DUO URGE STUDENTS USE TALENTS FOR GOOD

Through music, art and humor, Charlie Gorsuch and Lloyd Mabrey captured the hearts and minds of elementary school students from Schultz and May Greene schools Friday.

They taught the 600 students at the Southeast Missouri State Recreation Center a thing or two about the power of positive thinking and self-esteem.

"If you can't be your own best friend and be honest, there's problems," said Gorsuch, wearing a 10-gallon cowboy hat and the nickname "Quick Draw Charlie."

Their program is titled "Choose to Win."

Earning his nickname from the speed of his artistic hand, Gorsuch held the attention of his listeners by sharing his personal story and the obstacles he has overcome. Before he was through, Gorsuch found a way to show his listeners how to get enthused about their potential.

His message encouraged students to use their talents and build on the positive part of life and move forward with a sense of purpose.

Mabrey, who is known as "The Singin' Fisherman," revved up the audience by playing his 12-string guitar.

The Community 2000 support centers of Cape Girardeau and Kennett sponsored the program.

"Music is a great way to get the attention of children," Department of Mental Health Committee adviser Donna Fields said. "Once Charlie and Lloyd get the audience behind them, they make learning seem a lot of fun."

Fields said this is the first time the "Choose to Win" program has been performed in Missouri.

Gorsuch and Mabrey will conduct their program today from 9 to noon at First Christian Church, 829 N. West End Boulevard, in Cape Girardeau.

The "Choose to Win" program will take place from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. A "Dare to Live" program will take place from 10:15 to 10:45. There will be workshops throughout the afternoon.

"I may not be able to win a lot of ribbons or trophies, but if I do my very best, I've made the choice to win," Gorsuch said after drawing a picture of a student named Darwin. "That makes me an automatic winner."

Students were given blank sheets of paper to draw their own pictures.

"Every time you look at your picture, you say `That's me,'" Gorsuch said. "If you find you've been locked out of your house one day, slip your picture under the door."

The pair of entertainers started the "Choose to Win" program in 1980. They talked about ways to solve problems that seem insurmountable.

"You don't have to be afraid to be yourself," Mabrey said while strumming his guitar. "You can share your feelings with others. When we share respect and honor everyone around us, we can wear a smile on our face naturally. We don't have to have a million bucks or play in a rock'n'roll band to feel good about ourselves."

Gorsuch interrupted his drawing session with Darwin to tell the audience about times in his life when he had to find courage and support from friends to conquer adversity.

"I was in a body cast for a year while my hip was being fused," Gorsuch said. "I didn't try to find a solution with drugs or alcohol. I decided that if I could be my best friend and share my feelings with others, I would be OK." Gorsuch also battled back from cancer 14 years ago.

At one time Gorsuch used to think his art was worthless.

"Now I know it's priceless," he said.