More than 1,500 students listen to a motivational speaker | News, sports, jobs

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Master of ceremonies and percussion entertainer Elec Simon spoke to more than 1,500 local students Thursday about avoiding distractions and staying focused on their dreams.

The Belmont County Schools Staying Clean Club sponsored the event, inviting students and staff from Ohio Valley schools to the ECO Center on the campus of Ohio University Eastern, west of St. Clairsville, Thursday morning.

Based in Orlando, Florida, Simon appears as a presenter for events, business conferences, festivals and trade shows, while touring as an entertainer, drummer and motivational speaker with his band. Simon spent 10 years on the off-Broadway show “Stubs” in New York City and toured the world. He is currently touring as a percussionist with jazz group Pieces of a Dream. He also performs at the Cleveland Cavaliers halftime shows and has a championship ring with his name because of his musical talent.

Simon uses drums and music to engage his audience and spread his messages.

He is also from the Ohio Valley and came back because his family is from here. He credits his hometown for making him what he is today. He grew up attending the Jefferson County Fair and biking around Martins Ferry. He said it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can achieve your dream like he did by being on Broadway.

“The key to making it work is trusting the process and staying away from negative people, anyone who tries to pull you back because they are afraid to go for their dreams,” he said. “You have to stay focused.”

He noticed he had a vision and stuck to it, which allowed him to make his dreams come true.

“Once you think you’re going to give up, and you give up, you can guarantee it won’t happen.” said Simon. “And I never gave up. I kept going.”

Belmont County Juvenile and Probate Judge Al Davies described Simon as a talented, motivational speaker and drummer who wants to deliver a message to the students. He invited all middle and high schools in the Belmont County area to attend and hear the speech.

“Everyone is hearing these very powerful messages designed to help them in this battle of life,” he said.

Davies hopes that students see Simon as someone who came from this area, rose up and never lost sight of his dream and stayed on his path, stayed away from negative influences that might have derailed that dream and is now enjoying the fruits of his work . He said the driving theme is to inspire students.

Simon has visited St. Clairsville schools in the past and students from the district were there to hear his message. Middle School Principal Mike McKeever described Simon as very engaging and interactive, which got the students involved in what he does in delivering his message. He thinks it’s a great opportunity to come together again with other schools to hear Simon talk about self-awareness and taking on challenges.

“The more positive influences we can bring into children’s lives, the more positive messages we can show our children, the better,” he said. “In the crazy times we live in now, the more positive experiences we can offer the children, the better.”

The students love Simon’s performances because he is engaging and interactive with music and drums and gets the students excited, McKeever said.

Bridgeport High School counselor Vicki Falcone recommended Bridgeport students attend the event because Simon spoke at Bridgeport several years ago and she thinks he is an exceptional motivational speaker. She said his message is something that will benefit students.

“I hope they realize that no matter their situation in life right now, the world is open to them,” she said. “That they can get what they want. To dream and make wise choices in their lives because what they do now will affect them in their future lives.”

Falcone emphasized that this event would not have been possible without the generosity of the people of Belmont County who support the annual Staying Clean Club Car Truck and Bike Show and the club. She wants people to know that their money is going to a good cause.

Simon ended his talk by giving the students five lessons that can help them get through life: Stay away from people who are close to people who hate you and don’t want you to win in life; move in silence; set a financial goal now; trust the process of what you are going through; and stay away from distractions.

“I just want to tell people the most important thing in life: social media has consumed us so much that we want to be someone else, to remain who you are. Everyone has a gift. God gives you a gift. You were born with a gift, use your gift,” said Simon. “Don’t worry about the next person, and the most important thing I say these days is stay away from distractions.”

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