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One Harlan County High School senior is encouraging others to participate in a dance event on March 7 in memory of Stephen Morris, who died at the age of 42 when he lost his battle to Glioblastoma brain cancer in January 2019. Morris taught social studies at HCHS, where the first floor hallway is also dedicated to him after setting an example to always keep fighting.

“Brain cancer, like all cancer, is a terrible disease,” said Bethany Cox, Studio 606 director and HCHS senior. “Please come out to raise funds to find a cure. Brain cancer took Mr. Morris way too soon.”

She added Morris was not only a great teacher, but a great role model for her and her classmates, as well.

“He cared about all of his students as if they were his own. He greatly loved his family and his school. I am thankful to have had his class and know him and his family.”

Cox organized the Dance Grey charity event to raise money for the Grey Matters Brain Cancer Foundation. The public event will take place March 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“I just wanted to do something to give back to the community. As I thought about fundraisers, I had always wanted to participate in Dance Blue with the University of Kentucky,” she said. “But yet, I wanted a fundraiser that would be more personal and be about dance at the same time. I thought ‘Dance Grey’ would be a great way to honor a great person and a great cause.”

Cox invites those wishing to attend to dance as long as they want. WYMT meteorologist Brandon Robinson, a brain cancer survivor, will also be attending the event on behalf of the Grey Matter 5K, which is scheduled to be held in Whitesburg on May 16.

T-shirts benefiting the research foundation are also on sale, with sizes up to XL being $12 and larger sizes $15. If you would like to order one, message the Studio 606 Facebook page with your size and contact information.

To register for Dance Grey, call 606-505-8023, show up at Studio 606 in Loyall on March 7 at 6 p.m. for the dance or message the Studio 606 Facebook page. A minimum donation of $5 is encouraged.

“I am really hopeful that Harlan County will support this wonderful cause and show we care about finding a cure,” Cox said.

For more information, call 606-505-7283 or email studio606dance@gmail.com

Cox is a Dance Hope Cure Ambassador and is on track to graduate as valedictorian at HCHS with roughly 30 college credits accumulated by taking dual-credit classes. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Link Crew, Den Keepers, Educational Talent Search, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA).