Almost 1,000 school children will gather to dance on Troy University’s football field Wednesday morning to make a compelling statement about the importance of arts in education – and to promote a message of unity.

“Day of Dance: One Race, Human” is set for 10 a.m. in Veterans Memorial Stadium. The event, sponsored by Pike County Schools and Patti Rutland Jazz, was envisioned by longtime dance educator Patti Rutland Simpson as a way to spread the message “we are all living and loving reflections of each other – one race, human.”

Leading up to the event, pre-k through fifth-grade students at Banks School, Pike County Elementary School and Goshen Elementary School learned how a single act of kindness can start a ripple effect that benefits generations to come.

“They also took part in dance classes and are excited to perform for friends and parents on Wednesday to show what can be accomplished when you work together,” Simpson said. “We are all inherently creative beings. Each morning, we wake up to make choices that shape our day, whether it’s selecting our outfit or planning our weekend activities. Creativity drives our lives, and it’s our responsibility to empower the youth by providing them with the tools they need to fulfill their dreams.”

When students take the field Wednesday to celebrate unity and kindness, it will also be to honor Simpson’s 50-year role helping to provide arts opportunities to children in Pike County and the Wiregrass area.

Some of Simpson’s former students include many children who grew up to be community and world changers – including the first deaf Miss America, Alabama’s own Heather Whitestone.

“I hope my legacy inspires future dancers and teachers to look beyond the confines of the studio,” Simpson shared.” “Factors such as economic background, race, social status, or disabilities should never prevent children from experiencing the joy of dance. In addition to teaching dance, my goal was for children to leave with a sense of confidence and, above all, to know that they are loved.”

Simpson said it fills her heart with joy to see this powerful message come to life as she is ending career with the same message in which she began.

Scholarships for Pike County Schools students are available through funding made available by Pike County Schools, the Simpson Charitable Foundation and PRJ Arts and Innovation.