Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 Trophy Ball

The 2025 Trophy Ball was a wonderful evening filled with connection, celebration, and plenty of dancing. This annual event brings our Celebri-fam together for dinner, awards, and community, and this year’s gathering was one of our most enjoyable yet.

Guests began the night with a delicious meal catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill before stepping onto the floor for social dancing with music by DJ Duane. The ballroom was full of people catching up, laughing, practicing new steps, and simply enjoying time with their friends and partners. It felt like a true family dinner dance, and we hope even more members will join us next year.

Medal Testing Recognitions

Our medal testing program is an important part of a student’s journey at Celebrity Ballroom. Each certification represents focus, training, and progress. We were proud to award the following achievements:

Social Foundation Level

• Michele McMahon

Bronze Foundation

• John & Joanna Mondragon

• Chuck & Nicole Chittick

Preliminary Bronze

• David Moore

• Georgia Naderi

• EJ & Tesla Hester

• Andrew & Brianna Klug

Intermediate Bronze

• Wendell & Yvette Hill

• Jim & Kathy Bailey

• Lora Lee Stewart

• Carlos & Carmela Merced

• Bill & Holly Welsh

Senior Bronze

• Lisa Messina

• Theresa Pastorelli

• Abby McCoy

Full Bronze Graduates (Advancing Into Silver)

• Tom & Caroline O’Neill

A major milestone and the highest honor in the Bronze level.

End of Year Awards

Student Honors

The Class Excellence Award

Recognizes dedication to community learning and steady participation.

Recipients: Chuck & Nicole Chittick

The Life of the Party Award

Honors those who embrace the social dance experience and help others feel welcome.

Recipients: Carlos & Carmela Merced, Theresa Pastorelli

The Mastery Commitment Award

Acknowledges exceptional dedication to personal improvement and refinement.

Recipients: Bill & Holly Welsh

Teacher Honors

The Studio Ambassador Award

Spotlights the teacher whose influence and enthusiasm bring the most new dancers into the studio.

Recipient: Donna Addison

The Journey Igniter Award

Recognizes the teacher who excels at turning introductory lessons into long-term dance journeys.

Recipient: Donna Addison

The Excellence in Service Award

Presented to the teacher who demonstrates professionalism, consistency, and strong private-lesson leadership.

Recipient: Donna Addison

Top Teacher Award

Honors the highest overall performance across leadership, results, and activity.

Recipient: Josh Crenshaw

A Night of Laughter & Memories

One of the highlights of the evening was a lively game led by DJ Duane, who had everyone laughing with unexpected twists on familiar dances. Guests found themselves performing:

• The Chicken Dance — just without the chicken

• YMCA — but using four completely different letters

• A “sexy catwalk” — done as if you had a few too many :)

It was silly, fun, and instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Seeing everyone let loose reminded us why these community events mean so much.

The whole night felt warm and light-hearted, with students cheering for one another and teachers celebrating their dancers’ hard work. It was a great reminder of the community we’ve built and the joy we share on the dance floor.

Closing Out the Season

We also wrapped up our Fall Festival, celebrating another successful season of dancing, games, and friendly competition. That recap is available in a separate blog post, and you can read it here: https://www.celebrityballroomdance.com/post/celebrity-ballroom-fall-festival-2025-a-season-of-fun-and-friendship

Looking Ahead

Thank you to every student, family member, sponsor, and guest who helped make the 2025 Trophy Ball such a special event. We love seeing our Celebri-fam grow, and we hope to see even more of you at next year’s Trophy Ball dinner dance.

Here’s to another year of growth, dancing, and unforgettable moments.