(published March 22, 2012 in Toulon, Illinois)
Getting The Message Out
(written by Kasey Main, a student journalist at Stark County High School)
MWAH! troupe member Chris Oechsel discusses the single vehicle crash of November 29, 2011 that killed three Stark County High School students – Levi Berg, 16; Kelsey Clifford, 15; and Bradley Wood Jr., 18 – whose photos are shown to the right of the vehicle
from which they were ejected from the back seat. Surviving were a front seat passenger, Theo Fritch, 16, and the driver, Morgan Blakey, 19, who was charged with aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide. Prior to the crash the driver allegedly had been
inhaling or ‘huffing’ from an aerosol can a dust removing compressed air compound called difluoruethane, resulting in his losing consciousness and driving off the road into a field at a speed of 91 miles per hour between Kewanee and Toulon.
Photo by Kasey Main
TOULON, Illinois —
Ok, I lied. There is an article this week and the copy you're holding in your hands is proof of that. Why the sudden change of heart? Well, I received a request from my superiors to cover an important event, fast approaching, so I was mobilized into action. Plus, I couldn't pass up the chance to write about MWAH! Yes, you read right! The troupe of talented teens devoted to their mission to help those in need have revisited Stark County! Fortune must have smiled on you of late because you get two "Know Your Rebel" Specials back to back! So without further ado I shall recount the MWAH! show that had taken place on Monday, March 12th, 2012.
While I watched the performance, it was like reliving the experience as an 8th grader again when the group had last visited. The only difference I could make out was the new faces and the enthusiasm they brought on stage. MWAH! consists of a very diverse group originating from nine separate communities from the western suburbs of Chicago to northwest Illinois, ages ranging from 11 to 21, and each having their own story which inspired them to make a difference in people's lives. These performers are: Alex Oechsel, Taylor Oechsel, Justice Henderson, Mason Dean Ridenour, Wynd Marie Ridenour, Jake Smith, Rob Delgado, Shawn Conerton, Rachel Plasch, Kyle J-Wolf Welton, Christopher Oechsel, and Christian Honn. Oh I've neglected to inform what MWAH! actually stands for, which is Messages Which Are Hopeful. The title within itself defines the group's purpose.
During the assembly, MWAH! members covered many major issues students struggle with today such as bullying, verbal/physical abuse, controlling relationships, self-esteem, drugs, and drinking/texting while behind the wheel. They conveyed their messages with great skill and sense of realism through song, acting, mime, and often using themselves as examples since they can relate to a hardship being discussed.
Real life examples of tragedies happening to everyday people like you and me were shown to the audience and one; to our surprise struck home. They spoke about the car accident and the losses we suffered three months ago. It kinda puts it into perspective that bad things do happen to good people. We all felt the heartache slam us tenfold in remembrance of that terrible day; however the MWAH! members soon comforted us by inviting students to partake in fun activities. Haley Schlicksup was beckoned on stage and sat while three of the MWAH! boys fought over her while singing "We Belong Together."
Kyle Milroy was also called on stage to participate in a hilarious do-a-like segment when Taylor and Christian lectured him about missing a pass. Later, Mr. Domico announced the school's heroes who represented the entire student body and faculty. They were Mrs. Milroy, Mr. Curry, Brooke Cochran Kasey Main, Hannah Morrissey, and Ryne Daum. The assembly came to a joyous end after a group of Lady Rebels joined MWAH! members in "breaking it down."
In my opinion, MWAH!'s return visit to Stark County was just what we needed to help us part the dark clouds that have been looming over us. MWAH! has not only educated and uplifted us; they incorporated an even more important message without having to make it known. Any one of us can be like MWAH!, just live by example.
On that note I bid you adieu until next week!
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