Standing near a photo of her son, Joshua Wilson, on Monday, Jennifer Higgins tells the story of what led the 12–year–old Geneseo boy to commit suicide in 2013. Higgins spoke during a stop by the traveling art troupe MWAH! (Messages Which Are Hopeful!) at Prophetstown High School. The 90–minute presentation, "Religious Discrimination, Heroin Addiction, and Youth Suicide," featured a mix of somber stories and upbeat numbers.
(Photos and video by Alex T. Paschal, chief photographer of The Daily Gazette )

Students listen as Jennifer Higgins tells the story of her son, who committed suicide at age 12.
(Photos and video by Alex T. Paschal, chief photographer of The Daily Gazette.)

PROPHETSTOWN – Standing near a photo of her son, Joshua Wilson, on Monday, Jennifer Higgins told the story of what led the 12-year-old Geneseo boy to commit suicide in 2013. Higgins spoke during a stop by the traveling art troupe MWAH! (Messages Which Are Hopeful!) at Prophetstown High School.

MWAH! troupe member Landon Ballard serenades Prophetstown High School senior Claire Milnes Monday during a lighter moment of the program at the school. In addition to raising awareness with messages of suicide, drug abuse and discrimination, the troupe, whose members are ages 9 to 17, prides itself on finding ways to engage students with real-life drama, combined with contemporary music and audience interaction. "Based on the afternoon discussions that happened, I think they were very successful," Cady said. "I heard a lot of students say they were hesitant about going, but they were so glad they did.".
(Photos and video by Alex T. Paschal, chief photographer of The Daily Gazette.)

The 90-minute presentation, "Religious Discrimination, Heroin Addiction, and Youth Suicide," featured a mix of somber stories and upbeat numbers.

MWAH! troupe members Jillian Gomez (left) and Sophie Michael sing a duet of "Imagine" on Monday morning at Prophetstown High School. Recent acts of violence and discrimination toward Muslims partially prompted Cady to arrange the troupe's appearance. One of the stories shared was that of a teenage member of the Islamic Center of the Quad Cities.
(Photos and video by Alex T. Paschal, chief photographer of The Daily Gazette.)

It was followed by a 1-hour debriefing session in which students discussed the issues presented and how they and school staff members can work together to effectively deal with them.

Prophetstown High School students react to a musical number Monday morning during a performance by the traveling teen art troupe MWAH! The group addresses such subjects as suicide, drug abuse and discrimination in a way that junior and high school students can relate.
(Photos and video by Alex T. Paschal, chief photographer of The Daily Gazette.)

"It was wonderful," said Prophetstown guidance counselor Kristie Cady, who coordinated the appearance. "We're excited to have them again in the future."

"Based on the afternoon discussions that happened, I think they were very successful," Cady said. "I heard a lot of students say they were hesitant about going, but they were so glad they did."

Prophetstown high-schoolers listen as the traveling art troupe MWAH! tells a story of discrimination against a Muslim student.
(Photos and video by Alex T. Paschal, chief photographer of The Daily Gazette.)

Six Prophetstown High students were also recognized as "heroes" for their leadership and having overcome personal challenges: seniors Megan Wetzell, Eden Buyno, Logan Marshang, and Chris Schempf, and juniors Dontae Johnson and Brittney Bender. Cady worked with the school's faculty to form the list.

Further information about the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe may be found on its website at www.mwah.net

MWAH! troupe members sing a song of tolerance to another member during a program Monday morning at Prophetstown High School.
(Photos and video by Alex T. Paschal, chief photographer of The Daily Gazette.)