About MWAH!
| About the Artists | About MWAH!'s Roots It can be seen in their faces, heard in the applause. More recent comments are in the about (not archive) page. Those here in archive are those comments that were from older than Feb 24, 2014. Responses via the MWAH! troupe's Facebook page from students attending the performance at Rock Falls High School in Rock Falls, Illinois on February 24, 2014:"This assembly was one of the greatest things I've ever been part of! The show was absolutely great! Come back soon please!!" "What you bring to our students is so real because they're in those types of situations or they know someone who is. Because you have real students telling their own stories, our students can see that they can make it…that there's hope…that they're not alone. What your troupe does is amazing! Thank you for reaching out to kids who are hurting to give them hope for a better life." "Wonderful messages that were well organized…great use of current events…personal stories shared by performers were impactful…having our students participate was very meaningful…personal connections made it more real…the performance was incredible! " – (Jeff Anderson, special education teacher at ROWVA Junior High School – September 12, 2011) "A great assembly!…it covered very important topics with respect and maturity…I believe the messages resonated with our students in a stronger way than it ever would coming from an adult. " – (Sarah A. Rozny, 6th grade teacher at ROWVA Junior High School – September 12, 2011) "Excellent messages…good use of time…kept it moving…personal testimonies by local people were emotionally tough to hear, but it brought the messages close to home. " – (Joan Swanson, biology teacher at ROWVA High School – September 12, 2011) "The best performance we've ever had!…we can't wait to have them return…an outstanding and pertinent presentation…the MWAH! troupe addresses real issues effectively, using the arts with current music and personal commentary…a strong message that's taken home by so many of our students who struggle every day to make positive choices." – (Tim Daley, principal; Kevin Szczesniak, assistant principal; and John Jonak, assistant principal at Mannheim Middle School of District 83, serving students from Franklin Park, Melrose Park, and Northlake, Illinois – August 19, 2011.) " I think it was our best performance of any kind in twelve years! Every aspect of the performance was meaningful and will impact our students in their own lives. The MWAH! artists were students just like our students, and our students were able to relate to them. The singing, acting, and dancing were wonderful! " – (Leslie Hodes, principal at Heritage Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois – May 23, 2011) " I thought the performance was great! The girl who was abused by her boyfriend was so into character that a sixth grader later asked me if it was real. I think the true story student tragedies hit home with a lot of our students. I saw many students and staff members with tears in their eyes – they were so moved. The messages are all so positive and apply so much to our students' real lives. This is something that our students would benefit from year after year. Great job! " – (Krista Colburn, physical education teacher at Heritage Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois – May 23, 2011) " In their performances for both our high school and our junior high school, the MWAH! troupe made a huge impact on our students and staff. The troupe's messages are powerful and positive. As a building, we rarely do all-school assemblies, but this one was well worth every minute that we took out of our instructional day. As administrators, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate the impact students might be having on others when they are missing classes. I wanted you to know how worthwhile I feel this troupe is. Thank you so much for allowing your student to participate. " – (Ms. Barb Schmidt, principal of Princeton Township High School in Princeton, Illinois, in a letter of appreciation to principals of schools attended by MWAH! troupe members who were part of the performances in Princeton on April 11, 2011.) " An amazing assembly! In their personal feedback, many of our students were eager to share their personal journeys regarding many of the issues included in the performance. It was a great day for our students and staff. " – Heather Smigel, Seventh Grade Teacher in Literature/Language Arts at Parkside Middle School in Peru, Illinois – March 25, 2011 " Very positive feedback from both students and staff...a highly organized group that connects with students...age appropriate delivery...great and meaningful messages while providing an entertaining experience. " – Richard Groeling, Assistant Principal of Bryan Middle School in Elmhurst, Illinois – February 7, 2011 " This performance was amazing! Ray and his 'crew' were outstanding and fantastic to work with. " – Amy Christie, Assistant Principal at Palos South Middle School in Palos Park, Illinois – December 17, 2010 " The performance was outstanding! During the different 'stories' and 'scenes' I looked around to view the students and observe their behavior. 