Another Year Over

Well, in case you haven’t heard by now, we’ve once again made history by raising more than $245,000. That total is attributal only to our amazing community.

Thanks to our volunteers, alumni, community mebers and of course our dancers, there was not a dry eye or empty seat to be found at our closing ceremony Saturday night. The live auction brought in huge numbers, as did the many last-minute surprise donations. We had several very happy 50/50 winners, but one 50/50 ticket salesman who was forced to bow down to the alumni…

The dancers did an incredible job and not only do we hope to see all of them back next year, we also look forward to our new crop of alumni. Surely the Class of 2008 will not let the Class of 2007 out number them, right?

The amount of gratitude we have for each and every person who thinks of the first weekend in March as Marathon Weekend cannot truly be expressed. I think it would be easier to make list of people in upstate New York who aren’t associated with the Marathon Dance than to make a list of all the people who deserve a THANK YOU!!

So, for once and for all, in case it doesn’t get said enough, and because we really mean it…..

THANK YOU!!!!!

(Yes, that means you)

Lunch Time Antics and Afternoon Fun!!!

Well everyone it has been one heck of a morning. Things were a bit slow to get started this morning due to nearly everyone not having slept the night before, however SHMD 3.1 is in full SWING…

I cannot express to you how proud I am of our students, faculty, alumni, and community this year. Despite the snow the support from all parties has been amazing.

This afternoon there were quite the costumes and the students are really having fun.  From creative hamburgers made out of innertubes to Nickelodean vs’ Disney channel creativity is obviously at its finest.

 Well I’m off to try to upload photos to the site however since I do not have access to high speed internet at the school it is unlikely that any more photos or videos will be posted until I get home to Georgia.

Again…THANK YOU all, now LET’S DANCE!!!!

Howie

We made it thru

It is now almost 10:00am which means only one thing—we’ve made it through the night! Energy is high and spirits are strong…as is the coffee.

The school is a buzz of activity. Dancers have been through their DREAM costumes and will soon prepare for the PAIRS AND RIVALS parade. The smell of fried bread dough fills the hallway and alums are hard at work in the art wing painting signs for tonight’s grand finale. The dancers are still moving their feet and working hard. The old gym is full of auction items and people eager to buy t-shirts and raffle tickets. The snow is still coming down outside but that won’t stop us.

In true marathon fashion, the prize patrol has brought in some amazing auction items this year, for both the live and silent auctions. Bids are being made on Vera Bradley bags, furniture, free heating services, tanning packages, homemade afghans and baby clothes and much much more. At the live auction tonight, a stainless steel refrigerator, custom jewelry, an autographed Giants football and another custom SHMD neon light will go to the highest bidder, among several other amazing donations.

Massages and haircuts are being offered again this year, as well as face painting for the kids. We’re even raffling off a $1000 Glenn Peter Jewelers gift certificate!

Your updates may come a little quicker today, as the line of people wanting to be guest bloggers grows. It’s great to see you all enjoying this blog, leaving your comments, and getting excited to hear from different members of the dance community. Keep reading and we’ll keep posting!

Off 2 sleep they go

We’ve made it to the 4:00 mark and our dancers are going strong. They’re happy to be headed towards they’re sleep break though! We’ve had an interesting night so far.

The dancers played Simon Says with Dr Black a few hours ago and the winner took home a huge chocolate bar. The seniors then met to plan their Strut Your Stuff presentation…one you’re sure to love. We got to practice, so we’re all ready to WOW you!

Things are a bit quiet now, but that surely won’t last long. By the time the building opens back up to the public at 6:30 I’m sure our dancers will be rip-roarin and ready to go!!

We’ll be back on after the dancers are woken, changed and paraded around in the costumes they’ve worked so hard on. We hope to see lots of bright, well-rested, and cheery faces in the bleechers in the morning but if you can’t be here, we’ll be here to give you the play-by-play.

Hope you’re getting lots of sleep…enough for all of us!

Midnight Update

We’re through our first costume change and the LEGENDS theme was a big hit. The dancers really pulled it out and we were all very entertained. They’ve had their snack and they’re back on the floor.

I now proudly introduce to you our very first guest blogger of the evening. He’s a veteran alum and a key player in the Marathon world. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the man, the myth, the legend…Jeff Stewart:

hi folks, its great to be back here at the greatest place and time on earth. The south glens falls marathon. as i am talking to you all there are over 600 kids dancing like crazy, after raising money just to get in the door. I personally want to thank everyone for giving of their time and money to make this a great night.  i wish Icould remember all the great things that have happen over the years, but being old the only thing Iremember is that Ihave meet some very wonderful people , and have made many great memories.  i feel very lucky to have had the oportunity to be a part of the marathon, my father was an intigral part of the marathon along with my mom, and I thank them each year for starting this dance . on that note I will now sign off…   xxxoooxxxooo    stu

And they’re off!

The 31st South High Marathon has officially begun! After a rousing start by resident alums and screams that nearly “shooke the rafters” the dancers took to the floor. We are now about two hours into the dance…only about 26 to go. Freshman dancers had a special eductaional session with Anson and Chaz so they could properly learn the Marathon classics like “Cotton-Eyed Joe” and “The Gator.” The dancers formed their human puzzle on the floor and then they were on their feet, alongside Bugs Bunny, and Daffy Duck.

This blog is about an hour late, as record numbers of alumni had to meet for an info session about an hour ago. We’re very excited to see the amazing turnout by the class of 2007 and are sure they will fit perfectly into our alumni fam.

The dancers are busy at work now, but will soon go change into their first costume of the night. Everything’s up and running smoothly…and the energy is high!

We’ll be back to blog again in three hours at midnight. Perhaps I shall bring you a guest blogger?

On a personal note, we are incredibly happy to have one particular first-year alumni who was a patient at Sloan-Kettering just hours ago. She’s a diehard and a truly spirited girl. We all hold high hopes for her health and are ecstatic to see her smiling hospital mask!! Love you, M.L.