The Palestine Junior Service League sponsored “Sticky Brain,” by Fort Worth mentalist and magician Grant Price, last week at Westwood, Palestine and Elkhart high schools. Price spoke and performed in front of approximately 1,000 students from the three schools last week as part of the League’s annual arts program, which provides enrichment at different grade levels each year.

Price entertained the students by guessing their names and dates of birth, but the goal was to teach memorization and study skills. He opened each presentation by having three students choose a card and guess them correctly by observing reactions to random questions.

“Price has done a good job of mixing fun with a good learning concept,” said William Stewart, Principal of Palestine High School. “He hooked the kids, then he moved on to memorization techniques that could help them with their studies.”

PJSL Vice President Brianne Campos said the League’s art presentation usually takes place once a year, but it didn’t happen last year because students were learning online.

“We are so excited to return to some ‘normality,’ as this presentation was originally scheduled for fall 2020, but never happened due to COVID,” Campos said.

The most recent SU arts program in January 2020 sponsored a mobile planetarium presentation for fourth-grade students from Palestine YMCA area schools.

Campos said the “Sticky Brain” presentation was suitable for high school students because it held their attention and taught the study skills they’ll need to prepare for college.

“The kids were very engaged in the program,” Campos said. “We had great feedback from the students and all the staff who came.”

Hunter Faith, a student at Elkhart High School, was the first person to win Price’s $100 challenge, which involved seeing a slide for 30 seconds and then repeating the words in order later in the game. program.

“Price has been doing this for a long time and no one has ever won that $100 and a student from Elkhart did and won it,” Campos said.

“Sticky Brain” was made possible by PJSL’s main fundraiser, its annual gala. The League’s next gala and silent auction will take place on Saturday, March 5 at the Palestine Senior Citizens Center. The theme this year is “Cirque de la Lune”, or literally “Cirque de la Lune”.

PJSL members also help with a “Spread the Warmth” program that purchases coats and winter clothing for students in need, as identified by their school counselors.

“We want to let the greater community know that the League is back to work and we are extremely grateful to all of the companies and individuals who donate to help us make these programs possible,” Campos said.

For more information about PJSL, visit its Facebook page.