99% of the students were extremely engaged and sitting at the edge of their seats. When the assembly concluded, the students asked many questions about what they had seen and heard. After past assemblies, the students may comment on topics they heard, but never before did they seem this connected to an event. I respect the passion that the performers expressed in their delivery and applaud the topics that were chosen. They are tough topics to talk about, but students need to learn about and be aware of these issues surrounding their everyday lives. Again, thank you for an outstanding performance. " – Mrs. Amy Andrekus, 7th grade language arts teacher at Palos South Middle School in Palos Park, Illinois – December 17, 2010 " They got the audience's attention right away and kept it...it wasn't just someone up there lecturing...the songs were great and the acting was fantastic...it was worthwhile...we got the message...it's definitely the most fun I've ever had at an assembly. " – Kate and Zack, eighth grade students at Palos South Middle School in Palos Park, Illinois in reference to a MWAH! performance there. – December 17, 2010 " Stunning!.....truly amazing! ...made it real for students...truly engaged the audience...thank you for bringing to the stage issues that our students face daily...what a great performance! " – written feedback from school staff members following the troupe's appearance at Smart Intermediate School (grades 6-8) in Davenport, Iowa – November 22, 2010 " From the very beginning it was far from a traditional assembly...the impact of the performance was evident in the utter silence at times, as well as the emotion it sparked within the kids watching it as the troupe's messages hit close to home...the presentation was well received...considering how hard it can be to entertain a group of 200 high school juniors, that alone is saying a lot " – published comments by Dan Stevens, owner and publisher of the Village Voices newspaper, based in Lena, Illinois, regarding a MWAH! appearance at River Ridge High School near Hanover, Illinois, for students from six Jo Daviess County high schools. – November 2, 2010 " They all have really good voices, and they sang today's songs that we all like too – not some old lame ones (in reference to the music with the messages) " – Miranda Davis, a student at Warren High School in Warren, Illinois, regarding a MWAH! performance at River Ridge High School near Hanover, Illinois. – October 18, 2010 " The MWAH! troupe personalizes topics we request and engages the audience like no other performance we have had – which is why this was their third trip to EHS! " – Cindy Weaver, counselor at Erie High School in Erie, Illinois – March 12, 2010 "In my 33 years of teaching, this assembly blows the top off anything I've seen. The troupe members were absolutely fantastic and our students were engaged from the very beginning. The messages were heartfelt and delivered in a way that students paid attention. They didn't feel they were being preached to and didn't even realize they were soaking up valuable life lessons. Your use of music to help get important and serious messages across was a monumentally important decision. Staff members were as effervescent as the students in their compliments. Whenever it's mentioned to again have the MWAH! troupe here, I know there won't be any grumbling about lost class time. There already have been discussions about having you back on a regular basis. I've seen your troupe three times in the last two years – twice at the Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils State Convention in Springfield and now at Prairie Central. This last time I was still fighting bawling like a baby because I was so wrapped up in the messages. Please realize that what you do is life altering to those who witness it. " – Linda Ambrose, teacher at Prairie Central Junior High School in Forrest, Illinois, located in Livingston County near Dwight and Pontiac – February 10, 2010 "MWAH! is still the most memorable program I remember in my 23 years of education." - Joe Swartz, principal of Rochelle Middle School in Rochelle, Illinois – December 15, 2009 "I liked your show because it makes me think twice before I do anything. I cried because it really touched my heart. It really made me want to change and not talk about people that look weird or dress ugly. That stuff shouldn't matter. I'm going to step up and be a better person, not some loser that makes fun of people. Now I realize how it does hurt when you put people down like that. Thank you so much for coming to our school." - Amanda, a student at Rock Falls Township High School – December 7, 2009 "You guys opened my eyes. The show was very emotional and a great learning experience. I saw one of my good friends show emotion I had never seen him show before. He was so touched. I just want to say thank you so very much. " - Lauren, a student at Rock Falls Township High School – December 7, 2009 "MWAH! is an exceptional group of performing artists. They deliver important messages to our membership in a manner that is both entertaining and extremely effective. They simply are the highlight of our convention. This is the second year we have had them, and there is already talk of making it a third year by inviting them back again next year. We feel that the message is so well delivered and so powerful that it should be seen every year. MWAH! is both incredible and unbelievably inspiring for youth and adults alike." - Bruce A. Small, Executive Director, Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils – May 23, 2009 "I was happy we were addressing positive life choices for many of my students. However, I was afraid they might laugh it off or make fun of it. Wow! My fears were unfounded. One of my