Proviso Press Release

HILLSIDE, Ill. —Chicago native Tony Russell, fresh off his 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Award win for Outstanding Music Direction, paid a surprise visit to Proviso West High School on Tuesday, Sept. 16, to share his story of perseverance and success with students.

Russell earned the Emmy for his work on The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Starring Kendrick Lamar, sharing the honor with Lamar. The performance, held in February 2025, became the most watched television event in history, with 133.5 million viewers tuning in to watch Lamar’s 13-minute set co-directed by the rapper and Russell. Holding the golden statuette high, Russell dedicated his award to his hometown, declaring, “This is for Chicago.”

Although Russell was not a student at Proviso West, he participated in the school’s after-school program, PAWS, as a young man. PAWS is Proviso West’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework that emphasizes Positive Attitude, Act Responsibly, Work Hard, and Show Respect.

During the assembly in the school’s main gym, Russell spoke about his journey, the discipline it takes to succeed, and the work ethic behind his career. “I’ve worked rehearsals for more than 14 hours straight,” he told students, underscoring the persistence required to achieve excellence. He also shared experiences working with global superstars including Usher, Jamie Foxx, Yolanda Adams, Babyface, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg.

The event featured performances from the Proviso West choir and band in Russell’s honor. Students also had the opportunity to ask Russell questions and view his Emmy award, which he proudly brought to the assembly.

“The purpose of today was for us to ensure that our students see better,” said Proviso West Principal Jeremy Christian, who invited Russell to speak. “Our district mission and vision statements talk about making things relevant and having excellence. I wanted them to see excellence while also making it relevant to them. Someone like Tony working and being in the presence of a superstar like Kendrick Lamar is relevant to our students.”

Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education President Jenny Barbahen, along with board members Molly Molinaro, Sandra Hixson, and Rolandra Morris, attended the assembly to support students and celebrate Russell’s achievements.

“This assembly with Tony Russell was a powerful reminder to our students that success comes from hard work and believing in yourself,” said Barbahen. “We’re so grateful for his visit to West, it’s moments like this that inspire our students to dream bigger and do better every day.”

Russell closed his remarks by encouraging students to remain focused and dedicated, reminding them that success comes with discipline and determination.