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Vaughn Little and Tina Wray are teaming up to raise money for Danville schools. (September 1, 2012) |
The competition is steep and the smack talk has already begun for the first “Dancing with the Danville STARS”, to be held on Sept. 15 at Danville High School’s Gravely Auditorium as a district-wide fundraiser.
“I’m confident we’re going to win,” Gina Bernard, principal at Jennie Rogers Elementary said of she and dance partner Brent Beauman, who teaches physical education at the school.
Hogsett Elementary Principal Rebecca Doolin has a different opinion.
“I know the Dynamic Doolins are going to come out victorious,” Doolin said of her team-up with husband Justin. “There’s going to be some steep competition, but, hands down, we will win.”
According to Danville High School assistant football coach Vaughn Little, competitors have sought him out. But that doesn’t faze he and partner Tina Wray, district special education director.
“My teammate and I are looking at this like we are the underdogs. They are good and we have to be better. Going for it all,” he said.
Other participants include Superintendent Carmen Coleman and husband Scott; Bate Middle School teacher Robin Moler and former DHS student Bruce Caudill; Toliver Elementary School Principal Judy Spellacy with husband Mike; and community members Artie and James Atkins, who serves on Danville City Commission.
Unfortunately for the Atkins and the Colemans, the other contestants will have entire schools backing them hoping to win money for their school. The Atkins and Colemans will have to rely on community support to help them keep up, explained Danielle Dampier, spokeswoman for the Danville Education Foundation, which is organizing the event.
Contestants choose their own outfits, music, and dances. There will be a variety of styles on display, from the fox trot to swing dancing. Little and Wray are being very secretive about their performance.
“It is one that will touch the lives of everyone and appeal those who are 80 to those who are teenagers,” Little said.
Doolin says the competition is a “win-win” situation because it will be an entertaining way to bring in some extra money. “Couldn’t ask for a more wonderful way to raise money for the schools and have fun,” she said.
The winners will be determined by votes that translate into donations. Votes can be placed at the central office, at each school, or online. Money gathered as votes before the event will be tallied and given to the designated school to use as needed. The duo that raises the most money will be awarded a trophy and $1,000 for the school of their choice.
Money gathered through ticket sales — admission is $10 for adults and $3 for students — and taken in the night of the competition will go to the education foundation, which offers mini grants to teachers, enabling them to purchase supplies or take field trips beyond their normal budgets.
Each team has been offered the chance to partake in group dance lessons at the Danville Community Arts Center from instructor Mykol Hamilton, who also teaches psychology at Centre College and has a daughter in the Danville schools.
To add a show biz touch, Charlie Perry, Alex Meckes and Susie Smith will be on hand as judges and critique the dancers’ performances.
The event begins at 6 p.m. with a meet and greet of the dancers.
Visit www.danville.kyschools.us/educationfoundation for more information.
