By Wendy Liberatore
Times Union
SOUTH GLENS FALLS, N.Y. — This week, South High dons neon. Boas and bandanas, tights and ties and even tutus are all cast in vivid greens, yellows, oranges and pinks, signaling that it’s time for the annual Dance Marathon — the massive 28-hour test of endurance to raise funds for those in need.
This year, the event, which has raised more than $5.6 million for 408 beneficiaries, will mark its 40th anniversary. And as is tradition, the event running from Friday night to midnight on Saturday, will see about 850 students bopping nonstop on the gym dance floor. For their efforts, they hope to top last year’s record setting total of $762,153.87.
“It’s staggering how successful the marathon has been,” said Tom Myott, the high school’s art teacher and adviser to the dance. “It’s not just the students. Parents, teachers and the entire community are invested in the marathon. There are about 450 adult volunteers.”
The reason, say the students who organize the fundraiser, are the beneficiaries who inspire the collective effort.
“It’s an experience of a lifetime,” said senior Aidan Stewart, who serves on the 12-member marathon student committee. “When you see the impact it has on hundreds of people and how it can change their life dramatically, you have to be involved.”
Emily Scarincio agreed.
“We pick the recipients,” said the senior. “When we go out to meet them, they inspire us to do it and keep going.”
Some request $500 for gas money for doctor appointments. Some need $20,000 for unpaid medical bills. One recipient is less than a year old, another is nearly 101. All of the beneficiaries, 40 to mark the ruby anniversary, come and cheer the dancers on. They need the encouragement because stepping and swaying in a gym that is crammed shoulder-to-shoulder is hot, stuffy and sticky. And mostly, the dancers, say, tiring.
“It’s pretty gross in there,” said senior Kevin Middleton. “But, when we get discouraged, we look at them and think how could we complain?”
The students admit that it’s tough to keep their minds on academics this week as they prep, with excitement, for the big dance. But they also say that the tone is more somber because they are missing one of the marathon’s most ardent supporters – State Trooper Timothy Pratt. Killed in October when he was hit by a car while on duty and aiding a truck driver, the 1979 South High alum was one of the earliest marathon dancers when the event only drew a couple dozen students who raised a few thousand dollars. Over the years, Pratt remained involved, consistently helping with security as the dance burgeoned into the biggest community happening of the year.
It was fitting then that the students decided to dedicate this year’s marathon to him. The opening ceremony with his family will honor his contributions.
“We all loved him,” said Allie Myott, the only freshman on the student committee. “We grew up with him, seeing him at the school and all the dances. We will miss him helping out.”
While the opening ceremony will be special this year, student Trinity Hallenbeck said the closing one is her favorite. That’s when all the recipients are recognized.
“At the end, you see why so many people love the dance,” said Hallenbeck. “We see all the beneficiaries and the whole community. You see they are behind us and each other. It feels good.”
Teacher Tom Myott agrees, adding something magical happens over that 28 hours.
“When you see all the volunteers, the students, the beneficiaries together, there is not a dry eye in the house,” he said. “It’s life changing for everyone.”
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©2017 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)