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By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Karris Nissley, Silveus Insurance Group; and Griffin Heckaman, Edgewood Middle School math teacher and one of the high school football coaches, danced their way to winning the 2025 Dancing with the Stars for Charity, Saturday evening. Their win gave an extra portion of the night’s proceeds to Giving Basics.

The 2025 Dancing with the Stars for Charity, was held at the Warsaw PAC, and featured 10 teams, 20 dancers and 10 charities.

Giving Basics aims to connect Americans to people in difficult circumstances in other parts of the world, allowing it to come alongside others and provide their basic needs such as clean water, food, education, business opportunities, encouragement and the love of Christ.

Putting in 19 practices more than any other group paid off for Nissley and Heckaman, along with their Warsaw Community High School student choreographers Malori McDaniels and Kayanna Secrest. The two performances by the dancers received a perfect score from the four judges.

Malori McDaniels, Karris Nissley, Kayanna Secrest and Griffin Heckaman celebrate their winning achievement.

Judges this year included Scott Wiley; Michael Smith; Carrie Morgan, a member of the 2024 winning team; and Suzie Light. Following each performance, comments were heard from each judge which uplifted each performer, prior to showing their score paddles.

While the judges scores counted for 80% of each teams scores, the public was encouraged to vote via cell phone throughout the evening for their favorite team or for all the teams.

“It was an incredible experience,” said 28-year-old Heckaman. “I have loved all of it, even the challenges. It’s an incredible blessing to come out and be able to represent an awesome charity.” The football coach’s athleticism showed during the performance. “It’s all God given gifts. I’m just glad I could use it for something good,” he said.

For Heckaman the win Saturday night added to a year he will never forget – being on the coaching staff of the state runner-up football team and champion in the Dancing with the Stars for Charity event. “It’s been an incredible year. It’s a blessing and memories that will last a lifetime.” He hopes to encourage others to participate in the future as well.

Judges watch intently to the dancers. From left are Suzie Light, Carrie Morgan, Matthew Smith, and Scott Wiley.

Nissley, 21, who is in the digital marketing group at Silveus, enjoyed the experience. “Believe it or not, I’m not a dancer,” she stated after the event. She admitted it “took us five to six months, two days, sometimes three days a week coming to practice. I ran in high school and college, so I think that helped a little with my endurance. But I would have never expected to be given this opportunity … it is just crazy. I’m so excited.”

When asked about the 19 extra rehearsals over the other teams, Nissley stated they thought that was normal and didn’t realize the extra time until they heard. She credited the success to their choreographers. “They are an amazing group of high school girls. They are going to go far.”

Nissley also admitted dancing in front of an audience was out of her comfort zone. “But I was dancing for Giving Basics, which my mom is on the board for that charity. In fact, my family is in Africa right now … so none of my family could actually be here. They’re overseas. It’s just a blessing to have crowd support.”

Second place was presented to April Slone, executive director at The Beamon Home and Joel Duran, Leesburg Elementary Spanish and DLI teacher; and student choreographers Maddy Hart and Izzy Rozelle. They danced for Boomerang Backpack. The program serves over 3,700 students in 45 elementary schools throughout nine counties in northeast Indiana.

Brittney Stewart, presents Malori McDaniels with the Above and Beyond Award.

Third place went to Kelly Bradley, Edgewood Middle School School Resource Officer; and due to unexpected circumstances just days before the show, one of her student choreographers Victoria Peloza; and Shannon Smith, student choreographer. They danced for Project Ebenezer, which is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellness of first responders.

Regardless of the final rankings, ever team is awarded with an equal share of all proceeds from ticket sales. The total raised was not announced by the Warsaw PAC was at its capacity level.

The Charities

Guests were given an opportunity to learn more about each of the 10 charities,, which had displays outside the auditorium. Additionally, a brief video presentation was given by the organizations representative prior to the first performance of the team.

The charities included: Kosciusko Senior Services, Fellowship Missions, Giving Basics, Project Ebenezer, Boomerang Backpacks, Habitat for Humanity Kosciusko County, Food Bank of Northern Indiana, My Team Triumph, Fear is a Liar Ministries and Giant Paw Prints Rescue.

Video presentation were shown before the first acts of each team, with each participant introducing themselves. Prior to the second acts, two questions were asked each team member: what was it like to work with their partner and what would they like to say to their team.

All responses to the final questions focused on the hard work, friendship and fun experienced.

There were also dance performances, at the beginning and closing of each act, by the WCHS Honors Select Ensemble students, Deb Collier School of Dance/Class Act Dance Troup and Lee Anne Stewart Fusion Dance Team.

New to the event was the presentation of the Above and Beyond Award, which was presented to Malorie McDaniels.

Prior to the presentation of the awards, senior choreographers were recognized along with all the student choreographers were recognized with a trophy and roses. This year’s choreographers were: Courtney Brower, Dakota Gardner, Ella Gonzalez, Amber Whitaker, Peloza, Smith, Kaelyn Stoffel, Zariya Buchan, Chloe Kim, Scarlett Walters, McDaniels, Secrest, Hart, Rozelle, Lily Kincaid, Mackenzie Langhorn, Lexi Reece, Bella Boley, Jazmyn Taylor and Kaylee Baker.

Putting together the evening was Kris Lake, producer and coordinator; Brianne Steward, WCHS Dance Instructor; Leonard Gagnon, technical director; Neeley Belles, technical assistant; and Lori Owens, performing arts center administrative assistant.

Next year’s Dancing with the Stars for Charity will be Saturday, March 28, 2026, with 10 new teams, 20 new dancers and 10 new charities.