The student body responded enthusiastically to the performers who combined real life drama, high energy hip hop dance and both original and cover songs in the presentation. The troupe features youngsters ranging in age from 10 to 18 as they focus on issues important to their audience. Troupe artist and co-director, Michael Todd Emery, 15, performed a song he penned, “Wait Awhile”, urging abstinence.

The students received a reality check as they listened to Joanne Murdock speak about her late son. Ryan Murdock, a graduate of Rockridge High School, and a star baseball player, died in May 2005 at the age of 19 in an alcohol-related crash during a visit home from his freshman classes at Southern Illinois University. Joanne Murdock, surrounded by photos of her late son, urged those in attendance to make the right choices in their life, “This could affect you whether you’re riding with a brother or a friend, make the right choices,” she said as she received a standing ovation.

Illinois State Police Sgt. Thomas J. Burek, echoed those thoughts, “Your parents and teachers want you to make the right choices. Are you going to drink and drive or are you not? We’re asking that you make the right choices. Homecoming is just around the corner, make the right choices,” he said.