Category Archives: Jeremy Hammond

Dance Marathon committees make final preparations as FCDM begins

By Brooke McAfee, Elise Kurk, and Mitchell Lockhart

As students and volunteers prepare for a long day of activities, they express their excitement for today’s Dance Marathon.

Junior Sydney Davis, who is part of the Entertainment Committee, said she is excited to how much money is raised.

“I am super excited to see our total. I am really hoping we meet our goal,” she said.

Senior Eliza Hudson is part of the Morale Committee, and it is her responsibility to get people pumped up and teach the morale dance throughout the day.

“There will be a lot of games and activities and a lot of great Riley kids stories,” she said.

Another aspect many people are excited about is the free food. It is the Dance Marathon Committee’s job to find caterers to donate food. The food will include Tumbleweed, Beef ‘O’Brady’s, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Olive Garden, and Arni’s.

“We spend months leading up the the Dance Marathon contacting different restuarants seeing if they will donate food or sell at a discounted price,” said junior Gabby Gibson, who works on the Catering Committee.

Some of the events that are scheduled include a Hunger Games event, involving Nerf guns, and the Rave Hour, featuring strobe lights and a fog machine in a darkened room.

Kerry Jones, one of the heads of the National Art Honors Society, is working at a booth where students can make items for sick children.

“We are making puppy-pals and stuffing pillows…each pillow goes to a sick kid,” she said.

Senior Sarah Henry, an entertainment and decorations executive member, said although the activities are enjoyable, it is helping the Riley children that is most rewarding.

“I can’t wait to see the whole school come together for the kids,” she said.

FCDM has just begun. Check back throughout the afternoon and evening for continual coverage.

Morale captains bring Riley enthusiasm to FCDM

By Zoe Doebbler, Braden Schroeder, and Jeremy Hammond

The heart and blood of today’s Dance Marathon lies partially inside the Morale Committees’s captains.

The members of the Morale Committee are specially picked for their ability to inspire positive attitudes in themselves and others.

“It [being a Moral Captain] always takes being a role model, always knowing what it’s for. There are people out there that aren’t as fortunate as us. Always have a good heart, always have a good time,” said sophomore Tristan Barnes.

The Morale Captains have to find their inspiration first before they can inspire others.

“I believe I put more than my heart into this. I put my blood, sweat, and tears. My inspiration was having fun and knowing that I was doing something good,” said junior Garry Posey.

Junior Garry Posey poses in his Moral Captain attire before the Dance Marathon begins.
Junior Garry Posey poses in his Moral Captain attire before the Dance Marathon begins. Photo by Zoe Doebbler.

Junior Olivia Hudson applies a tattoo to senior Kristina Foster's cheek in preparation for the Dance Marathon. Photo by Braden Schroeder.
Junior Olivia Hudson applies a tattoo to senior Kristina Foster’s cheek in preparation for the Dance Marathon. Photo by Braden Schroeder.