More than 200 middle school students took over the on Saturday night for the first annual .
"It's a safe, healthy event for the kids," said Stacie Sebastian, one of the organizers of the program.
The kids, grades five through eight, had the entire building to roam. There were basketball games, bingo, art projects and more.
However, most kids spent the night on the makeshift dance floor in the lobby. The tweens came running from every direction when the D.J. played "Teach Me How to Dougie," by the Cali Swag District and "Beat Dat Beat," by D.J. Pauly D.
Upper St. Clair High School senior, Jay Horton, helped lead the dances.
"I saw a shy boy sitting in a corner earlier and now look at him," Horton said, as he pointed to the middle of the dance floor.
A large group of students had circled around the wide-grinned boy, showing off his dance moves.
Horton was one of many high school students who volunteered their Saturday night to help entertain the younger kids.
"I like to see the kids get involved," Horton said.
"This is a great opportunity to interact with the high school kids," said Dr. William Rullo, Director of School Counseling Services at Upper St. Clair High School.
"The middle school age group is so impressionable," Sebastion said. "It's good for them to have these role models.
"The more support they have, the better the chance they will continue to stay on the right path."
USC Cares for Kids planned the Spring Fling after last year's Fall Youth Blast attracted so many children. The committee is an initiative of the Youth Steering Committee, which works to provide positive direction and support to students and their families in Upper St. Clair. The group plans to organize more Spring Flings in the future.
"It's important for the kids to see that the adults do care and want to be part of their lives," Dr. Rullo said.
Support was provided for the Spring Fling by the following organizations:
AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes
Chyten Educational Services
Classic Impressions
Upper St. Clair Athletic Association
Upper St. Clair School District
