Gallery • 5 Photos

Valentina Mouhaffel Mattey

Students and faculty join together on the Atrium dance floor. The moment capped off the spirited student-faculty dance-off, bringing both sides together after friendly competition. The performance emphasized that in the end, everyone is part of one Raider community.

The atrium transformed into a stage of music, energy, and school spirit this morning as students and faculty went head-to-head in a dance-off to raise awareness for the upcoming Race to Breakthrough.

“I love how it came together,” Breakthrough Miami Gulliver Site Director Shakeshia Rowe said. “This community is very supportive, and I’m glad to see everyone come out to cheer on both the faculty and students in our efforts to fundraise.”

The Sundancers opened with a TikTok remix, showcasing synchronized moves and vivid energy. In response, teachers responded with a mix featuring Beyoncé’s “This Ain’t Texas” and the 90s hit “Ice Ice Baby.” The crowd of students and staff cheered as the two sides competed. By the finale, both groups united, dancing to “We Are Family,” showcasing we are all Raiders at the end of the day.

“The teachers deserved to win because they were so coordinated. It was such a funny and fun way to get people to sign up,” sophomore Sebastian Carrillo said.

The event was organized to spotlight the 6th annual Race to Breakthrough, a virtual fundraiser benefiting Breakthrough Miami, the school’s longtime community partner. Participants complete 30-minute activities—like running, swimming, or dancing—anytime between Aug. 30 and Sept. 7. Today is the final day to register, and students can earn two service hours for signing up at Breakthrough’s website.

For junior Micaela Pal, one of the student captains for this year’s Race to Breakthrough, the organization’s cause has become a central part of her high school experience. Nominated by Rowe to be captain, Pal has been volunteering with Breakthrough since her freshman year, and she quickly found a second home within the program. 

“I started volunteering and I didn’t really think much of it, but I showed up and discovered a great community,” Pal said. “I go almost every single Saturday, I love it there. 

Breakthrough provides educational opportunities to underfunded students. Middle schoolers receive help preparing for high school classes, and high schoolers receive guidance on the college application process. 

Pal, who works alongside Co-Captain and senior Salome Tarac, helps organize events, fundraisers, and monthly newsletters, all in effort to strengthen student involvement. Today’s dance-off was the perfect way to draw attention to the registration deadline while building school spirit.