The Wayne Education Network, a program of the Wayne Charitable Partnership, Inc. and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce will announce the 2020 Dancing Stars of Wayne County Winner via Facebook Live on the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce’s page at 8:00 p.m. this Thursday, December 10th.

“The Chamber was thrilled to have received eleven video submissions for this year’s event. They are all unique and extremely entertaining. It just goes to show the heart the business community has for the Wayne Education Network initiatives in the community”, shared Kate Daniels, Chamber President.

Over the past decade, Dancing Stars of Wayne County has raised $517,641 to-date to support programs of the Wayne Education Network. And the need to continue these efforts is stronger than ever to support the many activities that take place annually. Community member can visit waynecountychamber.com to place $10 votes for their favorite video submission.

Video participants include:

• BB&T-Now Truist
• City of Goldsboro
• County of Wayne
• Daniels & Daniels Construction Company
• Drummers World Drumline
• Jackson & Sons
• LaFevers Dental Team
• Partnership for Children
• Seegars Fence Company
• The Vailhouse
• Wayne County Cooperative Extension.

The team who receives the most votes by raising the most money will be named the Dancing Stars of Wayne County.

The WEN has supported teacher stipends, teacher mini grants, the annual Middle School Career Fair, STEAM Fair, the annual Teacher Welcome Breakfast, Golden Rule Incentive program for teachers, and the Junior Leadership program. The money goes to support these great initiatives and affects all of us here in Wayne County. Our goal is to enhance the educational and training opportunities available to students of all ages through these programs and partnerships.

The Junior Leadership Program includes high school students from across Wayne County. In its 22nd year, 401 graduates have completed the program. The WEN also funds the Career Fair. Annually 8th & 10th grade students explore interactive demonstrations between 100 businesses from various career clusters. The annual STEAM Fair welcomes 1,500 7th grade students from across the County and provides an opportunity to present and explore exhibits with the goal of helping students to understand their own potential in areas of STEAM and help build confidence and competence among their peers. To-date, $33,000 in teacher stipends has been distributed and over $132,000 in teacher mini grants has been distributed.