Twinkling lights, the sound of music and tons of smiling little girls dancing the night away set the tone for the evening at East Central Elementary School during their bi-annual Father-Daughter dance, Wish Upon a Star.
During this special Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) sponsored event, East Central students dressed up in their best evening dresses while their father, or special guest of their choice, came dressed to the nine and ready for the night’s events.
East Central Principal Kristin Teems greeted each visitor and their guests in the lobby, while students traveled through a maze of balloons and lights before reaching the gymnasium, decked with décor that disguised as a winter wonderland.
PTO member Amy DeHart was in charge of the bi-annual Father-Daughter dance, along with Hollye Smith, Ashley Kirby, Autumn Slatky, Karen Chipra and other volunteers. Pridemore and Cox Orthodontics (23 John Maddox Drive, Rome) also helped by providing photo kiosks for each daughter and her guest to take pictures before, during and after they danced the night away.
East Central student Caroline Plant and her father Matt Plant were busy breaking it down on the dance floor with all eyes on them. “This is actually my last dance ever,” said Matt. “We are just enjoying every minute of it!”
Caroline could be found smiling from ear to ear as her father spun her around on the dance floor. “My favorite part is getting to dance with my dad,” smiled Caroline. “This is one of the things I will remember most about my time at East Central.”
East Central students Gabbi Bishop and Maeve O’Neal were taking a break from dancing with their fathers, as they visited the snack table in-between several of their favorite songs. “Our favorite part of the ball was just being able to dance and have fun,” smiled Bishop.
“I have also enjoyed spending time with my dad and getting to dance with him. This is just a fun night!” said O’Neal.
“When we host these events, it is truly a night for our East Central ladies and their very special people. That person can be their dads, uncles, grandfathers, moms or brothers. It is a night where they can enjoy themselves and just have fun,” said Teems. “We also host events like these because of family. It’s the idea of getting the kids and their parents and family involved, and just having this special time together. It is just a great night for everyone.”
According to East Central staff, they alternate every other year hosting the father-daughter dance. This year, along with the Wish Upon a Star Ball, Teems and her staff are busy planning a mother-son game night. Next year, East Central will host a Mommy and Me event with female students and their mothers, and then a Dads and Dudes night.
East Central and their PTO hope all fathers and daughters who attended the Wish Upon a Star Ball had fun and made lasting memories.
