evanswood combines magic and message at local school

Students eyes were fixed on Terry Evanswood as he magically made a banana disappear, a shredded newspaper become whole again, and turned cups into bottles today.  “I Tune Out Drugs” was the theme for this week’s Red Ribbon Week at Northview Middle School in Kodak, Tennessee. 

Red Ribbon Week is sponsored by the school’s Jr. Beta Club, where the emphasis is placed on staying drug free.  “It’s a great opportunity to reach kids of this age hopefully in time to prevent them from starting down the wrong path,” Theresa Roberts, head sponsor of the club remarked. 

Red Ribbon Week (coordinated by Nathan Rhea) is full of themed days ranging from “I Shade Out Drugs” where the students wear sunglasses to school to “Drug Free America” where students wear red, white and blue. 

Terry Evanswood, star of the show, Magic Beyond Belief in Pigeon Forge graciously took on the challenge of performing and motivating approximately 500 kids during this assembly.  “As a performer, you remember the five ‘P’s’,” Evanswood said, “Prior preparation prevents poor performance.”  He focused on the fact that the kids can prepare now to prevent poor performance involving drugs later.  He emphasized surrounding yourself with positive people and friends that will make the best decisions.  “Your life is a newspaper with headlines waiting to be created.  Make your headlines positive,” Terry remarked as the students hung on every word he said. 

Terry has captivated audiences from coast to coast, internationally across seas, and now in a local gymnasium.  “He is truly a magical person and an inspiration to our kids,” said Roberts.  Red Ribbon Week is a nationally sponsored event organized by the National Beta Club, a service club based in our schools.  Northview Middle’s  Jr. Beta Club consists of 55 members and 5 sponsors.  They compete on a state level in Nashville every November as well as nationally during the summer.