by Carrie Anne Bounds and Kayla Hubbard

Students at Southern Miss raised $10,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. How’d they do it? By dancing!

Miracle Network Dance Marathon was created at Indiana University in 1991 by students in memory of a fellow student who passed away. Since the inception of the organization, students from high schools, colleges, and universities from across the country have jumped on board raising over $150 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

In the fall of 2016, students from The University of Southern Mississippi decided they wanted to be a part of this movement as well. Kayla Hubbard, a junior Luckyday Scholar, co-founded the organization EagleTHON (the Southern Miss dance marathon). Several Luckyday Scholars served on the executive board, including Michaelah Wheat, Imani Harris, Tyler Murry, Melissa David, and Brooke Bullock. The group formed committees and began programming to raise awareness and funds for our local children’s hospital, Blair E. Batson. The 6-hour dance marathon was held on February 18. It included guest performances, choreographed dance instruction, words of support from families and children who have spent time at Blair E. Batson, food so the dancers could continue dancing, t-shirts, prizes, and of course a good DJ!

Jessica Barnett, Tyler Murry, and Carter Brand break it down on the dance floor. For the kids.

Thanks to the dedication and passion of Southern Miss students, the funds raised from this event will help Blair E. Batson continue to provide their support and life-changing care for children in our area.