Dancing with the Teachers fundraiser returned on March 12 at Kennedy High School, with eight teachers competing for the coveted mirror ball trophy – and bragging rights. 

Teachers Mr. Ryan, Ms. Harcerlode, Mrs. Ober, Mr. Arkow, Ms. Volpe and Mr. Walsh, and Mr. Caballero, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s director of athletics, worked with teachers from local dance studio JAM Dance & Fitness in Bellmore for weeks leading up to the competition, which raised more than $8,300 for Special Olympics New York.  

Ahead of the event, employees from Willows Cove Salon in Mineola volunteered their time to provide makeup and hair styling services for the teachers. Additionally, Esquire Tuxedos of Merrick provided complimentary tuxedo rentals. The school’s PTA also served as an event sponsor. 

Mr. Velasquez, last year’s winner, Mrs. Cirillo, and a senior/raffle winner chosen on the night of the event served as judges, commenting on various criteria such as costumes, dance style, facial expressions and more.  

At the end of the evening, Mr. Walsh, a social studies teacher and coach, was crowned the winner. 

Teachers Mrs. McManus and Mr. Lella served as the evening’s emcees, welcoming and interviewing competitors, injecting much humor into the event, and even showing off some Irish step-dancing moves of their own. Mr. Gattus hosted Minute to Win It games that incorporated students from the audience. 

This event was organized by the school’s Student Government Association, which is led by faculty advisor Brad Seidman.