Rochelle News–Leader – December 27, 2009

Rochelle News-Leader December 27, 2009

	Performing Troupe Spreads Message of Hope to Rochelle Middle School Performing arts troupe shares important lessons in a lively way with Rochelle Middle School students By Emily Weber, Editor of Rochelle News-Leader ROCHELLE -- Rochelle Middle School students received a treat last week as a Chicago area performing arts troupe, MWAH!, which stands for Messages Which Are Hopeful, appeared for an all-school assembly. The 16-member MWAH! ensemble combined real life drama along with song, dance, and audience interaction. A common thread throughout the program was the importance of making the right choices. The 90-minute performance focus was various issues affecting today�s youth and their families, particularly in Rochelle. Among the issues were racial and cultural diversity, abusive relationships (boyfriend-girlfriend and parent-child), the loss of loved ones, and tragic consequences related to bullying. Detective Terry Inman of the Rochelle Police Department discussed current legal options with respect to victims of cyber bullying. The school�s PTO sponsored the event. Several students were recognized by the traveling issues-oriented troupe for their special leadership qualities and their success in meeting special personal challenges. Among those celebrated as heroes were Tiffany and Christine Newman-Askins for their positive attitude and adversity despite having a rare bone disease that causes their bones to be brittle. About 20 Rochelle Middle School students joined the MWAH! troupe in a hip hop dance finale, having rehearsed with troupe members during the morning in preparation for the afternoon performance.	Christian Honn of the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe dedicates a song to a couple of special heroes at the Rochelle Middle School assembly on December 18, 2009. They are twin sisters Tiffany and Christine Newman-Askins, who have demonstrated positive leadership qualities despite the continued challenges of a rare bone disease. (photo by Daniel Williams of Lifeworks Imaging)