Teens tackle tough topics!
THE JOURNAL STAR
(Metamora, Illinois)
Sunday, January 15, 2006BY ANDREA FRAMPTON
Metamora students at lock-in discuss Iraq, diversity, abuse
METAMORA - Students at Metamora Township High School volunteered to spend all weekend at their school to share their views on teen-related topics, including the war in Iraq.
During the 16th annual Operation Snowball event, junior Caliee Linzenmeyer, 17, joined Chicago-based MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe members Jessie Scarzone, 12, and Lauren Verstat, 16, on stage Saturday for a tribute to soldiers who have served and are still serving in Iraq.
Linzenmeyer shared with 159 of her peers that her cousin, Matt Linzenmeyer, recently was deployed to Iraq as a medic."People talk about their family in Iraq, and they may agree or disagree about the war, but everyone here is always supportive of the troops," Linzenmeyer said.
U.S. Army Sgt. Andy Wade and Sgt. Steve Binash folded an American flag during Verstat and Scarzone's version of the Trace Adkins song "Arlington." The two sergeants were asked by the troupe's director, Ray Moffitt, to participate. Verstat shared with the audience that she
lost her best friend, Lance Cpl. Nick Larson, in Iraq a year ago.
"I get too involved and I almost cry, but you have to keep the show going," Verstat said. "It shows the kids, 'I know her and she knows someone in Iraq.' We want to connect with the kids as much as possible."
MWAH! stands for Messages Which Are Hopeful. The eight-member group acted out skits and sang songs dealing with teen issues such as dating, perseverance, racial diversity and verbal and physical abuse Saturday morning.
After the hourlong MWAH! presentation, students retreated back to classrooms filled with pillows and sleeping bags for discussions.
Twin sisters Molly and Emily Brinkman, 17, were thrilled to be inside their high school over the weekend and take part in the presentation. Molly went on stage to dance for the group's closing song."I thought it was cool they get the songs to go with the topics they were talking about," Molly said. "This is so fun."
The two juniors arrived at the high school Friday night and will stay "locked in" with their fellow students until 1 p.m. today.
Operation Snowball is a statewide organization that promotes drug- and alcohol-free lifestyles.
It's local director, Gary Finch, said many teens may bring up the war in Iraq in their small group talk sessions over the weekend because of family members or friends serving in the military.
"The war is history in the making with these kids. It's not just 'over there,' it's directly hitting home with these kids," Finch said. "They have the freedom to bring up topics and give their opinions; it makes it hit home more."
