Eight couples — one local “star” paired with one local “expert” — danced for the Audience Favorite Award while simultaneously having fun and raising much-needed funds for music, theatre, and dance scholarships. They were each allowed to choose their own dance style, theme, costumes, music, and have been rehearsing for weeks wherever and whenever they could.

“Stars” included Lisa Aguero, Emily Shaw Anderson, Audrey King, April Scruggs, Freddie D. Broome, Dr. John C. Gaston, Kiley Hill, and Riley Howard.

The inaugural Dancing with the Stars of Valdosta raised about $48,000 — the largest amount raised in the four years this event has been produced.

The Audience Favorite Award winners were Lisa Aguero and Ethan Parker. The Audience Favorite Award is decided upon by the amount of money that the couple raised for the event. The money will be divided among the departments of music, theatre and dance for scholarships.

Contact Eric Nielsen at (229) 333-5840 or enielsen@valdosta.edu to learn more.