December 4, 2008 - Southgate Elementary students recently got spooned by The Spoon Man, whose performance blended humor, music and educational messages.

The Spoon Man, whose real name is Jim Cruise, talked to students about his experiences in school and the importance of being respectful to people. His discovery of the need to treat others with respect had a profound effect on his life, especially relationships with his classmates and teachers. He talked about some who never discovered the power of being respectful and how it negatively affected their relationships. He then challenged students to practice this virtue of respecting oneself and others.

The Spoon Man played with just two ordinary household tablespoons, and some background music, but managed to lead the audience in a sing-a-long competition. He also did hilarious impressions and jumped into the audience to play spoons on the students' hands.