HOISINGTON — Cicoff, the court jester, came to Roosevelt Elementary School in Hoisington to show children the value of positive character traits through humor, expert and complex juggling and other tricks.
"Excellence is expecting more than others thinks is possible," said Christopher Zurcher, also known as Cicoff.Zurcher was raised in Switzerland and has a degree in Engineering. He is licensed as a minister. as well. He received training in drama, mime, juggling and dance in Switzerland, Holland and the U.S. and travels throughout the country to churches and schools teaching character traits and the building blocks to achieve goals.
He opens his show with juggling. He explained to the children that to learn to juggle, he had to take things step by step and set goals. Once he learned the basics, he then could take it to the next level.
"Never settle," he said. "Strive to go to the next level."
Explaining the message of hard work and self-discipline in a way that young children could understand and enjoy, Zurcher tricks entertained the adults in the room as well.
He juggled fire and fried an egg in pan, juggled large knives, and rode a unicycle, while encouraging the children to always stay safe and don’t fool around with knives.
Zurcher said he once fell on his unicycle and passed out. He explained that he had to decide if he was going to try again. He decided to try again, and mastered the unicycle. He used to practice five hours a day to learn his skills and still practices two to three hours per day.
"Ask for help," said Zurcher. "Listen to teachers and adults. They are here to help you learn."
To learn a skill, start at the beginning and then practice, practice, practice. Repeating the definition of excellence often, Zurcher said to learn a skill, work hard, keep a good attitude and sets goals.
"Some things are not easy to learn," he said. "Challenges help us to grow. They test your character."
He spoke of Michael Jordan, who was cut from his high school basketball team, Albert Einstein, who had a learning disability and others who have achieved excellence.
"He’s funny and gets the message across," said Alan Charles, school principal. Zurcher presented his program at the school four or five years ago.
The cost of the program was donated by Living Joy Community Church, 341 W. 1st. He will perform at the church today at 10:30 a.m.
