OREM -- Dare to do something dangerous. That was the message on Friday from illusionist, speaker and author Brad Barton, of Ogden, during a special assembly at Lakeridge Junior High School as part of the school PTSA's Red Ribbon Week.

Not perilous as in it's something that will get them into trouble -- like drugs, violence and other opportunity-limiting temptations that lead to pain and regret -- but to dare to dream big, set one's personal bar high and excel in something that they can be proud of, he said.

"Go be great at something and claim your magic," Barton said during the assembly in which he used some impressive illusionist's tricks to make points about seeing through the false messages of the world.

Teens today have to be informed and smart to guard against society's "elaborate hoaxes" -- things like beer advertisements that bombard their sensibilities using mental conditioning that equates drinking alcohol with fun.

He urged students to put away petty meanness and biting remarks, and instead, to build each other up so that each can realize the greatness inside him or her.

"Who's got magic?" Barton said, to which the auditorium filled with junior high students replied, "I've got magic."

Well-meaning, parents and leaders sometimes present kids with too many "don't" messages, he said. Don't do drugs, don't drink alcohol, don't hang with the wrong crowd. Barton told the students what they really need is to do things, make good choices, and demonstrate to parents and others that their words, actions and behavior are worthy of being granted greater personal freedoms.

"If you guys want more freedom, to go out early or stay out late, go out and earn it. Earn your parents' trust," he said.

Barton told of his upbringing near Salmon, Idaho, where he was a short, skinny, curly-haired kid who didn't get much support from his father, and began believing the lies that he wouldn't amount to much. A 4-foot, 9-inch, 85-pound freshman, he was teased and harassed by his high school classmates. But when a high school wrestling coach who truly cared about Barton's future made him realize his own talents and self-worth, it was a life-altering experience.

He went on to become an honors graduate, an NCAA All-American athlete, and has lectured for three years as a university adjunct professor, according to his Web site, www.bradbartonspeaks.com.

"I found out I am more than I ever thought I was, ..." he said. "A big part of life is understanding the difference between what I think I see, and what I really see."

Barton said students already know the truth about drugs -- that it's not good to put harmful substances in their bodies -- and violence -- that they should treat each other with kindness and respect. But it remains the choice of each student to decide to internalize and heed the red and purple ribbon messages.

Keena Horton, a ninth-grader and student council member, said Barton's words were encouraging and positive.

"Kids need to know that they can't get caught [up] in drugs," she said.

Kevin Augustin, a ninth-grade classmate of Horton's and Lakeridge's student body president, loved Barton's plea to help raise up others around you.

As a student-athlete in track, soccer and basketball, Augustin said there are obvious contrasts between those who decide to dabble in drugs and those who refrain from the harmful substances. He said Barton's words made him want to be a better person.

"He's just inspiring," Augustin said.

Dave Lund, an assistant principal at Lakeridge, said Barton's messages of personal responsibility and self empowerment resonate with what the school is trying to do to encourage each student to achieve to the best of his ability.

"Take a chance," dare to dream big, and push yourself to succeed in something that you didn't think you could, Lund said.