Mishon wows with ‘Just a Kiss'

When Mishon moonwalked, the room erupted.

It was time for choir class, but about 120 teens, many from study hall, were crowded into the chorus classroom Wednesday afternoon to see Mishon, a singer and actor in the television drama “Lincoln Heights.”

The 16-year-old stopped at Papillion La Vista Junior High through Moxie, an organization that brings music into schools. Riding high off the summer success of his single “Just a Kiss,” Mishon opened his visit with that number, to the delight of the crowd.

“This is great for my kids, because he's only 16, and lots of my kids aspire to be performers,” said teacher Monika Peters. “So it's great that they can see him, ask him how he got started, what they need to do -- it's awesome.”

The crowd of teens responded enthusiastically as soon as Mishon stepped to the mike. After singing “Just a Kiss” -- which explains that “we ain't gotta go all the way” -- Mishon fielded a number of questions from the crowd.

Students mixed serious queries (“How hard is it to be a singer and an actor?”) with silly ones (“What kind of car do you drive?” “What's your phone number?”)

Mishon talked about juggling two careers, and about the importance of dreams and goals. “If you have a dream, I definitely encourage you guys to go after it. And have the courage enough to take a step out there, and be No. 1 at what you want to be,” he said. “Just be yourself and people are going to love you.”

When asked how he became famous, the young singer paused and said with a grin “Am I famous?”

Coached by teachers standing nearby, he said the Huskers were his favorite team. And after he told the crowd his biggest inspiration was Michael Jackson, he was challenged to moonwalk, which he did with panache. He also was coaxed to sing a Jackson song, “Remember the Time.”

Afterward, Mishon saidMis he enjoyed meeting with students.

“I love to encourage the kids,” he said. “I just tell them to be them, and be the best that they can be.”