Brad Barton, a motivational speaker who uses magic, warms up Finley Middle School students on Wednesday by turning bubbles into marbles before a presentation at River View High School in Finley. GEAR UP partnered with the Finley School District to bring in Barton from Ogden, Utah. Barton shares his life story and encourages students to not shy away from the hard paths in life using magic tricks as metaphors for his message. His website is bradbartonspeaks.com.

KAI-HUEI YAU — Tri-City Herald Buy Photo