Spring 2004

Making a Difference, One Student at a Time

Mike Meyer is a role model for the youth of Cedar Creek Middle School.   He knows that the children of today are the future of tomorrow, and that’s why he invests his time and commitment to the growth of Dance Marathon.

While attending Penn State for his graduate work, Mike saw what a momentous contribution Dance Marathon provides for the student community. After September 11 th students at Cedar Creek Middle wanted to know how they could make a difference.   As a guidance counselor for the student body, Mike knew just what to prescribe- a good healthy dose of Dance Marathon implementation! The students are encouraged to do good deeds as a means to raise money.   Children solicit in their communities for chores like babysitting and yard work.

This will be the third year Cedar Creek Middle School has hosted a Dance Marathon.   Mike is learning how to increase community participation and support. So far Mike has been heading up the event himself, but this will be the first year that he will use a committee.   Something that has been a big hit for their community is to have a school carnival a few hours before the actual Dance Marathon. While at the carnival you can see a professional laser show, take part in the dunking machine, or go wild making a   “human sundae”. There’s a host of fun things to do. This allows for everyone in the community to get involved, and it raises more funds for the cause. Their first year they raised over $6,000 and last year they raised over $10,000. Their goal in 2004 is $15,000!

More important than the dollars earned are the lessons learned among the students.   It’s rewarding for the young people to meet the miracle kids and their families, students have that opportunity before the actual Dance Marathon. This gives them the perspective to keep dancing through the 12-hour event. When you consider the activity level of middle school age youth, Chaperones are needed!   Mike creates great incentives for these volunteers. Last year they had an on-call professional massage therapist at the event.   There are incentives for the students as well. Five students were sent to attend Penn State’s Dance Marathon last year. This was so exciting for those kids that they will work that much harder to get there again next year. Other incentives for students include free video yearbooks, free tickets to upcoming school dances, and other prizes.

Through Dance Marathon students at Cedar Creek Middle School are able to make a positive difference in their community.  They are excited about volunteer work and feel a sense of accomplishment. Keep up the great work Mike. We appreciate all you and your committees are doing to make Children’s Miracle Network’s Dance Marathon program a success!