October 20, 2022

Julie Smith/News Tribune
Mark Dawson of Next Gen Assemblies speaks to students at Immaculate Conception School Wednesday during a morning assembly about how two years ago he weighed as much as a refrigerator before finally deciding to get his weight under control. He felt low self worth and took to heart everyone's negative comments regarding his weight, which, he said, just became a vicious circle. Dawson and his performance partner spoke, sang and danced for students to draw them in and hold their attention during the assembly. The event is designed to impart to students that "they matter, they have value and they have purpose", thereby making them MVP's.