The Riley Dance-A-Thon is coming up. On Friday Feb. 28, 2026. Students participating in the dance-a-thon will come together to celebrate their fundraising.
“The Riley Dance-A-Thon is a fundraiser that National Honors Society hosts to raise money for the children at Riley Children’s foundation,” National Honors Society staff advisor, Kathleen Morefield, said.
Morefield has a very special connection to the cause.
“I participate because I find it a very ‘close to home’ organization. I know people that have personally been impacted by Riley Children’s Foundation,” Morefield said.
Many students come together each year to fundraise. This year, the goal is ambitious yet accomplishable.
“The goal this year is to raise $45,000 but the most we have ever raised was $58,000,” Morefield said.
The fundraising is done solely through the hard work of the students.
“The students make a fundraising page inside of their team page and they share that with family and friends who can directly donate. You can also donate straight to the page on behalf of North Central,” Morefield said.
The entire event is a great opportunity for all students to get involved with volunteer work while having fun with their friends.
“Students should participate because it’s a great way to get together as a school community and have fun. It’s also good to raise awareness and funds for the kids that are in need,” Morefield said.
Junior team leader Michael Barda thinks it is a positive way to wrap up the week.
“I like Riley Dance-A-Thon because it’s a fun way to spend your Friday night while supporting a good cause,” Barda said.
This year was Barda’s first year participating in the dance-a-thon. Despite being a new experience, Barda decided to be the captain of his own fundraising team.
“To make my team I went around and asked some friends if they would be willing to help the cause. We decided that our team theme was going to be western,” Barda said.
Each team is asked to submit a theme. This is a fun aspect of the dance-a-thon but it is also very important.
“Everybody on the team dresses up as that theme and the reason is that when we look out on the dance floor we can see at least one person from every team dancing,” Morefield said.
Junior Rose Strabala is looking forward to teaming up with her friends to support the cause.
“I am looking forward to dressing up in the theme. My team decided we are going to be minions. I am also looking forward to spending time with my friends,” Strabala said.
While there have been many fun dance-a-thons in the past, Morefield believes this year will be special.
“I have a feeling that this year is going to be my favorite memory because my friend, Evan, is coming to speak for the first time ever about his story and that’s going to be really special,” Morefield said.
The Riley Dance-A-Thon is a productive way to spend time with your community while giving back at the same time.
“I’m really excited to participate in the dance-a-thon because I will get to be with my close friends while celebrating all the money we worked to raise,” Strabala said.
