The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Carol Montana

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY (March 2, 2011) – Math teacher Bill O’Morrissey, was the master of ceremonies for Dancing with the Teachers (DWTT) at Tri-Valley School. “Never in my entire life have I seen such a conglomeration of teachers willing to make fools of themselves,” he said during intermission.

And while there was certainly no shortage of that this past Monday night, there was also no lack of incredibly talented students either.

DWTT was all for a good cause. Seventh grade Tri-Valley student Thomas MacPherson was recently diagnosed this past December with T-Cell Non-Hodgkins Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, and his community came together to raise money to help without-of-pocket expenses.

Thomas was almost speechless at the response and the nearly full theatre estimated at almost 900 people. “I feel that the school did a little too much for me …,” he said.

His mother Sue Ann Smith was overwhelmed as well. “I don’t know what to say … we’re really thankful for the help and support.” The funds will be used to help with traveling to and from Westchester for treatment every week.

Judges April Kackos, Connie Elberth and Kevin Giroux all of whom were totally totally unqualified to judge dancers, said that there were four categories: Most in Sync, Best Dance Techniques, Most Original and Best in Show.

The 17 acts included performances by The Dance Emporium of Middletown; the 5th, 7th and 8th grades; an alphabet soup of school organizations: the FBLA, the FCCLA, the FFA; the Tri-Valley Bears Football team, and the Best in Show winners: The Art Club.

Three teachers vied all week for the chance to get a pie in the face during intermission. And the winner was Dean of Students Derek Adams who said he got the honor because of how much the students like him.  

DWTT was organized by Business Education teacher Brenda Hay and her Entertainment Marketing class. The event raised $3,181.83 for the MacPherson family.

Enjoy some additional photos below and then check out the DWTT gallery on Zenfolio, where you can also purchase prints.