LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Singer takes note of generosity

The pupils were rewarded forcollecting six boxes of toys forToys for Tots.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Elementary pupils enjoyed a musical respite as a reward for their charity.
ShiMarcc, a rhythm and blues and pop performer and recording artist, performed Tuesday for Lincoln Elementary School pupils.
The children in kindergarten through sixth grade were rewarded for participating in the Toys for Tots program.
"There are families and children out there that are not able to have toys for Christmas," said Marine Sgt. Matthew Lynch, coordinator for Mahoning Valley Toys for Tots. "Because of you, they'll be able to have toys for Christmas."
The pupils collected six boxes for toys for the program.
Musical reward: ShiMarcc, who was known as Marc Tipton while a Niles student, warmed up the young crowd with an a capella version of "Silent Night." He then performed "Can I Be Your Man?" a selection from his album "Questions."
ShiMarcc danced in unison with dancer Dave Christian, who was dressed as a giant rabbit, to the delight of the pint-sized fans.
He graduated from Niles McKinley in 1997, where he broke two records in track. After graduating, he attended Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich., for a year where his fast-footed skills earned him two-time All-American status.
"Then the music came along," he said. "I decided to leave college to pursue the music. It was tough going at first. I was thinking, 'What did I do?'"
But the music took off, he said. "Questions" is his first album, but he's released other compact discs.
"I've performed all over from Ohio to Jamaica," he said. "I start a Canadian tour after New Year's," ShiMarcc said.
He'll perform Saturday at the Champion Rollarena. ShiMarcc has young relatives who attend the school, school officials said.
dick@vindy.com