What school year did you graduate from Eisenhower Junior High?
2001
What grades did you attend in District 61?
Kindergarten through 8th (Mark DeLay to EJH)
Please let us know any special memories of your time spent at Mark Delay and Eisenhower Junior High Schools
I’ve got so many fond memories from EJH. Hanging out with the student council kids after school eating a ridiculous amount of cheeseballs and Swedish fish that Mrs. Rodkin picked up at Sam’s Club for us. I remember the socks hops at Mark DeLay and line dancing in gym class. I cherish the music trips I went on with the EJH choirs and bands.
Who were some of the memorable teachers you had and why?
Ms. Lewis always harped on “the golden rule” and I can still see that banner in my mind. I always appreciated her passion for us. Ms. Hanson, Mr. Larson and Mrs. Rodkin had a huge influence on me and I have lots of great memories of learning from them. I truly felt like all these teachers knew me, saw me and cared about me. They were good people who wanted to help make us good people.
What clubs, sports or extracurricular activities were you involved in?
I was in band – started on cornet, switched to baritone horn, then ultimately landed on the trombone. I was in choir. I remember being the only boy in the Mark DeLay choir in 4th grade. How wonderful it was to then move into EJH with the huge 7th grade boys’ choir. I played soccer and did student council. I was in the musicals and talent shows. I feel like I spent as much time at Eisenhower as I could because I loved being with my friends and felt so at home there. Really says a lot about that school and the staff.
Did you receive any special recognition or awards, or are proud of any personal accomplishments in school?
I remember getting a citizenship award at some point. I was a student conductor for the Red and White Concert with the bands and conducted the choirs at one point. I was the student council president. I remember just being encouraged so often to take on leadership positions which I don’t really believe was my nature. I was a bit shy and passive as a young boy. District 61 really fostered my confidence and ability to manage which I’ve absolutely needed in my adult life.
If you could say anything to the current students of Darien District 61, what would that be?
Take care of each other. People know when you care about them, and that will take you so far in life. I try to reframe a lot of what I do as ”service to others.” Even the work I’m paid to do. How can what I’m doing help someone else. It’s ok that it’s also helping me. But if I frame it in a way that makes me think I’m helping someone else, I feel that I do it better. I’m rewarded more. I feel good about what I’m doing. Take care of others and you’ll be taken care of.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
When were you born?
April 22, 1987
What is your full name?
Benan K. Avci
Where did you live when you attended school in District 61?
On Sierra Drive in Darien, IL
Where do you live now?
I live in Nashville, Tennessee. Our house is in a quiet little neighborhood in the Dalewood neighborhood of East Nashville.
What are some of your accomplishments and noteworthy activities since leaving District 61?
I got my music education degree from University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and then taught high school choir at Maine East and Maine West high schools in Park Ridge and Des Plaines, IL. 4 years of teaching. I was performing in bands and at piano clubs on the weekends and decided I’d give Nashville a shot. I moved to Nashville and got a job playing keyboard for country star Jerrod Niemann. I toured the country by bus and played festivals, arenas, stadiums, as well as the Grand Ole Opry here in Nashville several times. I was hired to be a keyboard player on a national TV show called Nashville. And then I got off the road and played in town for tourists, which I still do.
What are your current involvements?
I’m now the Entertainment Director for Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar in Nashville. I do a lot with my sons—currently we’re into soccer, Jiu Jitsu, and tree climbing. I write songs and record piano for other artists here in town as well. I’ve got a great life.
What are your plans/goals for the future?
I hope to continue to grow in the dueling pianos world, maybe becoming an owner of a club. I want to be a good dad, husband, brother, son, friend, and neighbor.
Are you married? Children?
Yes, been married to my wife Kelli for 9 years, We have 2 sons Ari (5yo) and Zev, (2yo). We have 2 dogs, Oliver and Polly.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I’m super grateful for District 61. I felt safe there. I was pushed to learn, to grow, and to be better. I had a wonderful childhood and so much of that is because of the teachers and staff in District 61.
I’m still incredibly close with friends I made in District 61. We never lost the special bond we formed there.
