| |
The following is a story written by Julie Nelson, principal of Henry-Senachwine Grade School, about a performance by the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe on September 13, 2010, at Henry-Senachwine High School.
The story was prepared by Mrs. Nelson for publication elsewhere, but it is here for you to enjoy as well!
This story was prepared by Mrs. Nelson for publication elsewhere, but it is here for you to enjoy as well!
Posted September 22, 2010
MWAH! ...Quite an Experience!
Each year junior-high students from Henry-Senachwine Grade School participate in the all day Teen Showcase at Illinois Valley Community College. After chaperoning students to the Teen Showcase, Mr. Krieghauser, junior high math teacher, and Mrs. Fusinetti, the school counselor, were extremely enthused about a performing arts troupe called MWAH! For the past two years, Mrs. Nelson has been trying to arrange for the troupe's performance at Henry schools.
Last Monday, September 13, our students finally got the opportunity to experience MWAH!, which stands for Messages which are Hopeful. They are a contemporary youth theater group based in the Chicago area. The director, Ray Moffitt, began using the performing arts to influence teenage behavior in 1983, when he was a police social worker. His initial programs became national models for urban youth crime prevention. The current troupe was formed in 1993.
In its performance MWAH! addresses the issues of diversity, bullying, teen suicide, teenage death as a result of drunk driving and texting while driving, boyfriend/girlfriend abusive relationships, and the devastating consequences of child abuse.
Though these messages are powerful in their own right, their impact is magnified by the involvement of the audience itself. Both the diversity conflict and the boyfriend/girlfriend altercation were sparked amid the bleachers, and surrounding students were stunned by the sudden eruption of anger. Unsuspecting students were called down to the gym floor throughout the performance. Kaitlyn Doyle was serenaded by one of the troupe members, while Christian Carr was engaged in a diversity skit.
Six district student heroes were selected by staff members: Nick Courtway, Amanda Kereta, Amber Kereta, Kyle Pieper, Deonte Tucker, and Amy Ward. They were individually serenaded by troupe members for their academic achievements, adherence to Character Counts morals, being role models, and overcoming personal challenges.
Henry Police Chief Bill Calbow spoke poignantly about his experience of attending a teenage funeral and the importance of making good choices.
The high school dance team and cheerleading team as well as nine junior high students took part in a dance routine. Sophia Bogatitus, Kassie Booth, Eva Cook, Payton Knisley, Bailey Mekley, Bethany Moskos, Joshua Noe, Jennifer O'Brien, and Autumn Parker were randomly chosen from names of junior high students who wanted to participate in this closing finale. They spent 90 minutes at the high school prior to the performance practicing with the troupe.
The total experience was captivating and entertaining. But it is the lingering nuances of the vignettes and the hope that all of our students stay safe and avoid painful and sometimes fatal consequences that haunt us.
The event was funded by school Character Counts monies.
|
|