One of the Midwest's Fastest Growing Drug-Free Prevention Program Presentations

Full Day Program Design
K-12 Education Format
Small Group Learning Environments
Specialized Topic Presentations
Peer-Empowerment Leadership Training
Parent & Family Evening Presentations

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WHAT DO NATIONAL EDUCATORS HAVE TO SAY?

National and regional letter excerpts: High Schools, Middle and Elementary

(Patience...pictures are loading)

 

Las Vegas School District (NV), Barb Webb, School Psychologist / Dr. Long, Principal
"Your grade level presentations were JUST SUPER! There is no question you made a point with your message...Your presentation is an EXCELLENT FORMAT to maintain students attention while teaching. I APPLAUD YOUR PROGRAM and HIGHLY RECOMMEND it. I look forward to seeing you again here in Las Vegas."

South Bend (IN) Community School Corp., Christine Pochert S.A. Prev Coord
"The presentations were EXCEPTIONALLY WELL RECEIVED! I was skeptical about anyone's ability to hold the attention of 800 to 1000 seventh and eight grad students. You did it! Congratulations. The lessons were smoothly interwoven with your illusions. Happily I would ENDORSE YOUR PROGRAM. We hope you are able to present to our students again and again!"

Island Trees Public Schools (NY), Helen Rode, Department Chairman
"It is rare to find a middle school program that can equally captivate, entertain and educate, all at once! SELECTING YOU WAS A WISE CHOICE. We will encourage districts on Long Island to include you in their plans."

MCADY 'Red Ribbon' Coordinator (MI), Bobbie Margolis
"See the Magic...Hear the Message...Feel Mesmerized while Entertained. Visuals, well-chosen words and lessons, sincerity, rapport and audience input. A TEACHER'S IDEAL, the man speaks to many learning styles, while entertaining and educating. Our audiences of students and staff were totally rapt as they listened to the true-life experiences...while impressed by the mastery of the illusions. That's LEARNING AT IT'S BEST!"

Forest Lake Education Center (Orlando, Fl), Linda Patrick, Principal
"Thank you for the wonderful program. You were informative, entertaining and able to captivate the attention of all age groups. We hope to have you here again for a follow-up program."

U.P. Teen Leadership Coordinator, Marquette-Alger Intermediate School District: Dee Lindenberger
"Jim's presentations are fun and pack an important message!I WHOLE HEARTEDLY RECOMMEND these presentations as an effective means of promoting healthy life-style choices among youth that includes a no-use message regarding chemicals."


DOES HE LOOK SERIOUS, OR WHAT??? But of course! Drug use is a serious matter!!!
(Go ahead and scroll on down for some of the FUN pics.)


HIGH SCHOOLS

Niles High School, Douglas Law, Principal
"I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOUR PROGRAM to any high school audience. This assembly is WELL WORTH THE INTERRUPTION of the instructional day. You had a very positive impact on the student body."

Mattawan High School, Michael Dudley, Principal
"YOUR MESSAGE...SHOULD BE HEARD BY ALL TEENS. Their silent attention confirmed the impact of your "real-life" stories. Thank you for sharing your talent, message and time! "

Marcellus H.S., Carole Bullmer, Ed.D., Lic. Psych, Guidance Director
"Rarely do we schedule an assembly...and lose class time. However, your message and manner of presentation alleviated our concern about 'wasted time'. Your approach seized everyone's attention to the intense subject matter...Your program was unlike any other assembly the school has held. I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND your program to any organization representing children!"

Parchment High School, Nadine Godin-Nassaney, Student Assistance/At-Risk-Director
"Thank you for kicking off this year's Red Ribbon Week. You made us all, students and faculty, think about our attitudes, behaviors and choices regarding ATOD...well worth the time away from scheduled classes. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND you to anyone looking to enlighten youth to the dangers of drug use."

Climax/Scotts Jr/Sr High , Judi Kingsbury, Guidance Counselor
"His finale was very spell-binding! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND doing everything in your power to find the funds...it will be MONEY WELL SPENT."

Portage High School (Kalamazoo), Shari Conolly,MSW -- Student Asst Coord
"According to the student surveys, the presentation was informative and informational... AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS! It was very pleasing to find a speaker who is willing to devote additional time debriefing. Students felt he truly cared about and believed in his message."

Tipton High School (IN), Joseph Rushton, Principal
" You had the students undivided attention! More importantly, your message was heard, loud and clear. I believe that you connected with many of our students, and faculty as well. I truly appreciate your sincerity and dedication. "



MAGIC--It captivates, illustrates...and a great "learning tool"!


