From USD 428
The Great Bend High School (GBHS) Panther Danceline is headed to Walt Disney World. At the recent Board of Education meeting, the USD 428 Board unanimously approved a travel proposal for 21 members of the GBHS Danceline to perform in Orlando, Fla., as part of the "Dance the Magic" program from Jan. 16–19, 2027.
GBHS Danceline Head Coach Maddy Hayden Rideaux presented the detailed travel proposal and budget to the Board. The upcoming trip offers team members a 20-minute featured stage performance slot at Walt Disney World Resort and an exclusive two-hour workshop led by Disney entertainment professionals, including a Disney on Broadway choreographer and a Disney Parade Team coordinator.
Three senior danceline members—Ailey Scothorn, Mylee Maddox, and Jimena Montes—addressed the Board to share their perspectives on the journey. The seniors highlighted how the experience will shape team members through career exploration in professional entertainment, enhanced team building, accountability, and valuable leadership opportunities.
"This opportunity allows our dancers to learn and network with a top-tier performance company while representing Great Bend High School on a national stage," noted Coach Rideaux.
The four-day itinerary includes air travel from Hays Regional Airport via United Airlines, accommodations at Disney's Pop Century Resort, supervision guidelines, and two days to explore the Disney parks as a team.
To make the trip accessible to all team members, team fundraising efforts, including an Adrenaline Fundraising raffle, restaurant spirit nights, T-shirt sales, and the annual Kiddie Camp in December 2026, will offset the overall cost of $797.57 per student. These initiatives bring the final out-of-pocket cost down to $250 per student.
For more information about the USD 428 Board of Education or upcoming Panther Danceline fundraisers, please follow Panther Danceline on Facebook (facebook.com/gbhsdanceline) or contact the GBHS Activities Office at 620-793-1560.