Graduating with 'stars'

OREM — Six high school seniors will pair up with ballroom dance professionals to put on a "Dancing With the Stars"-type special event at Timpview High School's all-night graduation party.

The six students, picked in a drawing following a senior assembly, are Annie Stewart, Brady Wright, Kellie Cook, Jason Wardrop, Claire Lambson and David Jackson.

The dancers will be decked out in costume, and the one-hour show that begins at midnight May 25 will be as close to the ABC television show as possible, including a tuxedoed master of ceremonies, judging, prizes and video clips, parent and planner Tammy Johnson said.

Professional dancers partnering with the students are Tony Pututau, Ariash Steinlauf, Julianne Hough, Afton del Grosso and Ashleigh Dilello, said master dancer Rick Robinson, who is also partnering with a student.

Judges are Chris Williams, dance instructor at Utah Valley State College; former Miss Utah Stacy Johnson Bills; and Bonnie Andrews, Timpview ballroom dance instructor.

A vocal instructor at Orem's Center Stage Performing Arts Studios, Johnson arranged for the six dancers to partner and practice with the teens. Three dancers at the studio have appeared on the ABC show, and some of the dancers who are working with the teens may yet appear on the show, she said.

Sponsors are contributing to make the all-night party the biggest Timpview has ever put on. The committee of parents and the Parent Teachers Association putting the event together is gathering up to 100 door prizes, a disc jockey, food, activities and games to keep the Class of 2006 interested, active and tuckered out by 2:30 p.m. when the party ends.

The dance contest will be a highlight, Johnson said.

"Timpview really goes all out," she said.

The studio will also put on a 30-minute professional dance performance.

Decorations include a waterfall to greet teenagers when they arrive at the high school for the party, which begins at 10 p.m. The school is located at 3570 N. 650 East.

The party is intended to distract teens from their own parties, which could include drinking. The school has teamed with the Utah Highway Patrol to discourage drinking and drugs as a way to celebrate graduation from high school, Johnson said.

---

E-mail: rodger@desnews.com