Benton Harbor Jr./Sr. High, Russell Tynes, Principal / Nancy Arbut, Health Education
"Audience participation and level of positive involvement were OUTSTANDING...HIGHLY RECOMMEND "Mr.Jim" to share with any groups of students his message of positive living and lifestyle choices...VERY EFFECTIVE...we look forward to having you return next year."

Rhinelander High School (WI), Julie Bronson, Student Advisor
"Thank you for the performance for our Homecoming program. The show certainly HELD THE ATTENTION OF 1100+ STUDENTS! I believe we have found a program to rotate in every four years."

Stanton School District , Superintendent
"Mr. Jim delivered a message about substance abuse in such a captivating manner that you could hear a pin drop! EXCELLENT PRESENTATION!"

Houghton High School, Fritz Wilson, Assistant Principal
"Your presentation was OUTSTANDING. I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO ENDORSE your program."

Decatur Jr/Sr School, Don Prediger, Principal
"Combining feats of magic with such an important message as 'Saying no to substance abuse' results in a UNIQUE AND EFFECTIVE way of getting this message across to young people. Your commitment came through loud and clear!"

Lawton High School, Walter Hitchcock, Principal
"Your MESSAGE WAS 'RIGHT ON!' The intensity of the student body was extreme while you got out of the straight jacket. I only wish that our schedule would have allowed for a longer program."

Tahquamenon HS, Ralph Cosslin, Principal
"You were A HIT! I'll GLADLY RECOMMEND your program!"

DeTour HS (U.P.), Principal
"Merrills' rapport to hold the interest and attention of students and adults was OUTSTANDING. His anti-drug messages will be remembered."





NO MAGIC OR TRICKS HERE! Just pure sweat and determination.
(How else can I demonstrate the limitations and pain that addicts experience?)

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Paw Paw Middle, Donald Barnhouse, Principal
"AN EXCELLENT ASSEMBLY! The SMALL GROUPS HELPED REINFORCE student learning. I observed students listening and learning in their interactions with you. Students need to hear your messages... MONEY WELL SPENT!"

Pierre Navarre Middle (South Bend), Mark Costello, Principal
"Thank you for your EXCELLENT PRESENTATION...your ability was REMARKABLE! I believe all students were able to identify...an act filled with sound and fury, signifying everything! Hopefully this anti-drug message will influence all students from getting "hooked-on-drugs." But if it only stopped one student, it was worth it!"

Portage Secondary Schools (Kalamazoo), Dwight Hodgin, Student Support / SAP
"Jim spoke to all middle and high schools in Portage. Students were truly mesmerized by his message and his magic...[he] reinforced the insidious problem of chemical use...he obviously uses 'care tactics.' His classroom sessions were VERY POWERFUL. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND 'Mr. Jim' to any school system."

Watervliet Middle School, Judith Burns, Principal / Gerald Goodman, Counselor
"Your program did neither [preaching or recounting personal horrors]...through gentle interaction you placed a real value on their lives...YOUR METHOD PROVED EFFECTIVE and your message rang true. WE WILL ENTHUSIASTICALLY ENDORSE 'Experience the Magic.'"

Marcellus Middle School, Randall Button, Counselor/"Just Say No" Advisor
"THE REAL MAGIC is that STUDENTS LISTENED AND TUNED IN. The INDIVIDUAL CLASSES REINFORCED the drug-free [assembly] message. And, thank you for the EMPOWERMENT TRAINING SESSION. Teen leaders look forward to using their new skills with the elementary children. I will STRONGLY RECOMMEND that all schools in our region include your program as part of their [drug-free] commitment. We look forward to your return."

Elkhart - Pierre Moran (IN), Ned North, Principal
"Your MESSAGE WAS RIGHT ON TARGET!...I don't think I've ever seen a group [600+] more attentive. You certainly have a positive impact on our children."

Wawasee Middle School (IN), Mike McCoy, Counselor
"Thank you for sharing your message about the damaging influence of drugs and violence in one's life. Your excellent approach quickly gains trust and establishes rapport with students, and the small groups are helpful in reinforcing the assembly message."

New Prarie Jr. High (IN), Jim Dermody, Principal
"Thank you for an EXCELLENT PRESENTATION!...very PROFESSIONAL manner, yet the warm personal style you displayed made your message more MEANINGFUL TO STAFF AND STUDENTS ALIKE. Our entire school community was IMPRESSED BY YOUR ABILITY to articulate your message."


SOME TEACHERS HAVE THE MAGIC TOO!


