By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - When Todd Stoops died 15 months ago in an auto accident, Kristen Byrge dealt with her loss by writing a song about her dear friend.

That song not only helped the Lakota East senior cope with her feelings but it became the basis of a script, "Why Did It Happen?" she wrote for Lakota East High School's Under Pressure troupe.

"It brings back memories," Byrge said. "It's a way to let your emotions out - deal with a tragedy, hoping it helps someone else."

Formed in 1997, the troupe takes real life issues teens have faced and turns them into brief, dramatic skits shared with other teenagers.

Topics have included rape, abuse, discrimination, suicide, sexual orientation, promiscuity, drug and alcohol abuse, and HIV/AIDS.

This week, the troupe shared eight skits in a 30-minute program it presented at the Southeastern Butler County Chamber of Commerce.

"Some of the monologues may make you feel uncomfortable," Dane Turner warned the audience. "But we tell the truth."

Danny Hall said collaborating on scripts, telling others' stories through skits, has strengthened the ties between members.

This year a similar troupe, On the Edge, is starting at Lakota West.