By: Kristin Giant, Development Officer
On April 28th and 29th, 2016 instructors Brittney Coughlin and Kelly Holt were beaming as graduating seniors from South Side High School’s dance program walked onstage to be introduced and celebrated. With involvement in the dance program ranging from 1 year to 4 years, these seniors all have bright futures ahead of them—futures that have been heavily influenced by their participation in the SSHS dance program.
Did you know that Fort Wayne Dance Collective is the force behind the dance programs at many schools in Fort Wayne? Did you know that thousands of students every year are given the chance to dance, learn, and grow with world class instructors on their own school campuses thanks to the support of the donors and funders of Fort Wayne Dance Collective?
As the new development officer at FWDC, my eyes were brimming with tears as I heard Ms. Brittney Coughlin read favorite memories of the graduating seniors aloud at the South Side High School Spring Concert. The students shared pride in their performances, privilege in dancing with teachers in the annual “Dancing with the Stars” fundraiser, and the triumph of overcoming obstacles as a team. One student shared, “My favorite memory was performing for the first time at North Side High School with all the different schools and dancing with our South Side High School special needs students.” This young woman will be studying Special Needs and Elementary Education at Indiana State University in the fall.
This is far more than a dance program. The memories and experiences these students are creating are helping to shape their young lives.
These memories are not possible without the support of generous donors like YOU in this community and beyond. Now, it’s my pleasure to invite you to witness this impact firsthand! Join us THIS Thursday, May 12th, at Wayne High School to see another of our incredible Fort Wayne Community School dance programs take the stage! Please consider a donation to FWDC in support of our incredible Dance in Education programming. Your impact will go far.
Have a wonderful week!
Kristin Giant, Development Officer
