" The word that stands out the most is WOW! I was excited to have your group come to our school, but now, after the performance, I am even more excited. It warms my heart that you can take such wonderful talent and use it in such a positive way. As the school social worker, I work daily to build good values and support our students in making the right decisions. But hearing those same messages from a group of 'cool' young adults, like yourselves, seems to go much farther than my 'preaching.' You are all so very talented and are some of the most polite young adults I have ever met!
- Betsy McGrath, LCSW, School Social Worker, Freedom Middle School, Berwyn, Illinois
"Best assembly ever!"
"We learned a lesson on not bullying and not to solve our problems with violence."
"You should not join a gang cause you can die."
"You should not tell people how they should look."
"I won't pick on anyone anymore."
"I won't be a follower."
"Today was my birthday and what a wonderful gift to me!"
- Among comments from students at Freedom Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois, following a MWAH! all-school assembly there
Think of this as a young girl inspired. Most assemblies are dreaded for fear of some old guy telling us violence is never the answer and what not...however, when you middle school and high school guys are acting, dancing, and singing, it catches our attention. When we get home and recap, we truly start thinking 'whoa.' One of your topics, racism, most like to ignore and pretend it doesn't exist, but you guys came right out and said it happens and it's wrong. Props to ya'll. Me and my fellow theatre friend have known acting does wonders, but have never actually thought of bringing it to that level. Now we see what wonders certain talents can do."
- Jessica, an eighth grade student at Heineman Middle School in Algonquin, Illinois
"The best thing about the show was the fact that the students had fun while learning about issues that affect them every day. They learned about positive choices. Awesome connection with kids!!! Kids teaching kids works well!!!"
- Brian Faulkner, Assistant Principal, Heineman Middle School in Algonquin, Illinois
"Our staff felt that the performers had excellent messages for our young students. The student response was overwhelmingly positive. Students appreciated that people their own age provided relevant topics. I hope we will have the opportunity to do this again."
- Paul D. Schrik, Sr., Principal, Serena Grade School in Serena, Illinois
"The CHAMPS Youth Conference would like to sincerely thank you for your outstanding performance. We have received rave reviews from all of the schools that participated. Everyone is already asking if you'll be returning to present next year. Your troupe was amazing in their level of talent and energy; and your presentation really did convey messages of love, acceptance, and hope - messages not heard very often in the lives of some youth."
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Angela Brown, Channahon Park District and CHAMPS Representative
"The best junior high school-oriented performance I've seen."
-Ian Shaw, Operation Snowflake coordinator, NCO Youth and Family Services, Naperville, Illinois
"It was a very super performance and provided great messages. Rochelle Middle School
students getting to hear these messages from their peers was a wonderful experience for
them. The MWAH! troupe sent the messages in a very exciting, fun, and age appropriate
way. I would recommend that MWAH! visit any school that cares about making sure students
understand that accepting diversity and supporting one another is a great way to lead their
lives."
- Joe Schwartz, Principal, Rochelle Middle School
"I just wanted you to know that the two shows were great! The singing and dancing were exceptional. Most of all, the students really identified with the performers and the topics covered. I like how the show goes from topic to topic; it flows well."
--Marianne Culver, President , Kewanee Community Drug and Alcohol Task Force
"You guys really helped me understand more about how things actuallly happen in real life...I think you helped tons of students who may have had difficult problems in their lives...I know you really helped one person...thanks for everything."
-- a student attending Livingston County Snowflake at Prairie Central Junior High School, Forrest, Illinois
"An awesome assembly...what made a difference from past assemblies we have had is that MWAH! has students performing for students. Our students were not only entertained, but they got the message."
-- Perry Hayes, principal at Ellis Middle School, Elgin, Illinois
"I didn't think that today's assembly was going to be anything like that. It was awesome...it blew me away for sure. I really agree with the messages you guys are trying to put out there."
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Ben, a student at Galesburg High School in Galesburg, Illinois
"It really hit home with me. I have never drank, smoked, or done anything like that, but all week I had been planning on going to a party that night and drinking. The story that Mrs. Murdock told really touched my heart, and I decided I was going to go to the movies instead."
--
Megan, student at Galesburg High School
"I think you did an awesome job...you really seemed sincere about everything you said and it reached me...I admire you for doing this because it's just a small step to making our world a better place...it also showed me more ways that I could help to make the world better!"
--- Abby, student at York High School of Elmhurst
"That was, hands down, the best assembly I have witnessed here at Rockridge as a student and as a teacher."
- Deanna Lee, teacher, Rockridge High School
"I have heard nothing but good comments about the assembly. Your MWAH! troupe did an excellent job. Personally, I think this was the best assembly we have ever had."
- Patti Thomas, administrative staff, Rockridge High School
"Words cannot describe the impact the MWAH! troupe had on our students. Your talents don't lie just in your ability to sing, dance, and act, but more importantly, in your ability to touch people and make a difference. Not just a message of don't do drugs and don't drink, but a message of making healthy decisions so we can spend a lot of time together."
- Jeffrey R. Flater, Athletic Director, Rockridge High School
"THANKS FOR COMING! YOU GUYS DID AN AWESOME JOB! I'm a teacher at Rockridge and in the 11 years here, your MWAH presentation was by far the BEST I've ever seen. It was an assembly with a great message and I know our kids were listening. In fact, they are still talking about it today. Thank you for sharing your talents, singing, acting, and especially the dancing. You grabbed the student body's interest immediately! Thank you for incorporating Ryan's life and message into your routine. Knowing that this word will be spread throughout the state gives us just a bit of peace in our hearts."
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Angela DeKeyrel,Teacher at Rockridge High School
"I thought the performance was great, especially the country music...the
message got through very easily to us...thanks for coming."
-Rach, Student at Rockridge High School
"I totally loved ur guys' performance...it was cool!...I really liked the hip hop
dancing...U were good!"
-Sara, Student at Rockridge High School
"I think that's really cool what you guys are doing. I wish I had the
chance to help somebody like that...my cousin (also 14) and I both think you are really
amazing...you would fit great in our school!"
-Lacey, age 14, Student at Rockridge High School
