WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 4, 2025 — The William O. Lockridge Community Foundation (WOLCF) is set to host its 15th annual Dancing With the Scholars (DWTS XV) on Saturday, November 8, at 7:00 PM. The event will take place at THEARC Theater, located at 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE, and promises an evening of celebration, inspiration, and community pride.
This year’s theme, “District of Champions,” marks 15 years of WOLCF’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth, uplifting families, and fostering pride in Wards 7 and 8. Since its inception in 2011, the Foundation has awarded nearly $400,000 in college scholarships to local high school seniors, opening doors to higher education and brighter futures. Beyond scholarships, WOLCF has broadened horizons for students through its International Ambassadors Program, which connects young minds to global opportunities. Initiatives like the U.S. Foreign Service Initiative further underscore the Foundation’s dedication to preparing students for careers in international affairs, diplomacy, and global service.
The highlight of the evening will be the DWTS Student Dance Competition, where teams from Ballou Senior High School, Anacostia High School, and KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory will take the stage. Guided by community coaches, these talented students will showcase their creativity, teamwork, and school pride—embodying the Foundation’s belief that excellence begins at home.
Adding to the night’s excitement, the prestigious Spread Your Wings Award will be presented to Coach Mike Sharrieff of John Hayden Johnson Middle School. A legendary figure in the community, Coach Sharrieff is being honored for his decades of mentorship, discipline, and positive influence on countless District youth.
“Our 15th anniversary is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and how much more there is to accomplish,” said Wanda D. Lockridge, Founder and Chairwoman of the WOLCF. “My late husband believed in the potential of every young person. This celebration not only honors his vision but also reminds us that the next generation of leaders is already here—ready to lead, learn, and inspire.”
The William O. Lockridge Community Foundation invites the community to join this milestone celebration and support its mission of creating opportunities for the youth of Wards 7 and 8. For more information, visit www.WilliamLockridgeCommunityFoundation.org or contact info@WilliamLockridgeCommunityFoundation.org.
Contact:
Austin R. Cooper, Jr.
austinrcooper@hotmail.com
(202) 550-1149 (m)
###
P.O. Box 54012 ⏐ Washington, DC 20032 ⏐ info@WilliamLockridgeCommunityFoundation.org ⏐ www.WilliamLockridgeCommunityFoundation.org
#DancingWithTheScholars #DistrictOfChampions #YouthEmpowerment