Thomas Edison Middle (S.Bend), Richard Schweizer, Asst Principal
"The message "Mr. Jim" carried and his high energy performance was well received by the students and faculty. Many positive comments were heard throughout the day. I would highly recommend "Mr. Jim" and his presentations to any interested group!"

Hillside Middle School (Kalamazoo), Dorothy Young, Principal
"Comments such as 'relevant' 'captivating' 'intense' 'unique' and 'exciting' were frequently used. An entertaining, powerful and much needed message at the same time...relevant to today's youth. Small groups provided an intimate setting. I'm certain he affected many students lives."

Superior Central School (U.P.), Drug-Free Coordinator
"Your program is the best one of this kind. I believe the small group is a great way to get across the OAD messages...Come back."

Tri-Central (Sharpsville, IN), Anne-Marie Bailey, Principal/School Coordinator
" I was so impressed! You had every student paying close attention. That is quite an accomplishment! We look forward to receiving the magazines that your program will supply to our health teachers, and look forward to dealing with you in the future. "

Boston Middle School (LaPorte), Beth Boyer, Counselor
"The teachers are still saying, 'WOW!!!!! that was the best presentation we have seen since working at Boston!' The students are still buzzing about the spectacular presentation... the magic and message made an impact!...People like you are assisting students in developing better choices in this chaotic world we live in. I look forward to your return in the spring. "

Williamston Middle School (Lansing), Carl Childress, Principal
"Your manner of using magic to capture our attention while using a positive anti-drug message was exciting and captivating. (I seldom hear so many positive comments from staff and students so quickly.) The staff, students and I were very impressed with you as a person and as a professional presenter The day was very worthwhile...well done."

Andrew Jackson Middle (S.Bend), Mary Dunn L.C.S.W., School Social Worker
"Your message was clear and informative..educational and dynamic. You made both staff and students reflect...that is the key to prevention! I strongly recommend this to any school looking to educate students in regard to alcohol and drug prevention."

Parkview Middle School (Green Bay), Paul J. Kane, Principal
"I want to thank you [Bellin Psychiatric Center] for sponsoring 'Experience the Magic.' Based on the overwhelming positive response, everyone enjoyed his magical way of delivering a powerful message. I hope you will continue to support his efforts in other schools."

Coloma Middle School, Kelly Noel, Health Instructor
"Thank you for a unique show...a learning adventure! The energy captivated both students and staff, stimulating an interactive question and answer period in the classroom. Your presence here proved to be a rewarding experience. A job well done!"




THE FACT IS, ALL TEACHERS HAVE THE MAGIC!!!


ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Paw Paw - Cedar St., Tonia Shoup
" I RECOMMEND 'MR. JIM' as a presenter for your school. He spent the entire day here, and the small audiences made the performances more powerful. He encouraged the children to "keep their minds clear." Our students enjoyed the presentations. I welcome Mr. Merrills back! "

Hawthorne Elementary (Elkhart, IN), Chris Girard, School Social Worker
" Thank you for your day-long presentations! They were INFORMATIVE as well as ENTERTAINING, and the students appeared to be completely captivated as they watched and listened. You are offering a VALUABLE SERVICE in your messages and efforts to promote healthy choices, and WE HIGHLY COMMEND YOU. Thank you again! "

Delton-Kellogg Elementary, Jeni Harris, Principal
" I am writing this letter of recommendation...because I feel that the professional manner of PRESENTATION NEEDS TO BE ADVERTISED AND SHARED with other schools. 'Mr. Jim' has an excellent presentation style and a broad knowledge of his subject matter. Teachers were very pleased. "

Franklin Elementary (Battle Creek), Deb Hulsey, Prin / Pat Howard, Counselor
" You recieved RAVE REVIEWS...We consider the classroom performances an OUTSTANDING EFFORT in the fight for Drug-Free living and Healthy Lifestyles. "

Lawton Elementary, Craig Hubble, Principal
" Let me express my GREAT PLEASURE with your program. Students were mesmerized by your magic and also appreciated your drug free message. It is obvious that you have extensive experience working with children; you easily adapted and maintained control of all 7 presentations. I especially appreciated that your program was flexible--time, space and group size. Everyone here was impressed with your skill and demeanor. VISIT AGAIN AND AGAIN! "

Three Rivers Elementary, Scott Grace, Principal
"Jim has performed here on two occassions. His MESSAGE and PRESENTATION ARE OUTSTANDING...a seasoned professional. I CANNOT RECOMMEND HIM HIGHLY ENOUGH."

