Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars 2013 will hit the GEM Theatre with a March 15 opening night and conclude with a finale on Saturday, March 16 when four judges present one of the eight teams with the coveted “Mirror Ball” trophy. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 7:30pm, with the Saturday finale also streaming via a live feed at Velo Vineyard presented to accommodate the sell-out.

Dancing third on the roster are Jenny and Clint Hayes, the first married couple to participate in the fundraising dance contest. They will saddle up and prance across the stage to Big and Rich’s “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” in a lively number guaranteed to raise some high-browed eyebrows. It’s not every day that an elementary school principal and a bashful plumber bust these kinds of moves.

Jennifer (Jen) Hayes is the principal at Red Bud Elementary School. She has spent her entire educational career with Gordon County Schools. Jen danced and cheered throughout her childhood and in high school. This dark-haired beauty is sure to turn some heads as she and her husband light up the stage with their lively routine.

Clint owns and operates his own business, Hayes Plumbing and Electrical. While he has no dance training, his wife has taught him one important skill: the art of falling gracefully. Not surprisingly, he serves as a volunteer for Red Bud Elementary and is an avid supporter of the county school system. Clint is also a volunteer softball coach for the Georgia Fire Organization.

“Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars is such a wonderful event and the proceeds are used to do so much good work in Gordon County that I could not possibly have refused when I was invited to take part,” explains Jen. “Especially in consideration of the work that United Way does for children in our community, how could you say no? At Red Bud Elementary, our school slogan is “Reaching Beyond Expectations” and that’s what Clint and I plan to do!”

“I agreed to participate because my wife asked me to and I knew she would never do it unless I promised to be her partner, but it’s been a blast so far,” said Clint. “There’s been an unexpected benefit as well: once I committed, I knew I had to get in shape for the show, so I amped up my running program and I have dropped some weight, which makes my pants fit better. Pants that stay where they belong are very important to plumbers,” he joked.

Married for 18 years, Jen and Clint are the parents of two daughters, Esther and Lily. They are members of First Baptist Church.

Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars is a joint fundraiser, with all profits benefiting the GEM Theatre and United Way of Gordon County. Each of the eight teams is competing in two capacities: as fundraisers and as dancers. Their fundraising efforts are limited only by their imaginations.

Team supporters may make online donations at www.gordoncountyunitedway.org until right before the finale. Online donors must make a minimum pledge of $5, with Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted. Those wishing to make personal donations may do so by offering their payments to United Way Director Vickie Spence at her office in the Calhoun Depot. Credit cards, cash and checks are accepted at that location. Supporters may also present their donations directly to their favored team. Donations will be collected during the Friday and Saturday shows.