Community Marathons
Dance Marathon at Florida State University supports five local high schools in the Tallahassee area in their Dance Marathon programs. In 2023, our high schools raised a total of $427,737.61!
If you, your middle school, or your high school are interested in starting a Dance Marathon program, please contact our Community Marathon Chair at dmfsu.communitymarathon@gmail.com.
OUR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Leon High School
Years Participating in Dance Marathon: 10
Leon Dance Marathon has a rich history of students as our Miracle Children. One of our favorite miracle stories is the story of Marshal Fisher, who fought through his battle as a student at Leon and came to Dance Marathon events. Just this past year, we hosted a tennis tournament in memory of his love of tennis. Marshal may have ultimately lost his battle, but Leon Dance Marathon is constantly fighting for kids like him. We could not do what we do without our incredible student body and teachers that support the cause.
Last year Leon High School raised $175,025.59 for our amazing cause. They are the second-highest fundraising high school in the country and the first in the state of Florida!
“Leon Dance Marathon is so special to me because it shows how great our community is at school. It is so comforting to know that there are so many people that care about the lives of children with health problems similar to mine.”
-Emily Novin
“My family was directly impacted by Dance Marathon’s funds, so it has been an incredibly important organization to me because I know we can have the same impact on other families that Dance Marathon had on mine.”
-Helen Conn
“I do Dance Marathon to help the kids at Shands Hospital and be a part of something greater than myself.”
-Fenner David
“Leon Dance Marathon brings out the best in our school and community”
-Patrick Koon
Chiles High School
Years Participating in Dance Marathon: 7
Chiles Dance Marathon is an organization run by Chiles students to raise funds for children and their families fighting pediatric illnesses. With over 200 students registered last year, it is one of the biggest clubs at Chiles. By hosting events like dodgeball for DM and Trent's touchdown flag football game, Chiles DM hopes to involve the student body more in their cause and have more students raise funds. This past year, they were able to raise $96,533.36.
Their sponsor, Mrs. Kate Strickland, is a patient at Shands. Mrs. Strickland was born with congenital heart disease and has spent her whole life getting treated at Shands. They are so honored to have them lead their program! She is truly an inspiration to many students at Chiles who participate in Dance Marathon!
Florida High
Years Participating in Dance Marathon: 7
Florida State University School (FSUS) is the local charter school in Tallahassee supporting FSU. It is a K-12th grade school with over 1,700 enrolled students. Their dance marathon program is mainly centered around the Student Government Association’s leadership. Last year, FSUS raised a total of $37,471.65 to help support DM at FSU. This was done through a variety of on campus events. FSUS is continuing to grow by involving their own middle school and working to gain more student support to achieve their full potential.
Lincoln High School
Years Participating in Dance Marathon: 8
Lincoln High School is a public high school in the Tallahassee area with a student population of around 2,200. Lincoln High School participated in their first four-hour Dance Marathon in 2017, and is approaching their eighth year in 2024. In their first year, Lincoln raised more than $9,000 for the kids. This past year, they raised $17,100.21 with a group of only 30 students. While Lincoln Dance Marathon is a smaller program at the school, the students involved have the biggest hearts for the cause.
Rickards High School
Years Participating in Dance Marathon: 7
Rickards High School is a second-year program with Dance Marathon at Florida State University. Last year, through countless fundraising efforts, Rickards was able to raise $10,158.66! They have many fun events throughout the year to encourage fundraising including sports and e-sports tournaments. As an organization their goal is to incorporate their school and community as much as possible to reach their goals.We are looking forward to seeing what this year has in store for them!
