At Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Superdance is
an inseparable part of the school’s identity. A 40-year-old
tradition of having fun and helping people, Superdance is a
12-hour dance dedicated to raising money to find a cure for
cystic fibrosis.
What is now a fun-filled evening has its roots in sadness. In
1975, O’Connell sophomore Brenda O’Donnell died from cystic
fibrosis. Brenda’s friends and classmates were devastated and
wanted to do something in her memory. Brenda’s sister, Maura,
an O’Connell junior, worked with then-principal, Msgr. James
McMurtrie, to organize a 12-hour dance fundraiser to benefit
cystic fibrosis research – the first Superdance. Tragically,
after graduating from O’Connell, Maura died from cystic
fibrosis in 1978.
In the 40 years since the first Superdance, O’Connell has
raised nearly $4 million to support cystic fibrosis research
programs to increase the life expectancy of CF patients, with
the goal of eventually finding a cure.
One of the many O’Connell students who worked to keep Maura’s
dream alive through this year’s Superdance was junior Walter
Whitt, who has cystic fibrosis. During the Superdance
assembly, he described his life with the disease, his
struggles balancing the importance of junior year with
keeping his lungs functional and the hope Superdance has
given him that cystic fibrosis will be cured in his lifetime.
With a 1940s theme of “We Want YOU for the Cure,” the 2015
Superdance held March 14 raised nearly $100,000. Students
danced to 12 hours of bands and DJs until the night was
closed by Radio 99.5’s deejay Chris Styles.
“The only way that Superdance was able to happen this year
was because of the amazing chairs, co-chairs, SCA executive
board, and SCA moderators,” said student body President Kylan
Luna. “Some people think of this as a 12-hour dance, but it
is much more than that.”
As the traditional last song of Superdance closed the night –
Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” – students, alumni and faculty
formed a circle around the gym, just as they have done for
many years. Having fun on one night and raising funds for
their cause, O’Connell students continue to make a difference
in the fight against cystic fibrosis.
“We’re able to impact the lives of so many,” said Luna.