Angling Road Elementary (Kalamazoo), Cindy O'Brien, Principal
"Your program was entertaining, informative and exciting! The content strongly SUPPORTS OUR own PROJECT CHARLIE and DARE programs. Your cooperative efforts with our community in promoting Drug Free Schools will COME HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."

Hastings - Southeastern Elementary School, Parent Teacher Organization / Chris Warren, Principal
"Thank you! We had many wonderful comments...by our staff as well as parents on the great job... YOUR MESSAGE CAME ACROSS loud and clear." "He presented to nine groups...even involved teachers and principal... and CAPTURED HEARTS AND MINDS from start to finish."

Youth Futures, Inc. (WI), Liz Youren, Program Assistant
"The message for our elementary students was excellent...I personally viewed and HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM from both an entertainment and EDUCATIONAL aspect."

Benton Harbor Area Schools Fair Plain N.E., Greg Mauchmar, Principal
"Thank you for our opportunity to 'Experience the Magic.' YOUR MESSAGE STRONGLY SUPPORTS our continuing efforts to eliminate drug use. Your interaction, personality and professionalism made me and the students feel that you believe in your message. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU! We definitely plan to have you back!"

Corunna Schools (N.E. Lansing), Judy Shelton, District Administrative Asst.
"I HEREBY SALUTE YOUR WORK dedicated to keeping our children safe and drug free. The evening show was well received! Perhaps even more powerful, however, were your middle and elementary classroom presentations.

Marcellus Elementary, Tammy Curtis, Prevention Specialist / Lyle Davis, Principal
"'Mr. Jim' has a wonderful rapport with children and nonjudgmental ways of teaching drug prevention...very effective." "AN INVALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO REINFORCE THE 'SAY NO' concept."

Lincoln Elementary (Cedar Lake, IN), Cassie Garthus, PTO
"Thank you for a great performance! We received great feed back, and perhaps we can work together in the future."

Bergen Elementary (Decatur), Tami Richardson, Elementary Counselor
"Your presentation was the highlight of our 'Red Ribbon Week' Celebration. I was impressed with your ability to transition so easily from preschool to sixth grade.The small group situation was very effective!"

Mendon Elementary, Kristi O'Brian, Principal
"I appreciated how you wove the importance of reading with your drug-free message, tailoring the program just for us. And the PTO couldn't believe you spent the whole day with us! It was wonderful!

Comstock North Elementary, Bill Buhro, Principal
"Your message of taking personal responsibility for decisions related to [drugs] fit very nicely into our district's Life Skills program. The rapport you have with children is obvious. We hope you come back."

Antigo/Crestwood Elementary (WI), Walt Pechman, Principal
"You did an excellent job!...very well done and age appropriate. You are very effective."

Pickford School District K-12 (U.P. MI) Keith Krahnke, Superintendent
"You did an excellent job! I hope other schools and organizations can take full advantage of your 'magical' message."

Baird Elementary School (Green Bay, WI), Optomist Club -- Sponsor
"THANKS! Your program was different in that you were willing to spend the entire day with students. It should help us keep the "Just Say No" program very strong. I'll be in touch for future engagements."


MIND READING AT ITS BEST!, assuming the victim (er, volunteer!) has no drugs on the brain.


Dickinson/Iron Intermediate School District, James Willis, Director-Early Childhood Education
"I was amazed at his competency and ability to hold the interest and attention of children....I would recommend him to any school, as part of a program for substance abuse."

Woodland Elementary School, Principal
"Our extended gratitude for your excellent performances in our classrooms. You must still be exhausted after 42 classes!...But the lives you save are most definitely worth saving!"

Superior Central Schools - K-12 (U.P., MI), Linda Norman, Drug-Free Coordinator
"Your program is the best one of this kind. The small group classrooms is a great way to get across the AOD messages...come back!"

Woodland Elementary School, Pat Bergeron, Assistant Principal
"Excellent performances. The lives you save are most definitely worth saving!"

Fort Howard & Jefferson Elementary Schools (G.B, WI), Dr.Rebba Barkley, Principal
"Excellent performance. Very positive messages. Easily kept the student's attention."

St. Ignace Elementary School (U.P., MI), Pete Everson, Principal
"Please feel free to use us for a recommendation. And let us know if you plan to be in our area again next fall."

North Dickinson School, DARE Coordinator
"Great speaker for our DARE graduation! Your real-life experience story captivated our young audience and their parents. Keep up the Magic!"

Prom Gala '99 (Detroit), Barbara Baumgartner, Executive Director
"Thank you for the wonderful programs you presented at the Hurd Road Elementary and Monroe High School. We've had numerous positive comments from students, and even from some parents! I really appreciate your hard work...you played a success in the Gala '99 school 'kick-off.'"

