Video: Sean Kingston makes surprise trip to school to perform
Amongst a myriad of cell phones waving in the air trying to catch that perfect photo, music star Sean Kingston took the stage in casual stride.
The student body at Webster Thomas High School enjoyed a free 20-minute concert and question-and-answer session with Kingston on Wednesday afternoon.
Kingston, a 17-year-old from Miami with roots tracing back to Jamaica, turned into a superstar overnight. He had a U.S. Billboard top 100 hit under his belt with his debut song "Beautiful Girls" last summer. His musical style is a combination of rap, reggae, pop and doo-wop. He claims he uses his creativity instead of profanity to express himself.
He stopped by the high school to visit with students and teachers as part of math teacher Shawn Sullivan's connections working with radio station WDKX-FM on charity projects.
The visit was part of a reward for students who have done many good deeds not only for the Webster community but for other communities as well. Particularly through the group Rachel's Challenge, a group dedicated in memory of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School shootings. The group is dedicated to spreading good will and doing good deeds for others.
"It was important to reward the school and the kids for all the different positive things coming out of Webster."
Tenth-grader Sara Sassone was looking forward to getting out of class early. It is not an everyday event to be able to see a recording artist singing at your school.
Holding a photo of Kingston in her hands she said how exciting it was to actually see the singer whose songs she has downloaded on her computer.
"It's so cool to be able to say we've seen him live," said Sassone. "It's not every day someone like this is right here in your school."
Kingston's advice to his fellow teens to reach their dreams. "Stay focused, don't do drugs, be humble, stay fly and follow your dreams," he said.
Tori Uthe can be reached at (585) 394-0770, Ext. 218, or at tuthe@mpnewspapers.com.
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