Baker students unite for DanceBlue
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The halls of Baker Intermediate are buzzing with competition, generosity, and purpose as students prepare for the school’s first DanceBlue event.
From Penny Wars to a schoolwide dance celebration, students are leading the charge to raise money and awareness as part of the University of Kentucky’s annual fundraiser to support children and families battling pediatric cancer.
While the event will be filled with fun and engaging activities, its purpose runs much deeper.
“The biggest thing we want them to come away with is we are doing something bigger than ourselves,” said Principal Josh Mounts. “We want them to be Engaged Citizens, and so we want every kid to be a part of it, to feel good about helping others. And we're helping children with cancer.”
In the weeks leading up to the celebration, students are participating in “Penny Wars” and other friendly fundraising competitions designed to encourage compassion and awareness.
On February 20, the event will culminate in a schoolwide dance experience, with students rotating through the gym in four groups to participate in music, interactive stations, and other activities.
UK students will lead Baker students in learning a choreographed dance, and students will create cards to send to young patients at UK Children’s Hospital.
Baker’s four teams — Dream, Believe, Succeed and Achieve — will rotate through the gym during related arts classes. At the end of the day, students who actively participated in fundraising will unveil posters revealing the total amount raised.
The event has drawn strong community support, with local businesses and individuals contributing donations.
As Baker Intermediate launches what it hopes will become an annual tradition, students are proving that even the smallest contributions can make a meaningful difference.
“You don't have to help financially if you can't,” Mounts said. “But just know there are people going through the fight. If we can't do it financially, let's do it with thoughts and prayers and kind words and support. We want our students to know there are bigger things than just us in this world.”
