SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Raises $140,000+ at Inaugural Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars
Source: Bobby Parker, Parker Gene Creative
SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL – [May 11, 2026] – SEASIDE SCHOOL™ celebrated a dazzling and impactful evening on Saturday, May 2, as the inaugural Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars, presented by Ascension Sacred Heart and in partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studios Fort Walton Beach, raised $142,347 in support of the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project.
Held at Hotel Effie Sandestin, the event brought together community leaders, supporters, and guests for a night of high-energy entertainment, friendly competition, and meaningful impact. The evening featured a cocktail hour, champagne toast, plated dinner, live ballroom dance competition, awards ceremony, and an exclusive VIP after party.
Four local celebrity dancers took to the stage, each paired with a professional dancer from Fred Astaire Dance Studios Fort Walton Beach, competing for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy while raising funds and awareness for the expansion of Seacoast Collegiate High School. The 2026 competitors included Dr. Lindsey Hoppe, owner of 30A Smiles, paired with Rico Dias Garcia; Whitney Cooley, Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty agent and Southern Sand TV host, paired with Oleksandr Sorokopud; Mayor Bobby Wagner and wife Bekah Wagner, paired with Adina Kairbekova; and Drew Ward, Principal of Seacoast Collegiate High School, paired with Sofiya Glotova.
At the conclusion of the competition, Drew Ward and his partner Sofiya Glotova were awarded Judges’ Choice, recognizing their technical performance and stage presence.
Whitney Cooley and her partner Oleksandr Sorokopud captured People’s Choice, earning the highest number of audience votes and demonstrating overwhelming community support.
“This evening was truly extraordinary,” said Callie Cox, Director of Advancement and Donor Relations for SEASIDE SCHOOL™. “To see our community come together in such a vibrant and meaningful way is a testament to the shared belief in our mission. The funds raised will directly impact the continued growth of Seacoast Collegiate High School and expand opportunities for students across Walton County. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, participants, and every individual who supported this event.”
Ward reflected on his experience, saying, “This was an unforgettable opportunity to step outside my comfort zone for something that matters so deeply to our students and our school. The energy in the room, the support from the community, and the impact we’re able to make through this event is truly inspiring. I’m honored to have been part of it.”
Proceeds from the event will support the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project, a transformative initiative that includes the development of state-of-the-art educational facilities designed to increase access, enhance programming, and serve more students across the region.
Following the success of its inaugural year, Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars is poised to become a signature annual event, continuing to bring together the community in support of education and student success.
For more information about SEASIDE SCHOOL™ and the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project, visit SeasideSchools.net.
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About THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™: Founded in 1996, THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™ is one of Florida’s oldest and most successful public charter schools, serving students in grades 5-12 through SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ and Seacoast Collegiate High School with a mission to prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond through a responsive, challenging, and equitable education model tailored to meet the unique needs of adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit SeasideSchools.net.
