Students and teachers at Catawba Springs Elementary School welcomed local hip-hop dancer Jackson Alvarez during a celebration Feb. 17 for exceeding their fundraising goal.

“Along with family donations, funds generated from pictures, business sponsors and corporate matches we’ve raised $19,572,” said Stacy Combs, president of the school’s Parent- Teacher Organization.

Alvarez, a dance instructor and choreographer at Star Struck Dance Studio in Lincolnton, made it to the top 150 contestants on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Alvarez led students in “The Wobble” and “The Cha-Cha Slide,” and a dance-off between Catawba Springs teachers and administrators. (Photos courtesy of Tammy Gilley)