Pow.
That is one word Wake ‘N Shake co-chair Emily Rate uses to describe how she envisions the dance marathon this year.
The word is fitting considering this year’s theme is superheroes, a befitting title for an annual event that raises money to fight cancer, one of the most widespread diseases in the U.S.
Seniors Emily Rate and Kelly Flanigan and junior Lucas Swenson cite co-chairing Wake ‘N Shake as one of the most significant experiences they have had during their time at Wake.
“I can speak for all of us in that the sheer amount of time that we throw into this cause is more than any other class or extracurricular activity around,” Swenson said. “We truly live and breathe Wake ‘N Shake 24/7. We love that and would not change it for anything.”
The dance marathon is student-run with two faculty advisers that help them facilitate it. Rate, Flanigan and Swenson do everything from picking the committees, to choosing the theme, and selecting the cancer survivors that will speak at the event.
So how did Wake ‘N Shake get started and where does the money go?
After Brian Piccolo, a star football player, died from cancer students came together to start a research fund in honor of his memory called, The Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. The money raised from Wake ‘N Shake is donated to this fund.
All three of the co-chairs are hoping to register an all-time high of Wake Forest students at the event, which is highly possible considering that the number of registered students has increased every year.
Flanigan encourages students to attend the event because of the high amount of exciting activity that will be happening this year.
“We try to be an event that people enjoy,” Flanigan said. “We do not want it to be an event that people dread.”
The many activities and events include student performances by dance and acapella groups, karaoke, inflatables, cash prizes, as well as plenty of food options like Papa John’s, Chipotle, Cookout (yum!).
What’s unique about this year you ask? All sixteen of this year’s Wake ‘N Shake champions have some tie to the school community.
“All these people come directly from staff, faculty and people who have come to Wake and are involved in our lives,” Rate said.
“Cancer does not discriminate,” Swenson added.
Wake ‘N Shake will be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. in Reynolds Gym.
Flanigan emphasizes that every student that signs up matters fulfilling Wake ‘N Shake’s general purpose.
“Your presence and taking the action to sign up makes a difference,” Flanigan said. “You are contributing to the final number and your being there does make a difference in the amount we raise and the spirit of the day. Every single person matters.”
*Article by Issa Basco*Photography by Kristen Merlo