Magician and illusionist Leon Etienne performed for and worked closely with fourth graders from seven local school districts during a recent Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program event.
Etienne, a Utica native, puts on magic shows in cities across the United States and in dozens of countries. He has been seen on shows such as “America’s Got Talent,” “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” and he can now add the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center to the list of venues he’s performed at.
“This top-notch performer amazed students,” Herkimer BOCES Honors Program Coordinator Deborah Schoff said. “After performing, he challenged them to enjoy the illusions, learn the ‘secrets’ and practice to develop their skills. He inspired students to spread the good feelings and smiles magic and illusions can bring themselves and others.”
The “Magic Rocks! The Art of Magic and Illusion” Herkimer BOCES Honors Program event took place on Jan. 7 at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center in Herkimer. Fourth graders from Central Valley, Dolgeville, Herkimer, Little Falls, Mount Markham, Poland and West Canada Valley attended.
“Leon taught the students several magic effects and illusions,” Schoff said. “They learned the ‘secret,’ practiced and performed for each other. They also received their own Magic Rocks Magic Secrets Revealed Deluxe Magic Kit to take home, so the learning could continue.”
During the hands-on workshop, students learned and executed beginner magic effects and illusions, improved their public speaking abilities, worked to enhance fine motor skills and manual dexterity, problem-solved in the moment with performance challenges, built relationships with their peers as they practiced and built confidence and positive self-esteem in social situations.
“I continue to be impressed with Leon's talent as a magician and illusionist and his ability to teach his trade to these young students,” Schoff said. “He connects with them and creates an exciting and challenging learning environment. He sets the bar high and works to motivate and encourage students to reach their potential.”
Schoff said she thanks Etienne for sharing his talents and that she is already looking forward to the next time he can visit Herkimer BOCES for a workshop.
“What a comfortable learning environment Leon creates – one in which students are not afraid to take chances and are inspired to put in the work to learn something new,” Schoff said.
Magician and illusionist Leon Etienne performs and interacts with fourth graders from seven local school districts during a Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program event on Jan. 7 at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center in Herkimer.
Magician and illusionist Leon Etienne poses with attendees from West Canada Valley Central School District during a Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program event for fourth graders on Jan. 7 at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center in Herkimer.
Magician and illusionist Leon Etienne poses with attendees from Dolgeville Central School District during a Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program event for fourth graders on Jan. 7 at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center in Herkimer.
