Highlands High School (HHS) is proud to once again participate in DanceBlue, a student-led organization dedicated to raising money for the Golden Matrix Fund. This year’s DanceBlue Mini-Marathon will take place on Jan. 31, 2026. On this day, students and community members come together to support children and families receiving care at the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at UK HealthCare.
“DanceBlue is extremely important to provide awareness for pediatric cancer and helps to fight against the disease. It’s important to donate to a good cause to improve treatments and research,” Lilly Grau (11) said.
DanceBlue is best known for its annual 24-hour dance marathon hosted by the University of Kentucky, where students remain on their feet for an entire day to symbolize standing with children battling cancer and blood disorders.
Last year, DanceBlue raised over $2.12 million, and since its founding in 2006, the organization has raised more than $22.1 million for pediatric patients and their families. HHS has been honored to participate in this cause for multiple years and is excited to continue the tradition in 2026.
This year, the school has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $10,000, hoping to make a meaningful impact through both school-wide and community involvement. To help reach this goal, HHS will host its own mini dance marathon on campus.
The event will last five hours, running from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The mini-marathon will include a variety of activities and themed hours designed to keep participants energized and engaged throughout the event.
“I am most looking forward to seeing the community come together for this event,” member of the event committee Madeline Foster (11) said.
The event is being led by a strong team, each taking charge of a key area. Grau oversees programming, making sure everything runs smoothly and stays engaging. Lela Bach (11) handles food and supplies, keeping all logistical needs covered. Caroline Eagen (11) leads marketing and advertising, helping get the word out and build excitement. Sponsorships are managed by Callie Kramer (11) and Ady Klosterman (11) as co-heads, working to secure support for the event. Adviser and math teacher at HHS Stacey Behrensmeyer guides for and works closely with the leaders throughout the planning process.
This year’s marathon will feature several themed hours, including Winter, USA, and Decades, with additional themes to be announced. A special community and elementary school hour will also be held, allowing younger students and families to join in the fun while supporting an important cause.
“DanceBlue should be considered more than just an event because we are more than dancing for a reason. The cause as a whole is so much greater than us, and it impacts so many lives,” Eagen said.
Leading up to the event, HHS students have already hosted a fundraiser to build excitement and raise money for event expenses. The Chipotle fundraiser, which raised over $200, will contribute directly to the event. The Mike’s Car Wash fundraiser, running from Jan. 9 until the night of the event on Jan. 31, will serve as the major fundraising push for this year’s DanceBlue efforts. Additionally, a Panera fundraiser at the Newport, KY, location will take place after the event, on Feb. 9 to further support the general DanceBlue fund.
HHS encourages students, families, and community members to support DanceBlue through participation, donations, and attendance at fundraising events. Every contribution helps provide vital support to children and families facing unimaginable challenges. Through DanceBlue, HHS hopes to continue making a difference.
