September 12, 2016, Allentown, PA – In celebration of both culture and health, the Allentown School District’s 5th Annual Middle School Latin Dance Competition will be held on Wednesday, November 16, in William Allen High School’s Dr. John McHugh Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. This year, the Allentown School District Foundation is proud to announce the event sponsorship of Highmark Blue Shield.
The Latin Dance Competition is an opportunity for students from the four middle schools in the Allentown School District to learn a variety of Latin dances, including the salsa, bachata, cha cha, and merengue, from professional dance instructors. Students meet after school throughout the 10-week program to not only learn the dances, but also gain an understanding about teamwork and discipline. Additionally, for many ASD students, this competition is a celebration of their own cultures.
“Highmark Blue Shield is proud to sponsor the 5th Annual Middle School Latin Dance Competition,” said Susan Hubley, Highmark Director of Community Affairs. “Dancing is a fun activity that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle, and these types of programs create opportunities for students to learn, grow and excel.”
“We are grateful to the Allentown School District Foundation for their continued support of the Middle School Latin Dance program which provides students with an opportunity to be part of a team that learns, refines, and practices a beautiful art form in order to shine together on stage before an appreciative, supportive and loving community,” says Irene Blough, Program Founder and Dance Director.
Highmark’s sponsorship highlights the health benefits of a program such as this. Students get regular exercise while learning new and fun skills. The Health, Safety and Physical Education standards include factors that affect the relationship between regular physical activity and motor skill improvement, including:
- Success-oriented activities
- School-community resources
- Variety of activities
- Time on task
The dance instruction and support team consists of:
- Irene Blough – Dance Director
- Mercedes Van Acken – Dance Instructor
- Eric Bass – Dance Instructor
- Brenna Schlossburg – Dance Coordinator, Harrison Morton Middle School
- Tara Beaky – Dance Coordinator, Raub Middle School
- Maria Bonilla – Dance Coordinator, South Mountain Middle School
- Jennifer Halucha – Dance Coordinator, Trexler Middle School
The event is open to the public. Tickets are $5/adults and $3/students with ID. William Allen High School is located at 106 North 17th Street, Allentown.
About Allentown School District Foundation
With a vision for enriched education for Allentown School District students, the ASD Foundation mission is to encourage, promote and support innovative educational experiences for students in the Allentown School District. If you would like to learn more, please contact the foundation at 484-765-4093 or williamssu@allentownsd.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 328, 31 South Penn Street, Allentown PA 18105. www.allentownsd.org/asdf.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves more than 16,000 students in a network of 22 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools located throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District is the third largest urban school district out of 500 districts in the Commonwealth. A shared vision of the community, parents, guardians, staff and faculty focuses on “Empowering Students for Life,” providing ASD students with the skills and academics they need to realize their aspirations whether they be college, career or technical focus. ASD goals are aligned and compatible with the Pathways to Success Framework while providing a balanced education to all students. Allentown School District employs approximately 2,200 teachers, staff and administrators. The District, founded in 1866, is celebrating its Sesquicentennial throughout 2016. ASD serves students from 43 countries speaking 26 languages with nearly 90 percent of households qualifying as low income. ASD is committed to providing safe learning environments in which all students have equal access to education programs and resources.
www.allentownsd.org
Information provided by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