students, who I worry about making good choices and try to keep off the computer, looked MWAH! up online. Usually, it’s skull heads with cigarettes or dead rappers. My room is a safe haven for many, and it was great to hear them say how MWAH! was so great. " -M. Browne, MS Special Education, Northeast High School in Goose Lake, Iowa – March 30, 2009 " My highest compliments to MWAH! They are absolutely amazing! It’s just awesome that kids that age can pull off a show like that. Great message and great performance. It was awesome! " -K. Harmsen, School-to-Work Coordinator, Northeast High School in Goose Lake, Iowa – March 30, 2009 "Outstanding performance by the MWAH! troupe! They covered topics that were heartfelt by our students. We even had students crying during one part of the performance, so I know they were moved. The troupe was very professional and was courteous to students and staff. I would highly recommend this group!" – Amanda Eberhart, SADD Adviser (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Northeast High School in Goose Lake, Iowa – March 30, 2009 " In my 10 years of reporting, I’ve seen few things that have moved me as much as their program did. Please let them know that their impact on a small school in a small, rural Iowa town was tremendous. They should be very proud of the work they do and the messages they deliver. " -Kate Howes, writer for The Observer newspaper published in De Witt, Iowa, regarding a MWAH! performance March 30, 2009, at Northeast High School in Goose Lake, Iowa " Your group performed for us today. The messages hit our school good and hard. We have a big problem with the kids at our school feeling lost and a lot of them being bullied and feeling that they have to fit in. The biggest issue for a lot of teens is stress that causes them to think that their world should end and that they should take the easy way out. Your ‘hero’ piece shows that those who face the worst can still have hope. Your performers use real life situations and songs that hit the soul. You keep us interested so that we actually listen to words of those who care. What you did was straight from the heart. You all have talent, you all have faith, and most of all, you all care about those you don’t even know. Your efforts will go a long way. I appreciate what you did today. Thank you for coming to my school. " -Alaina Holdsworth, age 15, a student at Northeast High School, Goose Lake, Iowa – March 30, 2009 "We were honored to have you! You are incredibly talented and genuine in your presentation.....fabulous coverage of the topics.....good interaction with crowd.....nothing but positive about the show.....a spectacular performance! " -JoAnna Moe, English teacher at Richwoods High School in Peoria, Illinois, and coordinator of the school’s 2009 Operation Snowball retreat – February 16, 2009 "Just amazing! I had no idea what to expect when I was asked to speak at your performance, but I can certainly say I was impressed. Your messages covered so much and so many topics that I see every day within our community. The performance took on a totally different meaning for me as I had just finished investigating a suicide prior to coming, and little did I know that around 11:30 that night I would investigate a fatal traffic crash in which a 22-year-old would be killed. This gentleman was a passenger of a drunk driver. Again, I was totally impressed with your performance. Keep up the good work. If I can ever be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I believe in whatever it takes to get these messages out. If we can save one life, we have done our job." -John W. Callahan, coroner for Grundy County, Illinois at a performance for the Section 11 meeting of the FCCLA at the United Methodist Church in Dwight, Illinois. – February 6, 2009 "Powerful messages.....made people think.....kept us engaged.....gave hope and suggestions for changing.....I liked the music.....very emotional, but there was substance and it made the point...covered many important problems...awesome! " -Elaine Mortensen, adviser to the FCCLA chapter (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) at Dwight High School regarding a MWAH! presentation at the Section 11 meeting of the FCCLA at the United Methodist Church of Dwight, Illinois – February 6, 2009, " The MWAH! performance was absolutely fantastic! I loved the beginning with the racial slur and then how he apologized for it. The singers were outstanding, every single one of them. I was inspired by the lyrics of their original songs. When I walked out of the auditorium, I was dazzled and felt like I could become anything I wanted." -Elyssa Krmpotich, 13–year–old eighth grader at Troy Middle School in Plainfield, Illinois " These performers sent out such good and positive messages to help kids our own age with problems. Not only were the messages great, but the acting, the singing, and the dancing were unbelievable. I enjoyed it so much." -Kelci Bannister, 14–year–old eighth grader at Troy Middle School in Plainfield, Illinois) " The dancing was amazing and the singing sounded so professional. I can honestly say that was the best show I've ever seen. I would definitely join that group if I had the chance. (Kaitlyn Caballarp, 14-year-old eighth grader from Troy Middle School in Plainfield, Illinois)" -regarding a MWAH! presentation at the Troy Middle School in Plainfield, Illinois – January 23,2009. "Your show today at JFK was awesome! The positivity in the gymnasium was palpable. Thanks to