The topics spanned from violence, bullying and gangs, to eating disorders, healthy romantic relationships and diversity. Through the mediums of dramatic skits, songs and dance numbers, the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe of 11 young adults attempted to communicate a message of hope and possibility in the face of adversity. The group performed at Heritage Middle School Monday and will appear next at Freedom Middle School Tuesday, Dec. 18.

They cover the gamut of skills we are constantly trying to teach our children, but they do it in such a different way and it was a nice new way to put that out there to students, said Betsy McGrath, a social worker at Freedom who organized the assembly for the two schools. They use kids themselves, and it always helpful when you have one teenager telling another. It gets through to them a little better ... they're going to see there are other kids like themselves, that are giving out the message that this is the way to be successful in life.

Hundreds of sixth- through eighth-graders sat captivated during the 90-minute performance, which focused on the ability of each person to take their lives into their own hands and rise above negative influences that may surround them.

It allows them to get another perspective, said 16-year-old Christian Rodriguez, of Plainfield. If it was adults, they would get bored, but because it people their own age, they can get involved and interested.

Performers emphasized to Heritage students that anyone can become a hero, by standing up for what they believe in. The assembly gave students a first-hand example of the fact, by pointing out heroes in their own midst naming several teachers who volunteered, raised money or walked for a cause.

The assembly also touched on topics of loss, grieving and, most importantly, healing topics especially relevant at Heritage, which experienced the death of one of its students, Rickey Hernandez, just nine months ago.

Fifteen-year-old Morgan Pitney performed Life Goes On, with his siblings Holly and Blake, all of Cherry Valley, near Rockford. The song, which was written by the siblings, focuses on moving on and recovering from personal loss.

I know if I was out in the audience listening to adults telling me do this' and don't do that,' I wouldn't listen, said Morgan. Because it coming from us, they listen.