The 49th annual South High Marathon Dance (SHMD), held at South Glens Falls High School from March 6–7, 2026, has raised $735,231.64 for local families and charities.
The total amount was announced during the marathon’s closing ceremony on Saturday, March 7.
The amount raised from this year’s event is the result of months of preparation, dedicated fundraising, and sales and events such as raffles and 50/50 held during the dance itself. This year’s efforts will support 36 recipients, including both individual community members and local organizations. In addition to the student fundraisers, numerous local businesses held fundraisers for the community, which added thousands to the total amount raised.
“Every year, the South High Marathon Dance brings our community together and shines a light on the dedication, determination, and hard work of our students. I couldn’t be more proud of what they achieved,” said South Glens Falls High School Principal Nicky Bogert. “It takes a community to put on a dance like this, and we thank our hardworking SHMD committee members, student chairs, staff, bus drivers, and volunteers. Their unwavering support and commitment made this year’s success truly extraordinary.”
Our top fundraisers for the year were:
Aiden Osborn
Aiden Faulkner
Lucy Pliscofsky
The 2026 Evelyn and Richard Stewart Award was given to Anthony Cooper.
Our 2026 Spirit Award Winners are:
Freshman - Genevieve Casey
Sophomore - Maegan Sylofski
Junior - Reese McGough
Senior boy - Kiernan Weaver
Senior girl - Claire Lebrecht
The SHMD Volunteer Heart Award went to Abigael Rourke, who serves as a parking lot attendant.
“SHMD is more than a tradition; it’s a celebration of the dedication and compassion that define our students, staff, and volunteers,” said Superintendent of Schools Kristine Orr. “The incredible fundraising success achieved this year speaks to our students’ generosity and unwavering community spirit. Their accomplishments show what makes our district so special. Go Bulldogs!”
Even though SHMD is filled with excitement and fun, our students never lose sight of its deeper purpose. They understand that every moment on the floor, every dollar raised, and every effort put forward helps lift individuals and strengthens the community organizations that depend on our support. Their ability to balance joy with genuine compassion is what has made this event so meaningful for nearly 50 years.
“The South High Marathon Dance is an event unlike any other,” said student chair member Anthony Cooper. “The entire South Glens Falls community comes together to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the selected recipients. Each year, countless people work hard to make this event possible, and we look forward to another amazing dance to help out the recipients!”
This year’s recipients are:
THE FAMILIES OF:
Isaac Amell
Paul Cianfrocco
Chris Davies Jr.
Karen Emmons
Christopher Fowler
Anne Gates
Joelle Gifford
Ryker Goodsell
Larry Isaac
Carrie LaNoir
Gilbert B. Mills, Jr. “Gibby”
William (Bill) Nace
Annelies “Poppy” Parkinson
Logan Quartiers
Amanda Speciale & Family
Cheyanne Steves
Randy Sumner
Jolene Varney
Rebekah White-Gorton
Stephen C. Wolfe
Gabrielle Wright
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:
Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York
Ben Osborn Memorial Fund
Capital Region Toys for Tots
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northeastern New York
Food for Thought Upstate Inc.
Goodness Strong Foundation
Historical Society of Moreau and South Glens Falls
Ian’s Reach
Live Like Liv Foundation
Moreau Emergency Squad, Inc.
No Empty Bowls
Rebuilding Together Saratoga County
Saratoga Center for the Family
Sleep in Heavenly Peace—NY, Mechanicville Chapter
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
Veterans Miracle Center
WAIT House
The SHMD itself, which was live‑streamed at shmdlive.org, began in 1978. The event has progressed from a small dance in the high school gym to a major event that brings the entire community together. Throughout the history of the SHMD, the students and community have raised more than $10 million.