you and all of your troupe for bringing the right messages to kids!" -Dr. Amber Bechard of the learning community staff at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Plainfield, Illinois regarding a performance there. – November 12, 2008. "I thought that beginning song ('Imagine') and the whole assembly had a great message...it really taught me something about what is happening to people all over the place...it was really inspiring and you guys should come back next year...I know I'm speaking for everyone." -Sam Fett, a student at McHenry Middle School in McHenry, Illinois regarding a performance there. – September 18, 2008. "Ur show was the best freakin assembly ever. It was more fun than any other one. I'm a student at Creekside, where you just went." -Aidan Donahoe, Student at Creekside Middle School in Woodstock, Illinois "Your message and the manner in which you delivered it really made an impression on all the delegates at the convention (Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils 49th annual state convention in Springfield on April 19, 2008)...it simply was outstanding...everyone was awestruck!...the things you communicated to our students and advisors really hit home with all of them! " - Bruce A. Small, IAJHSC Executive Director "The MWAH! performance was awesome!!! It was well worth every minute. Our kids need these role models, and because of your appearance at our school, our lives will definitely be richer. I give the performance a rating of 10+++." Ganet Johnson, principal of Margaret Allen Middle School in Nashville, Tennessee – March 26, 2008 "Impressive level of talent, vocally and instrumentally. Monologue extremely well done and powerful. Excellent use of local audience. Very effective use of 'floating voices.' Good flow of show. – Great dance chorography. – Original composition was lovely and obviously had strong impact." - A. Pruitt, Music Instructor, – J. T. Moore Middle School in Nashville, Tennessee "As a veteran student council advisor, sitting in the audience with 800 kids at the IAJHSC Convention, I can honestly tell you I have never been more impressed, or touched, by anything in my life. I assure you my feelings are shared by many. The MWAH! performance had me, and my students, in awe the entire time. Their talent was boundless, and their message was so touching that we had to pass around a box of tissues. We laughed, we cried, we hugged!! We were uplifted and inspired! After the show, we were lucky enough to meet some of your gifted performers, who proved to be as wonderful and kind in person as they are talented. They even sang a special birthday song to one of my enamored students" - Darlene Mitchell, Student Council Advisor, Central Park School, Midlothian, Illinois, after the Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils' Convention in Springfield,IL " Every middle school and high school in the USA should view and participate in this powerful learning tool." - Brenda Ganett, Assistant Principal, – J. T. Moore Middle School in Nashville, Tennessee " The performance was great. – Both students and staff loved it." - Cheryl Ellis, Principal, Trewyn Middle School in Peoria, Illinois "I've never seen the kids respond like this." - Tom Blumer, Assistant Principal, Trewyn Middle School in Peoria, Illinois "It's very different, very interesting, not like what we've seen." - Naja, a 14-year-old student, Trewyn Middle School in Peoria, Illinois " The word that stands out the most is WOW! I was excited to have your group come to our school, but now, after the performance, I am even more excited. It warms my heart that you can take such wonderful talent and use it in such a positive way. As the school social worker, I work daily to build good values and support our students in making the right decisions. But hearing those same messages from a group of 'cool' young adults, like yourselves, seems to go much farther than my 'preaching.' You are all so very talented and are some of the most polite young adults I have ever met!" - Betsy McGrath, LCSW, School Social Worker, Freedom Middle School, Berwyn, Illinois "Best assembly ever! "We learned a lesson on not bullying and not to solve our problems with violence." "You should not join a gang cause you can die. " "You should not tell people how they should look. " "I won't pick on anyone anymore. " "I won't be a follower. " "Today was my birthday and what a wonderful gift to me! " " - Among comments from students at Freedom Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois, following a MWAH! all-school assembly there "Think of this as a young girl inspired. Most assemblies are dreaded for fear of some old guy telling us violence is never the answer and what not...however, when you middle school and high school guys are acting, dancing, and singing, it catches our attention. When we get home and recap, we truly start thinking 'whoa.' One of your topics, racism, most like to ignore and pretend it doesn't exist, but you guys came right out and said it happens and it's wrong. Props to ya'll. Me and my fellow theatre friend have known acting does wonders, but have never actually thought of bringing it to that level. Now we see what wonders certain talents can do." - Jessica, an eighth grade student at Heineman Middle School in Algonquin, Illinois "The best thing about the show was the fact that the students had fun while learning about issues that affect them every day. They learned about positive choices. Awesome connection with