MWAH! appearance at Blue Ridge in Mansfield
(LeRoy-Farmer City Press, published in Mahomet, Illinois) – February 16, 2012
Reporter: Sarah Williams
Through music, skits and dialogue, Blue Ridge students learned about anti-bullying, how to make good choices and respect others and to strive for greatness. These messages were shared with sixth through eighth grade students at Mansfield Junior High on Monday during a presentation by MWAH! or Messages Which Are Hopeful, a theatrical troupe that shares stories in a nontraditional way through words, music and dancing. The assembly was part of the district's work to continue to address bullying and was sponsored by the Blue Ridge Junior High Booster Club. During the presentation, he students were introduced to a photo of 10-year-old Ashlynn Conner of Ridge Farm who committed suicide this past November after repeated and unrelenting bullying by students at her elementary school. Ashlynn's mother, Stacy Conner, spoke to students about her daughter's death three months ago. Conner encouraged students to seek out someone to talk to if they are being bullied at school, on the computer, on the bus…anywhere. "Life doesn't have to be that hard," Conner said. "Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed, not to be suffering at the words of other people." MWAH! presenters encouraged the students to reach out to someone who will help. By doing so, that is showing a sign of strength and not weakness. Blue Ridge Superintendent Susan Wilson said the district has worked for the past few years to implement policies and procedures to address bullying. "It's very important that our schools are a safe place for students and they feel secure here," she said. "We conduct day to day discussions about bullying prevention and other behavior issues to promote a positive learning environment." Wilson said programs like MWAH! make an impact on students.
"It's important to bring in groups like MWAH! to provide special emphasis in a way that gets their attention," she said. "This was a positive, thought-provoking presentation that made a strong impression on our students." Wilson said if someone is being bullied at school, then the first step is to let the student's teacher know. If it continues to happen, then the teacher and/or principal are told again. She said the consequences for the bully increase if the behavior continues. During Monday's presentation Blue Ridge teacher Megan Otto spoke to the student about the S.A.F.E. program that was brought to the junior high student council by the Booster Club. S.A.F.E. stands for "stand up for myself and others," always help those who cannot help themselves," "face each day positively and lead by example" and "encourage others to report bullying." The student run program will include the opportunity for students to sign a contract, which is optional, that states they promise to adhere to the S.A.F.E. teachings. Otto said when students sign the contract they are presented with a bracelet that "shows both their peers and community members that they believe that everyone has the right to be safe." Otto told students that they are willing to listen to students and they will do something about it.
"We will stop bullying," she said. Blue Ridge heroes were recognized and serenaded by troupe members during the assembly. Those honored were students Dalton Woolridge, Dylan Trent and Levi Bailey as well as principal John Weaver, secretary Mary Russell and teacher Pam Houser. Otto said this is the second time MWAH! has come to Blue Ridge. This year, the Booster Club asked to sponsor the assembly.
"We believe that because the kids in MWAH! are their age, that it makes the message more meaningful," she said. "They provide a program using music and dialogue that relates to our kids." Otto said she believes it is important to provide anti-bullying programs such as MWAH!.
"Our teachers, staff and administrators are dedicated to making our children feel safe in their schools," she said. Principal John Weaver agreed saying the teachers and staff continually work to provide a safe environment where students can learn and anti-bullying measures are part of providing that safe place. He said it is helpful for students to hear the same message from a different voice from time to time.
"I believe MWAH! communicates a familiar message in a manner that will get the attention of the students and hopefully it will help them carry that message forward and apply it to real life situations," Weaver said.