School superintendent agrees to step out of comfort zone to support local charities

The following was originally published September 3, 2016.

When Shelbyville Central Schools (SCS) Superintendent David Adams, PhD. isn’t busy running a school system, he’s in the studio busting a move.

Cast in the 2016 Dancing with the Shelby County Stars, Adams will raise money in an effort to win the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. The event is an annual fundraiser to benefit the Shelby County Senior Services and the Shelby County Players (SCP), two local nonprofits dedicated to bettering the lives of Shelby County residents.

First asked to participate in the 2015 production, Adams declined, too terrified to perform in front of an audience. He reconsidered after being asked once again last spring. A stranger to the stage, Adams claims he has no dance experience.

“I don’t even dance at weddings,” Adams remarked.

Dancing alongside nine groups, Adams and seasoned partner Chantal Merritt are facing stiff competition. Others grooving for the gold include Dr. Carlos Vieira and Shelbyville High School English teacher Lee Sakellarides.

“As his employee, I would like to wish Dr. Adams the best of luck in Dancing with the Stars,” Sakellarides said. “But as his competitor, game on!”

Adams appears to be unfazed by the threat of competition, but approaches the situation in a realistic light.

“If they go by talent,” he joked, “I’ll be in last place.”

Rather than dancing to shine, Adams explained, he is dancing to give back. According to Adams, the winning contestant will have garnered the most donations.

Both nonprofit groups will put their earnings toward unique ventures, all aiming to create a healthier, enriched community. Shelby County Senior Services will use their funds for their Family Caregiver Support Services, Health and Wellness programming, and a few upcoming projects.

“It also enables us to consider implementing newly identified needs such as the Senior Food Pantry, Music and Memory program, and Hands at Home, which assists seniors who need minor home modifications,” Dianna Pandak, executive director of Shelby Senior Services, said.

The Shelby County Players, devoted to fostering creativity and providing arts in the community, will be placing the money raised into their building fund.

“[The fund] is earmarked for a new facility where our volunteers will operate in one location for set-building, rehearsals, storage, and performances,” SCP Managing Director Cindy Leahy said.

In order to help these organizations, Adams has prepared by collecting donations and practicing his skills. Although they have one rehearsal to date, Adams revealed that he and Merritt will begin kicking it into high gear after Labor Day. To vote for Adams and Merritt, log on to http:// shelbyseniorservices.org/dancing-with-the-stars and donate.

While Adams divulged that individual couples were allowed to pick their own music and choreograph the numbers, he and Merritt are keeping the style and song selection of their two-minute routine a secret. Be sure not to miss this anticipated performance by seeing the show on Nov. 12 at Indiana Grand Racing and Casino. Tickets, which include dinner, are $75 per seat and go on sale Sept. 6 at Shelby Senior Services.