R5 Productions Hits Home to Students
September 16, 2008
The 7-12 assembly on Monday, Sept. 15th hit home to the majority of the student body. Students were taken through a series of emotions during the hour long assembly. Mike Donahue from R5 began the assembly with a short video on hilarious clips that sent the students rolling with laughter in the bleachers. However, Mike took on a much more serious role and had students in tears as he told about his life growing up and the abuse he went through at home and at school. His focus throughout the presentation was on the effects that bullying can have on others and that the verbal abuse can be more hurtful and leave hidden scars.
Mike took the students through the lives of those he has met in the past and letting them walk in "their" shoes. He spoke of the "masks" that others wear to protect themselves and the problems associated with the self-medicating techniques that students are currently using...such as drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, and the newest trend of cutting.
Ally, R5 Productions Intern, also gave her story of bullying and verbal violence. Students connected with Ally as she came from a town the size of Plainview and they could relate to the situations she spoke of and emotions that she felt.
Alyssa Brozek was asked to come to the front and wrap herself in chains and Mike talked about a girl and the life she was leading. After his dialogue, juniors and seniors were asked to unchain Alyssa and then to find and apologize to students that they have treated unfairly in the past.
Mike continued to emphasize throughout the program how students need to find their dream and work towards living their dream. Students continued to connect with R5 during the leadership academy session which was held following the assembly. After school students continued to meet with Mike and Ally discussing situations in their lives and how to cope with different issues they each day.
The parent/student session which was held that same evening in the Tartan Gym was well attended. All came away from the session more informed about issues affecting teens and how to open lines of communication.
