Song and laughter highlighted the day at Brookhaven Academy andWest Lincoln Attendance Center Tuesday as young students enjoyed avisit from a former Branson, Mo., performer.

Eddie Bowman, better known as hillbilly comedian characterChester Drawers, used heart-warming experiences and homespunstories of humor to emphasize to the students the importance ofreading, studying, respect, and good habits and manners.

“It’s important for children to learn these things at an earlyage,” Bowman said.

Teachers at Brookhaven Academy dressed as hillbillies for theday in honor of his visit.

As an author, Bowman has 20 children’s books in print.

It’s primarily through his books that the young students knowhim. All of his books are listed on the national Accelerated Readerprogram.

Seven of the books belong to his “Silly Song Series” and thestudents sang several songs with him during his visit.

“They’re just silly songs, but the kids seem to really likethem,” he said.

Nearly all of the BA and West Lincoln students knew the songsTuesday and sang with him while clapping to the beat. The 30-minuteprogram ended with a book signing.

A native Missourian, Bowman was raised on a small farm nearPurdy and enjoys visiting schools in small towns. He visitsapproximately 330 schools a year in 15 states while encouragingstudents to believe in themselves and prepare daily throughpersonal effort and discipline to become what they want to be.

Bowman performed in Branson, Mo., for eight years as part of acomedy troupe as Chester Drawers.