More than 800 students in the Pike County Schools system’s three elementary schools had the  opportunity to dance.

The elementary students at Banks, Goshen and Pike County participated and expressed appreciation o to Patty Rutland Simpson for bringing dance into their schools and into their lives.

Pike County Superintendent Dr. Mark Bazzell and Pike County Elementary School Rodney Drish as offered students a helping hand as they made their way on the football field to dance.

More than 800 wide-eyed youngsters walked into Veterans Memorial Stadium on the campus of Troy University Wednesday morning. Most of them had never been on the Troy University campus and, for even more of the students, it was their first time inside to be inside In a college football stadium.

But the students weren’t there to see a football game.  They were there to celebrate the art of dance and to say “thank you” to Patty Rutland Simpson, for introducing them to dance and to bringing the “sport” into their lives.

Working with Pike County Superintendent of Education Dr. Mark Bazzell and teachers in all three elementary schools in the Pike County School District, Brundidge, Goshen and Banks, a dance program was initiated in the Pike County School System.

Dr. Bazzell said 800 students, plus, had the opportunity to “dance.”

Many kids don’t participate in team sports or physical activities at home, Bazell said. “Dance provides opportunities for physical activities and social opportunities,” He said. “We have seen how dance can make a positive difference children. There are 800 students here who have benefited from Patty Rutland and her dance program. It has made a difference in our schools and in the lives of our students.  We thank her and all her staff for helping a positive difference in the lives of your students.”