MANSFIELD — A powerful message, delivered through drumsticks and buckets, rang through Mansfield Senior High School’s halls Thursday: show respect to others and stop the bullying.
To get the message across, Elec Simon, a touring percussionist with STOMP and motivational speaker, formed a drum circle made of Mansfield students of all ages. Simon visited five schools from Sunday to Wednesday to practice for Thursday’s performance in the high school’s gym.
He framed his message with personal stories of tragedy. One involved a friend, Terry Ford, who committed suicide in high school because of bullying. Another involved his cousin, who died after being gunned down in the streets of Smithfield, Ohio.
“I basically tell my story about following my dreams,” Simon said before the assembly. “Skin color means nothing. There’s always going to be someone negative in your life and when they’re negative, just smile at them.
“I use music as bait. Never give up, never give up, never give up. That’s the rhythm your going to hear today.”
North End Community Improvement Collaborative’s ROAR initiative organized Thursday’s event.
“ROAR stands for Real Opportunities for Achievement Readiness. We thought it was perfect for the Tygers,” said Michael Howard, NECIC Executive Director as he pointed at the school gym’s iconic tiger.
ROAR is a grant-funded program aimed at Mansfield City School students in grades 7 through 12. It’s focus is on mentoring students through various activities in the arts. Howard said the program also offers after-school tutoring for students falling behind in their studies.
“We’re not just here to entertain,” Howard said. “We also want to educate and inspire. We hope it gives students a better self-image and shows them they have a brighter future for themselves — especially for those who are in rough spots in life.”
Through collaboration with Mansfield City Schools, faith based organizations and Mr. Simon, NECIC’s ROAR put together the assembly.
“We always want to find engaging activities that have a message. We heard from other schools that (Elec Simon’s) message is a good one, so we thought we’d give it a try,” Mansfield Senior High School Principal Dr. Jose Hernandez said.
The anti-bullying message Simon delivered was fresh to some students and teachers. Two serious fights occurred at Mansfield Senior High School in the last week.
Richland County Prosecutor Bambi Couch Page said on Thursday, March 17, two students, both 16, got into a fight. Another student, 15, intervened and in the process, assaulted Assistant Principal Fuzzie Davis.
Page said the 15-year-old was arrested and charged with felonious assault.
Mansfield police records reveal another fighting incident between two 13-year-olds. It happened Tuesday, just two days before the assembly.
Hernandez acknowledged his school’s bullying issues, but was quick to say Mansfield students are some of the nicest he has encountered.
“In all the schools I’ve been in … you know, there are always issues where kids don’t get along. But as much diversity that is here (Mansfield Senior High School), these kids get along better than any other I’ve seen,” Hernandez said minutes before the assembly began.
