Last Wednesday, SB Seniors and Juniors were able to witness a spectacular performance from illusionist Lyn Dillies and her partner, TJ, where they performed various magic tricks while emphasizing the importance of voting.
Before this performance, Ms. Ferris (the social studies content coordinator) and Mr. Horta (a teacher at SBRHS) walked around to different classes, asking students to write down their “Vote of Confidence”, which could be anyone: celebrities, teachers, or friends. Afterwards, students gathered in the PPAC and SB staff assisted students with voting registration.
During their performance, Lyn Dillies presented various lessons regarding our right to vote, displayed videos of veterans discussing our voting responsibility, and presented a story of her work with elephants. She also thoroughly mentions the origins of the mascots for the Democratic and Republican parties (elephants and donkeys) along with examples of how voting impacts our daily lives and of elections where individual votes mattered. Throughout her performance, she emphasizes the importance of voting to honor those who have worked hard throughout voting history, the Woman’s Suffrage Movement, and the Voting Rights Act.
Additionally, she told students about her personal story, involving her dad, that inspired her to be the illusionist that she is today. Her dad, Calvin Dillies, was heavily involved in politics and had taught her the importance of voting. To carry on the message that she learned from her dad while also pursuing her interest in magic, she decided to start “Your Vote is Magic”.
Dillies also mentioned her work with elephants and donkeys; consistently training them to not fear each other. She also mentions that her elephants, which are Asian Elephants, are named Emily and Ruth. Although many students were disappointed that they weren’t able to see Emily or Ruth, they were still thoroughly entertained during Dillies’ performance due to the mystery surrounding her magic tricks and the importance of the lessons learned that day.
This assembly was a one-of-a-kind experience which allowed an engaging way for students to learn about the importance of voting and the persevering efforts that diversified voting rights. Overall, Lyn Dillies’ performance was spectacular and breathtaking.
Additional Note: After her performance, Dillies mentioned the Calvin Dillies Scholarship Award which was made in honor of her dad. SB Seniors and Juniors who attended this performance are able to enter the “What voting means to me” essay contest for a chance to receive this scholarship.
