MWAH! assembly: Father tells of losing son in instant

A story by Tom Loewy of The Register–Mail of Galesburg, Illinois published August 29, 2016

GALESBURG – Joe Tomich brought his son – and a simple message – to Knoxville High School for Monday's MWAH! assembly. Wyatt Cole Tomich's ashes are stored in a black box.

"This is how fast life can change," Tomich told the Knoxville students gathered for the assembly as he placed the black box next to a large photo of his son, mugging with a mouthful of mashed potatoes.

"You see, this is Wyatt at Thanksgiving," he continued. Then the father touched the black box.

"And this is where my son is today. It just took an instant."

Tomich's son was killed in a traffic accident in 2015. The father brought the students a message that stressed paying attention to one's surroundings, obeying traffic rules, and supporting others through tough times.

Tomich served as a local anchor for MWAH!'s messages, aimed at encouraging teenagers to think about a number of issues – including racism, diversity, bullying, suicide, positive alternatives to drugs and

alcohol, and dealing with life challenges like divorce, abuse and differences with others.

Wyatt Tomich was 14 years old on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, when he was struck by an SUV while he rode his bike in the 500 block of Knox Highway 26.

The young man, who would have attended Knoxville High School, was just 30 yards from his driveway.

"In an instant – a instant when someone isn't paying attention – your life can change. You can lose your life," Tomich said before he addressed the students.

"I want to pass on the message of driver awareness. We could all slow down, pay more attention. I want to pass on walking awareness, riding awareness."

Tomich is still new to public speaking. His first assembly was a talk with Bettendorf High School students. His second was Monday's assembly.

"It's new. Right now, I'm trying to find ways to show the kids that it just takes a moment for a life to end," Tomich said. "I'm trying to start a foundation where I go and speak to driver's education

classes, but we'll see how things go."

Tomich said he wasn't afraid of shocking students.

"I think my son's ashes are a powerful statement, that's why I bring them," he said. "I think it is something they can see. They see my son's picture, him being goofy, and then they see the box of his ashes. I think

the message is right there."

Tomich said speaking to students is a way of dealing with his own grief.

"It's helped quite a bit," he said. "Wyatt was my best friend. It's been hard. But I'm able to talk more freely about it. It helps to try and help other parents and kids think about safety." Tomich said his son would have simple advice for him before taking a stage in front of teenagers.

"Wyatt would tell me to be myself," Tomich said. "Tell it like it is and be myself." The assembly featured teenagers signing, dancing and speaking to students about the issues faced by young people.

State Rep. Don Moffitt (R–Gilson) spoke after Tomich, encouraging the students to reach and seek help of others. He also stressed communication and unity to deal with issues like bullying.

Below are four photos from the MWAH! troupe's appearance at Knoxville High School. The photos are by Kent Kriegshauser Photography.

Joe Tomich stands near a portrait of his son, Wyatt, as he rests his hand on a box containing his ashes. Wyatt was killed in August of 2015 at the age of 14 when his son was struck from behind by a vehicle as Wyatt was riding his bicycle. The message Tomich presented was don't drive while distracted or impaired. Tomich spoke during Monday morning's MWAH (Messages Which Are Hopeful) troupe's performance in the auditorium at Knoxville High School. The not–for–profit group travels and performs to deliver positive and helpful messages through music and audience interaction on such subjects of bullying, depression, drugs, and distracted driving, and how any of them can destroy lives. the program lasted one hour and 45 minutes and also featured testimonials from area parents who have lost their children.