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CONNORVILLE -- Elec Simon, a graduate of Buckeye Local High School, returned to his roots and electrified the crowd gathered in the auditorium. His message of positivity showed his Panther pride, as he shared music and motivational words with faculty, staff and students in seventh- through 12th-grade.
The 1999 graduate's visit included making stops at four of the district's schools. The Smithfield native spoke of his high school days, recalling time spent in the band room and congregating with Principal Luke Parsons.
He said although he came from a small town, he worked to fulfill big dreams.
"I said I want to live in New York City, I did that," Simon told attendees. "I said I wanted to be on HBO, I did that. I wanted to travel the world, I did that. Who wants to grow up, be broke and live a boring life? No one does."
Following graduation from Akron University, Simon chanced stardom in New York City and was ultimately cast in the high-energy musical, "STOMP." He toured with the traveling production and played percussion for the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team -- which he still does from time to time.
But these days, he works as a celebrity emcee at conferences and events and resides in Orlando, Fla. He has traveled the world with the jazz band Pieces of a Dream and most recently, released his song "Learn How to Love," on iTunes.
"When I auditioned for 'STOMP,' there were 1,800 people in line," he recalled. "I took everything from the coaches, from Smithfield, from Akron University. I took every emotion I had because people think that people can't make it from a small town. I made it as the fifth one cast."
He has made it his mission to spread positivity and encourage youth to reach their own goals. Among his advice to students, was to respect one another and their teachers, surround themselves with positive people and to strive for their dreams.
"Work hard because nobody owes you nothing," Simon stated.
Backed by band members Robert Johnson and Chase Williams, he drummed on buckets, having some assistance from audience members, and performed a portion of his song. He said despite finding success, he has not changed.
On his return to Ohio, Simon encountered a couple on the airplane who was from Cleveland. They recognized him from his performances at the Cavaliers' games.
"They remembered my championship season performance," he told the audience. "When the team got their rings, I got one. I'm the only one from the Ohio Valley who has an NBA championship ring." He showed off his bling to the crowd, saying, "It's not from playing basketball. It's from using my gift. I got a ring for doing something I wanted to do."
During his visit, Simon used the weight room, noticing the equipment was worn. He offered to obtain money and possible equipment donations so as to replace the current machines. Parsons called the pledge "a happy surprise for the school."
"Elec wanted to see his old stomping grounds and said he would get the donations,." Parsons said. "We're very happy he's going to take that on and I'll help him reach that goal."
"It tells you about the generous character Elec has," added Superintendent Coy Sudvary. "He's always trying to help school kids and the community any way he can. Hopefully the kids enjoyed his powerful and energetic performance."
Simon called students to the floor to help play drums and buckets. He asked what they wanted to do in life, with Kamdyn Cerra responding that he was interested in computers and welding. Simon informed Cerra to make goals and stick to them in order to achieve that dream.
He then let Lance Driscoll wear his NBA ring, calling him a champion.
Simon said it was great to be back in his community and see his former teachers and longtime friends.
"It was amazing that I still come back to where it all started," he commented. "I'll always come back."