Decades of dance

by Mahith Samarathunga news staff

After months of prepping and planning, Dance Marathon hosted its final event at the high school Feb. 4 to celebrate the amount of money students have raised. When the first Dance Marathon was organized 10 years ago, $20,000 was raised for the Children’s Miracle Network. This fundraiser raised over $70,000 for kids.

“It’s such a rewarding experience,” senior Addie Kerner said. “There’s no actual reward or recognition or anything really. It’s just amazing to see what everyone can accomplish. We spent so much time working so hard on the event.”

This year, the Dance Marathon team spent nine months planning and fundraising towards their goal. With the support of two sponsors, Micheal Farrell and Lauren Fisher, the students’ primary fundraising goal has been achieved.

”The students wanted to do this on their own,” Farrell said. ”They just needed some guidance from adults in the building and I was more than happy to help them.”

$ 72,279

During the event, there were many memorable activities. Many students participated in throwing pie at their peers and teachers, cornhole and face painting.

“I think towards the end it is really fun,” junior Kate Margulis said. “We do the huge reveal, which is obviously a fun part. I think my favorite part was the pie in the face.”

A new tradition is starting at the Ladue High School April 26 called Rams Around the World. It is a student inclusion group run by Jennifer Tuttle, Rebecca Rubin-Schlansky and Ladue students who are a part of the inclusion committee.

“We asked the students to come up with ideas so we could make something happen this year,” Tuttle said. “They all spoke really highly of the elementary school passport nights. That’s where Rams Around the World comes from.” participated

Money raised in 10 years $ 577,601

24

300 students sponsors & donors

Even though the Executive Board says it’s a lot of work, it’s a worthwhile endeavor.

“It’s really cool to see what we all can accomplish at the event, which is [a] combination of all of our efforts,” senior Naomi Lang said.

Dance Marathon has touched many students’ lives. The amount of effort students put into this cause has not gone unnoticed.

“It has true power,” senior Sam Deutsch said. “Participants from all different grades from all different walks of life unite on a common goal of just helping change the future of kids’ health. I think that’s a powerful thing.”

Dance Marathon has left its mark by creating a meaningful change around the community.

“It’s really nice knowing that you’re doing something good for your community,” Margulis said.

It is only the inclusion committee’s second year in existence, and as their kick off event, students will be able to participate in a district-wide event where students from different cultures will have booths. These booths will showcase the traditional clothing, food, music, dance and entertainment all set up in the multipurpose room. Language and culture socities and clubs at the high school will be participating in the event.

“I’m excited to be a part of the planning committee for this,” senior Sela Masaki said. “At Reed, I remember loving passport night and it being one of my favorite events of the year. We have an amazing range of cultures at Ladue, and I hope that this event will tell people that they are loved and celebrated.”