CLINTON —  ­Illusionist Matt Adams entertained and educated students as part of the second First National Bank and Trust Company Promise event.

FNBT Promise motivational in-school events took place Friday at Deland-Weldon High School and Clinton High School, ending with a youth rally on Saturday - a new addition this year.

Promise is an annual event sponsored by First National Bank that brings in an inspirational speaker to local schools to speak to area youth. The bank invests 10 percent of its pre-tax earnings into the community, which includes a focus on youth programs for the area it serves.

The 2019 motivational speaker for both the in-school events and the youth rally was Matt  Adams, a master illusionist who has traveled the world telling stories and sharing his gifts of magic.

“FNBT Promise is a unique event that focuses on bringing out the best in yourself. It is motivational, emotional and empowering,” said Rachel Costello, vice president of banking for First National Bank. 

Adams is recognized in the magic community for his groundbreaking work on the Illusion Repository, a clearinghouse of information for the magic industry. Adams has also produced several online magic videos, including a very popular tutorial for coin manipulation. His viewers now number in the hundred thousands.

“Jon Pritikin (2018 speaker) did an amazing job of sharing his life story with our students. He was energetic and inspiring through his feats of strength and his message that everyone can be a hero for someone,” Clinton High School Principal Jerry Wayne said about last year’s Promise event. “He is an awesome man and presenter. So glad he was able to come and speak to our students.”