Dance partners Johnny Daniels and Dianna Walker from San Jacinto Intermediate perform a cha-cha routine during "Dancing With The Principals."
Contributions for Third-Annual Gala Hit $100,000 Level
Nine dance numbers, three dance judges and an audience of nearly 600 added up to a record-setting, six-figure evening at the Pasadena ISD's third annual "Dancing With The Principals" gala at the Houston Hobby Marriott on Saturday night.
The event ended, as has become tradition, with an audience dance party that carried close to the witching hour and with an announcement that event raked in - for the first time -- $100,000 in total contributions.
"Dancing With The Principals" debuted in 2009 as a cooperative effort of the Pasadena ISD and the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation. Proceeds go to the Education Foundation to fund teacher grants and other foundation projects.
The gathering attracted dignitaries from the spheres of local government, business and education.
The top vote-getter among competing dance teams was the Keller Middle School tandem of Diane Phelan, principal at Keller, and Mark Buratti, a coach at the school.
Buratti parodied a senior citizen who gets his dancing legs back as Phelan coaxes him into a swing routine, performed to "Your Moma Don't Dance."
The judges' award for best performance went to Memorial High Principal Dr. Angela Stallings and her chorus line of six assistant principals. The Maverick contingent performed a hip-hop routine to the song "Dynamite G6."
Supporting assistant principals were Steve Fleming, Kevin Blain, Roneka Lee, Derek Moody, Jeremy Richardson and Tish Eubanks.
The award for top fundraiser went to the San Jacinto Intermediate tandem of Dianna Walker, the school's principal, and Johnny Daniels, who coaches at San Jacinto.
Judges for the event were Ron and LeeAnn Smith, the owners of Time Dance Studio, and Gerald Morris, the owner of Texas 2-Steppers.
Emcees were Candace Ahlfinger, the district's Associate Superintendent for Communications, and Nolan Allen, president of the Pasadena Rotary Club.
Education Foundation President Calvin Powitzky provided the welcome. And Dr. Kirk Lewis, superintendent for the Pasadena ISD, delivered emotional closing comments in which he thanked teachers, staff and supporters for their contributions to the gala and other district endeavors.
Photo collections of all nine dance performances can be accessed by clicking on the links below.
Lisa Haws and Melissa Chamberlain, Golden Acres Elementary
Linda Garrett and Terry Webb, South Houston Intermediate
Mike Van Loenen and Cynthia Pena, Lomax Middle School
Shirlyn Ross and Dan Ross, Young Elementary
Marsha Jones and Jamelle Settles, Schneider Middle School
Dianna Walker and Johnny Daniels, San Jacinto Intermediate
Dr. Angela Stallings and staff, Memorial High School
Diane Phelan and Mark Buratti, Keller Middle School
Sandra Jobe Buckner and Ken Phelps, Kruse Elementary
The Superintendent's Dance: Dr. Kirk Lewis takes the floor with Cindy Parmer, the district's Director of Community Relations.
It's SHOWTIME! Competing dance teams pause for a group photo just before the opening number.
THE BIG WINNERS! Diane Phelan, principal at Keller Middle School, and Keller Coach Mark Buratti accept the trophy as top vote-getters.
Dr. Angela Stallings, principal at Memorial High, and her staff of assistant principals accept the judges' trophy for best overall performance.
Dr. Lewis presents the Top Fundraiser Award to Dianna Walker, principal of San Jacinto Intermediate, and her dance partner, San Jacinto Coach Johnny Daniels.
