good character, Northridge spoke to the children about how important it is for them not to get involved with gangs and drugs. He related an anecdote in conjunction with his magic tricks in order to get the point across.

"You, too, can become a success, but remember that the friends you choose can hurt you or help you," he said.

Vincent Musso, 11, was called up to assist the magician with one of the magic tricks. Vincent said he had fun and the most important thing he learned from the program was "not to judge people by what they look like."

Kellie Holsten, 10, said she enjoyed the show and was encouraged not to use drugs and not to get involved with gangs.

The highlight of the show came when Northridge pulled out his white, big-eared fluffy friend Bingo the rabbit from a magical red and yellow box. He gave his final message to the pupils as Bingo appeared.

"It is never too late to do the right thing," he told the children.

Dovetail Presentations may be reached at (609) 731-6881.