by Amber Habron
Tag Archives: Floyd Central Bagpiper
FCDM zumba class inspires participants
By Haley Palmer and Amber Bartley
The floor shakes as the sweaty crowd shimmies and sways to the upbeat melody. Around thirty eager students showed up at zumba instructor Marcee LaHue’s second consecutive Dance Marathon zumba class.
“When I came here last year, I did not know what to expect. I was a little nervous about teaching Zumba to a bunch of teenagers, but when I got on stage everyone was so excited and enthusiastic and went with me,” said LaHue.
Numerous participants have personal connections to Riley Children’s hospital that inspire them to partake in the Dance Marathon activities. Sophomore Lucy Reising is motivated by her younger sister, Grace, who is getting a kidney transplant next year.
“My sister is in the hospital lot, so I know that hospitals can be really boring for kids. It’s nice to help them have fun while they’re going through a difficult time,” said Reising.
Others like junior Morgan Shultz have no personal connection to the children at Riley’s, but they participate anyways.
“I’m inspired by the Riley stories and what the hospital can do for the kids that wouldn’t have a chance otherwise,” said Shultz.
Whether those who participate in the marathon have personal reasons or are simply inspired by the emotional Riley stories, it’s a great way to support the community in a positive way.
“I think that your student body is so cool, diverse, and accepting. The energy level for students is amazing. I have a great time teaching zumba to the Floyd Central high schoolers and it is definitely the most fun class I teach,” said LaHue.
Career information teacher’s witchcraft and wizardry helps out fellow Riley’s kids
by Amber Habron and Garland Noel
“I don’t know how they do that, but I love it!”
Career information teacher Dilbert Hillegas is a lot of things. He is Santa Claus, a magician, and a Riley’s kid.
Using the stage name “Delbert the Wizard,” Hillegas performed a 20-minute long magic show in the main gym benefitting Riley’s Children’s Hospital.
“I’ve been on stage, and I’ve done motion pictures, and I’ve done all those things, so it’s no big deal in that regard, but it was a little intimidating to me because of having you in class,” said Hillegas. “You want to do well for that. I hope I did a good job.”
Starting with card tricks, Hillegas progressed to balloon animals, magic hats, rope tricks, and the all-important rabbit trick. He even used a “nuclear-powered” coloring book, but he couldn’t do it alone.
“I was really glad he picked me,” said student volunteer junior Jordyn
Boling.
While the duo began by making a hat out of paper, Hillegas became Boling’s assistant for the rope trick, which involved cutting an ever-growing rope and removing a knot without untying it. Hillegas even let her keep the hat.
“I’m so happy I’m just trying not to cry,” said Boling.
Not done yet, Hillegas took off the wizard’s robe to share his story as a Riley’s kid after the morale committee taught the third part of the morale dance.
“Had it not been for that [a doctor at Riley’s], I wouldn’t be standing here, to this day, singing the praises of Riley’s hospital who saved my life,” said Hillegas. “I thank them every day.”
Next year, Hillegas would like to see a corporation support the event so that all of the money goes to Riley’s.
“In the end, 100 percent of our money goes to the kids, and that’s what’s supposed to happen.”
For people who did not attend FCDM this year, Hillegas only had this advice.
“Look at what you missed. Take a look at that video, and look at what you missed.”
Fourth annual marathon launches with a spirited start
Sights and sounds from FCDM just before 2 p.m. registration