Oak Manor Elementary (Niles), Robin Hadrick, Principal
"I strongly recommend this program for students of all ages. Teachers and students appreciated and enjoyed this drug prevention program. Teachers had wonderful things to say... (Kindergarten "attentive...personal...great lesson!"; 4th "Excellent!...students truly listended...enthralled with the magic; 6th "Felt personal...very thought provoking material... Most of all, he gave them hope in their potential!)"




TIME-OUT WITH SOME "JUNIOR" MAGICIANS.

CHRISTIAN & PRIVATE

Holy Cross & Saint Joseph Catholic Elem. Schools (S.Bend, IN), Debbie Hudak, Counselor
"Thank you again, for all your God given talents! You are truly a gift! Both schools enjoyed your programs! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!."

Kalamazoo Christian High School Linda Dahnke, Substance Abuse Counselor
"I was impressed! I highly recommend him to any organization hoping to further their substance abuse awareness/prevention programs. I look forward to more presentations in the future."

St. Rose of Lima, Catholic Elem. School K-8 (Hastings, MI), Stephen Youngs, Principal
"'Mr. Jim' provided a magic act in conjunction with our anti-drug program. His act is great! The students responded very well to both his humor and his message. I would highly recommend him to any school."

Andrews High School Academy Berrien County (S.D.A.), Randy Graves, Principal
"An excellent assembly combining aspects of magic with a strong drug prevention message. Jim's program is worth every penny because of the impact his full-day program makes. I would highly recommend him."

Barry County Christian H.S. Ken Oosterhouse, Administrator
"'Mr. Jim' conducted a chapel program for our 7-12 students. This was one of the best we've had this year. Jim has a way of connecting and communicating to this age group that's unique. I would heartily encourage others to engage him for a chapel or assembly."

Kalamazoo Jr. Academy Robert G. Adams, Principal
"Your presentation was outstanding! It was obvious that everyone, both young and old enjoyed it. We would recommend your program to any age group or event. It was excellent!."

Gulf Coast Elementary K-8 (Biloxi, MS), Clyde Whitling, Principal
"Your approach really sent a message to the students about their responsibility with their own health practice. You related to each student at their own learning level. I recommend your program to anyone who really wants a positive message for their students."

Las Vegas Junior Academy, K-8, Jim Hawkins, Principal
"Thank you for an excellent program! The magic was fun, intriguing and made the lessons about the harmful effects of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, etc. even more meaningful to the students."








EVENING FAMILY PROGRAM LETTERS


"You know, Dad, one kid is hoping I make mistake here!"
[Note: This is a limited edition, solid glass guillotine.]


Explorer Elementary School (Lansing, MI), Matthew Cairy, Principal
"I recommend 'Mr. Jim' without reservation to any school. His magic and his message will be remembered long after his visit. The evening presentation was well done, with an astonishing escape from a straitjacked as the climax to his message. An entertaining and powerful message about the dangers of substance abuse."

Elmhurst Elementary School (Lansing, MI), Tina Dees, PTA
"Thank you for the wonderful performance! Our PTA thought it was highly educational, as well as entertaining. The evening program was an excellent way for the parents to come in and share the experience with their child. It was a delight to the young and old."

Franklin Elementary (Battle Creek), Deb Hulsey, Prin / Pat Howard, Counselor
"You received rave reviews on your evening performance. Your obvious skills entertained and kept the evening audience spellbound. We consider the classroom and the evening performance an outstanding effort in the fight for Drug-Free living and Healthy Lifestyles."

North Lakeland School District (WI), Elementary Counselor
" Thank you! Our evening performance was attended by more than double the number of people than we have ever had for a special family program. "

Crandon Elementary School (WI), Angie Lang, AODA Counselor
"Students and teachers loved it...and the evening presentation! The message was clear about saying, 'NO!'"

First German Ev. Lutheran School, K-8 (Manitowoc, WI), Kevin Buch, Principal / Nina Buth, DAP Committee
"Thanks again for everything you did. You are very informative and have a lot to share with the youth of today. Even the most skeptical people had good things to say!" "Your presentation was a great success! The grand finale though, was the evening show for the entire family. This is one program the kids will not forget!

Marcellus Elementary School, PTG
"Thank you for performing for our Reading Awareness Month. The show was entertaining for all ages and cleverly put 'reading' into the spotlight...This event was a success!"





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Last updated Feb. 25, 1999
Copyright 1996.97.98.99 Email: magic@mr-jim.com