FROM the classroom to the ballroom, the spirit of a local primary school teacher-turned-star has continued to shine bright in support of a popular Stand Like Stone Foundation fundraiser.
With little dance experience besides the occasional Saturday night boogie, Millicent North Primary School’s Emma Laucirica has been busy learning the moves from dance partner Jayden Green for the annual Swinging with the Stars event.
The duo, along with seven other stars and their partners, will kick up their heels in a bid to be crowned the number one star or people’s choice winner at the Barn Palais, Mount Gambier on June 22.
Ms Laucirica said the group has just started to put some of the finishing touches together on their routines, including the lifts which she described as “pretty tricky”.
“I am starting to get nervous as it is getting closer,” she said.
“However, at the same time I am really excited as well.
“I have got all of my costumes and I can imagine how it is all going to come together on the night.”
Ms Laucirica has organised a number of events and thousands of dollars for the foundation since she was announced on the stellar line-up of stars.
This Sunday she will be shooting hoops when the Pioneers Basketball Club visits Millicent to run a workshop for youngsters as a fundraiser.
Men and women’s players from the club will run a 90-minute session with participants, with prizes such as beanies, scarves and merchandise offered.
Every person who participates will be presented with a voucher to purchase a two for one ticket for a Pioneers home game.
“This has created an amazing opportunity for our local young basketball enthusiasts and I hope as many people come along as possible for both the experience and fundraising aspect,” Ms Laucirica said.
The workshop follows the successful quiz night and fashion parade fundraising events, which were both held earlier this month and supported by the community.
The quiz night attracted 10 tables of teams who battled it out for bragging rights and prizes donated by generous local businesses.
Brad Tilley was MC of the night and quiz master and a silent auction was announced, which has continued to remain open on social media with items for people to place bids on.
The fashion parade included clothing from Target Country and Since Fifty Six with students, staff and adults from the schooling community striking a pose while working the runway.
“The kids did an amazing job strutting their stuff,” Ms Laucirica said.
“The girls from Target Country and Since Fifty Six were so helpful organising for our models to get changed and it was also a great way to showcase what they have on offer in store.
“I had an amazing group of ladies help me organise both events, a huge thank you goes to them for putting so much time and effort into making sure everything was a success.”
Glen Tilley was the MC at the event and the weekend raised over $3500 for the Stand Like Stone Foundation.
Ms Laucirica said she was thrilled with the outcome, adding the support made her proud to represent the community in the competition.
The Pioneers basketball workshop will be held Sunday from 1pm to 2.30pm at Millicent’s Peter Seebom Basketball Stadium.
Tickets are $10 at the Millicent North Primary School front office and a limited number will be available at the door on the day.
