Clarksville, TN – 
[1]Austin Peay State University‘s Music/Mass Communication Building played host to Altrusa’s Dancing with the Stars Saturday evening. The evening was emceed by former Miss Tennessee, Cydney Miller.
Dancing for the evening was Joe Sweeten & Pro Lisa Burghart; Juanita Charles & Pro Christopher Wayne; Darwin Eldridge & Pro Juanita Simanekova; Sissy Ranken & Pro Dennis Woods; Ken Daniel & Pro Jennifer Kirksmith; and Mary Cooper & Pro Jonathan Bungard.
[2]Mary Cooper hugs Jonathan Bungard, her pro partner after winning Altrusa’s 2013 Dancing with the Stars
The Stars started off with 40 hours of training. First in weekly classes with Patricia Lefler and Tiffany Stahl at Clarksville Dance Club beginning last August. This was Followed by 14 hours of dance lessons at Nashville’s Dance World training with their professional partners. Each team had to learn two very intricate dance numbers.
The contest was judged by Conrad Eddington, Patricia Lefler, and Danny Baye, with the assistance audience members who voted for their favorites from each round of dancing. Music was provided by the Tilden Fleener Music. The scores were tallied by Henry Martin from Stone, Rudolph, and Martin CPAs.
[3]The 2013 Judges: Conrad Eddington, Patricia Lefler, and Danny Baye
This was the fifth year for Dancing with the Stars, but event has become so popular, they generally have to turn people away at the doors to the theatre.
Miller introduced the stars to the audience, afterwards each star did their first number followed a short interview with Miller and and after a bit of friendly banter with they received their totals.
During the first round:
[4]Joe Sweeten & Lisa Burghart
- Joe Sweeten & Lisa Burghart did the Rumba
- Jaunita Charles & Chris Wayne did the Foxtrot
- Darwin Eldridge & Juanita Simanekova did the Samba
- Sissy Ranken & Dennis Woods did the Swing/Hustle
- Ken Daniel & Jennifer Kirksmith did the Belero
- Mary Cooper & Jonathan Bungard did the Foxtrot
[5]Ken Daniel & Jennifer Kirksmith
After a short intermission, the action continued:
[6]Mary Cooper & Jonathan Bungard
- Darwin Eldridge & Juanita Simanekova did the Foxtrot
- Mary Cooper & Jonathan Bungard did the Cha Cha
- Ken Daniel & Jennifer Kirksmith did the Tango
- Sissy Ranken & Dennis Woods did the Quick Step
- Joe Sweeten & Lisa Burghart did the Tango
- Jaunita Charles & Chris Wayne did the Cha Cha
[7]Sissy Ranken & Dennis Woods
[8]Lisa Hogan
At various intervals all pro dance numbers were performed for the audience. Lisa Hogan provided a musical interlude the final votes were tallied.
Altrusa’s scholarships were presented to 8 winners including a special $1,000 Memorial Scholarship in the name of Sharon Baggett who died on January 1st, 2013. The winners who attended were:
| $1000.00 | $750.00 | $500.00 |
|---|---|---|
| Gladyn Minzy Robyn Maynard |
Erika Overstreet Jerome Rosario Rick Storm |
Ashley Boyd Rebecca Scott |
The scholarships were made possible by the generous support of area businesses, as well as attendees ticket purchases.
[320right]All in all, the evening was non-stop action; and every single dancer performed like a pro.
However, there could only be one winner and this evening with 10′s all across the board for both dances the deserving couple was Mary Cooper & Jonathan Bungard. Their numbers were technically flawless. They were presented with the award by last years winner Kayla Goad LeVan.
Darwin Eldridge & Juanita Simanekova came in a close second. Sissy Rankin and Dennis Wood came in third were voted the Fan Favorite in a online poll of the audience, and received a $50 Gift Certificate from Edwards Steak House
[9]Winner Mary Cooper with her professional partner Jonathan Bungard
Photo Gallery
To view more images from Altrusa’s 2013 Dancing with the Stars competition visit our photo gallery [10].