Bloomington High School South, The Gothic, 2016, Page 118

Description:	heThe 2016 senior executives led Souths Dance Marathon to arecord-breaking year and put them on the map as the statessecond largest high school marathon.Although it is an annual event, Dance Marathon is anything butrepetitive. The marathon not only rallies students, but teachers, friendsand family all contribute to making a difference. The passion behindDance Marathon could be summed up in just three letters: FTKmeaning for the kids. However, the responsibility for making the nighta reality fell in the laps of the senior executives, some of whom hadexperiences as Riley patients or famiy members..Seniors Ana Olavarrieta Trejo and Sophia Padgett both hadclose experiences with Riley. My sister has been a Riley kid since shewas born, publicity executive Olavarrieta said. So my family and I havebeen in and out of the hospital [for] nine years now. For Olavarrieta,the true value and difference that Dance Marathon made was in theatmosphere at Riley itself. [I] instantly feel safe and comfortable, andknowing that my sister is in such good hands makes things way lessstressful and scary for the whole family, Olavarrieta said. Her favoritepart about Souths Dance Marathon was the Riley families and hearingtheir stories. Knowing that your hard work is helping these childrenhave healthy lives and reach their dreams and goals is the best part ofthe whole thing, Olavarrieta said. She and her family shared their storyon stage along with others who felt the helping hand of Riley ChildrensHospital.Like Olavarrieta, Padgett spent time at Riley, but her experiencewas as a patient. Padgett, vice president of fundraising, entered RileyHospital as a seven year old and has remained a crucial part of her lifeever since. She was in the hospital for six months the first time andlater again when she was 10. Ive seen all sides of the hospital afterhaving had biopsies, pice lines, and I was even on a morphine pump for12 days when I was there my first time, Padgett said. [Ive seen] howmuch of a difference a group of individuals [my] age can make in justone night. According to Padgett, her experience as a patient allowedher to relate to the Riley kids and fueled her long involvement in themarathon. Its great giving back to those who helped save my life,Padgett said.This years record-breaking total finished at $150,685.69. After11 consecutive years, Bloomington South became the second largesthigh school Dance Marathon in the country with over 1000 attendees.The investment of this years senior executives was palpable andspread to increase the participation. I have found a love and passionin Dance Marathon that I dont think I could have found anywhereelse, Olavarrieta said.- ARIANNE KELLEY AND BRITTANY UNDERWOOD
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-bloomsouth/id/9754
Collection:	Bloomington High School South

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