A message that started out funny and entertaining for an auditorium full of Black River Falls students on Wednesday ended up touching on serious issues like depression, bullying, and substance abuse that teenagers face.

"I think that they'll have a lasting impact on our school," said Junior Tyler Roskos. "People remember them, they won't just forget it."

The Nebraska-based R5 Productions spent about an hour with an updated message: treat your classmates with respect.

"Doesn't mean you have to like them or be their best friend, just respect them," said R5 Communicator Ryan Schwaninger.

The district made a big investment in that message. The group's website shows it charges schools between $1,00 and $2,800 to give the presentations. It also shows that R5 doesn't promote any religious beliefs.

Members of a youth leadership organization who heard R5 speak last year say it made them think of their school.

"The message really impacted us both personally, and we thought that students that we were friends with and related to every day, that it would help them a lot also," said Junior Kendra Gates.

About a year ago, school leaders say two Black River Falls students committed suicide in two week's time. Now they say it's time for students to realize they have value, and so do their classmates.

"I think they learned that there are ways to deal with their problems besides maybe the ways they had been in the past, and that they're not alone," said Senior Cory Roseth.

"Black River Falls High School went through some rough times one year ago and this is also always a rough time for schools," said Assistant Principal Mark Weddig. "It's winter, things are getting long, they haven't had a break in a while, so it's a good time to lift spirits and get people thinking about each other."

The R5 group also made a presentation to Alma Center Lincoln High School on Wednesday.