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SOLON, Ohio – Students at Lewis Elementary were left spellbound this October when magician and mentalist Rick Smith Jr. took the stage for a surprise schoolwide assembly that blended high-energy entertainment with a message of creativity and possibility. The event, organized by the Lewis Elementary PTA, celebrated the success of this year’s Duck Dash fundraiser and was kept completely secret from students until the moment the magician appeared. “The assembly had been in the works since the beginning of the 2024–25 school year,” said Carrie Kanfer, Lewis Elementary PTA president. “I’ve always been a big fan of Rick Smith’s work and remember taking my kids to his big show at Solon High School several years ago. Since we typically host educational assemblies, we thought this would offer something slightly different and exciting.” Kanfer said the PTA had tried to bring Smith to Lewis last year but couldn’t find a date that worked. This time, everything aligned perfectly, and the surprise made it even better. “We agreed it would be a wonderful reward for students and staff following a successful fundraiser,” she said. “It worked out perfectly, and we even kept the assembly a secret from the kids, which made it that much more fun.” Smith, a Northeast Ohio native known for his jaw-dropping card-throwing skills and mind-reading illusions, has performed on The Tonight Show, America’s Got Talent and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. At Lewis, he wowed the crowd with his trademark mix of humor, sleight of hand and impossible stunts, turning an ordinary school day into one filled with laughter, amazement and wide-eyed wonder. “While this started as a reward for our amazing fundraiser, the assembly delivered a powerful message about opening your mind to all possibilities and believing that anything is achievable,” Kanfer said. “It also encouraged students to think outside the box and use their imagination in creative ways.” Tamara Strom, Solon Schools’ director of communications, said the partnership with the PTA made the event possible. “The PTA provided both the vision and the funding to bring Rick Smith Jr. to Lewis,” Strom said. “Without PTA support, events like this simply wouldn’t be possible.” The excitement filled the gym during both assemblies, one for kindergarten and first grade and another for second through fourth grade. “Both assemblies captivated everyone from start to finish,” Kanfer said. “I’m honestly not sure who enjoyed it more, the kids or the teachers. Several teachers told me afterward that it was one of the best assemblies we’ve ever had at Lewis.” Beyond the magic, Strom said the event reflected Solon Schools’ commitment to building community and creating joyful moments for students. “Events like the Rick Smith Jr. assembly exemplify how we create a culture of celebration and community in Solon Schools,” she said. “While academic rigor and educational programming form the foundation of what we do, moments like these remind us that school is also about joy, wonder and shared experiences.” She added that these celebrations help students understand the value of teamwork and collective effort. “When students see their hard work and participation celebrated in meaningful and memorable ways, it reinforces lessons about goal-setting and community support,” Strom said. “These are the experiences students will remember long after the school year ends, moments that build connection, spark curiosity and remind everyone that learning happens in many forms.”
