The Daily Herald

February 25, 2008

POSITIVE PEER PRESSURE

By Elisabeth Mistretta

No matter how hard grown-ups try, no one can make the transition from grade school to high school more exciting then the students themselves.

That’s why Addison Trail High School invited all Addison-area eighth-graders to its “Pay It Forward” program this past winter (January 2008). The program sought to cultivate positive leadership skills to those about to enter high school by incorporating the talents of students already attending Addison Trail.

Some 150 students showed up to participate in workshops on problem solving, diversity, and the high school experience that were led, in part, by their older peers.

Invited by the high school to underscore tough issues was the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe (Messages Which Are Hopeful!), itself a diverse ensemble of teenagers which combined reality drama, original and cover songs, and hip hop dance in conveying its messages of hope.

Reaching out through song to Addison Trail High School "Pay It Forward" event students
are MWAH! troupe members Michael Todd Emery and Holly Pitney.
(photo by Ed Lee of the Daily Herald)

Inspiring Addison Trail students with the song 'I Can Only Imagine' are
(from left) Erin Oechsel and Whitney McDermott of the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe (Messages Which Are Hopeful!).
(photo by Ed Lee of the Daily Herald)


A high energy dance mix was part of the MWAH! performance for "Pay It Forward" participants at Addision Trail High School on January 26. shown are (from left) Christian Rodriguez, Simon Rodriguez, Chris Honn, Michael Todd Emery, and Chris Oechsel. Michael Todd is the troupe's teen co-director and dance choreographer.
(photo by Ed Lee of the Daily Herald)