kids!!! Kids teaching kids works well!!!" - Brian Faulkner, Assistant Principal, Heineman Middle School in Algonquin, Illinois "Our staff felt that the performers had excellent messages for our young students. The student response was overwhelmingly positive. Students appreciated that people their own age provided relevant topics. I hope we will have the opportunity to do this again." - Paul D. Schrik, Sr., Principal, Serena Grade School in Serena, Illinois "The CHAMPS Youth Conference would like to sincerely thank you for your outstanding performance. We have received rave reviews from all of the schools that participated. Everyone is already asking if you'll be returning to present next year. Your troupe was amazing in their level of talent and energy; and your presentation really did convey messages of love, acceptance, and hope - messages not heard very often in the lives of some youth." - Angela Brown, Channahon Park District and CHAMPS Representative "The best junior high school-oriented performance I've seen." -Ian Shaw, Operation Snowflake coordinator, NCO Youth and Family Services, Naperville, Illinois "It was a very super performance and provided great messages. Rochelle Middle School students getting to hear these messages from their peers was a wonderful experience for them. The MWAH! troupe sent the messages in a very exciting, fun, and age appropriate way. I would recommend that MWAH! visit any school that cares about making sure students understand that accepting diversity and supporting one another is a great way to lead their lives." - Joe Schwartz, Principal, Rochelle Middle School "I just wanted you to know that the two shows were great! The singing and dancing were exceptional. Most of all, the students really identified with the performers and the topics covered. I like how the show goes from topic to topic; it flows well." - Marianne Culver, President, Kewanee Community Drug and Alcohol Task Force "You guys really helped me understand more about how things actuallly happen in real life...I think you helped tons of students who may have had difficult problems in their lives...I know you really helped one person...thanks for everything." -- a student attending Livingston County Snowflake at Prairie Central Junior High School, Forrest, Illinois "An awesome assembly...what made a difference from past assemblies we have had is that MWAH! has students performing for students. Our students were not only entertained, but they got the message." – -- Perry Hayes, principal at Ellis Middle School, Elgin, Illinois "I didn't think that today's assembly was going to be anything like that. It was awesome...it blew me away for sure. I really agree with the messages you guys are trying to put out there." Ben, a student at Galesburg High School in Galesburg, Illinois "It really hit home with me. I have never drank, smoked, or done anything like that, but all week I had been planning on going to a party that night and drinking. The story that Mrs. Murdock told really touched my heart, and I decided I was going to go to the movies instead." Megan, student at Galesburg High School "I think you did an awesome job...you really seemed sincere about everything you said and it reached me...I admire you for doing this because it's just a small step to making our world a better place...it also showed me more ways that I could help to make the world better!" --- Abby, student at York High School of Elmhurst "That was, hands down, the best assembly I have witnessed here at Rockridge as a student and as a teacher." - Deanna Lee, teacher, Rockridge High School "I have heard nothing but good comments about the assembly. Your MWAH! troupe did an excellent job. Personally, I think this was the best assembly we have ever had." - Patti Thomas, administrative staff, Rockridge High School "Words cannot describe the impact the MWAH! troupe had on our students. Your talents don't lie just in your ability to sing, dance, and act, but more importantly, in your ability to touch people and make a difference. Not just a message of don't do drugs and don't drink, but a message of making healthy decisions so we can spend a lot of time together." - Jeffrey R. Flater, Athletic Director, Rockridge High School "THANKS FOR COMING! YOU GUYS DID AN AWESOME JOB! I'm a teacher at Rockridge and in the 11 years here, your MWAH presentation was by far the BEST I've ever seen. It was an assembly with a great message and I know our kids were listening. In fact, they are still talking about it today. Thank you for sharing your talents, singing, acting, and especially the dancing. You grabbed the student body's interest immediately! Thank you for incorporating Ryan's life and message into your routine. Knowing that this word will be spread throughout the state gives us just a bit of peace in our hearts." Angela DeKeyrel,Teacher at Rockridge High School "I thought the performance was great, especially the country music...the message got through very easily to us...thanks for coming." – Rach, Student at Rockridge High School "I totally loved ur guys' performance...it was cool!...I really liked the hip hop dancing...U were good!" – Sara, Student at Rockridge High School "I think that's really cool what you guys are doing. I wish I had the chance to help somebody like that...my cousin (also 14) and I both think you are really amazing...you would fit great in our school!" – Lacey, age 14, Student at Rockridge High School |
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