Addison Trail hosts inspirational program for eighth-graders
No matter how hard grown-ups try, no one can make the transition from grade school to high school more exciting than the students themselves.
That's why Addison Trail High School invited all Addison-area eighth-graders to its "Pay It Forward" program this winter.
The program aims to build community by mentoring youth and cultivating their leadership skills -- and it incorporates the talents of students already attending Addison Trail.
About 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 (and some adults, too, of course).
They also watched a show by MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe, whose name stands for Messages Which Are Hopeful. Their performance combines acting, singing and dancing that explores tough issues high schoolers face today, using music like hip-hop, bluegrass and pop to relate to the students.