HDSB Director of Education Curtis Ennis Named Grand Champion at Dancing with Easter Seals Stars

The Halton District School Board is celebrating Director of Education Curtis Ennis after he was named the 2026 Grand Champion at this year’s Dancing with Easter Seals Stars fundraiser event.

Ennis earned first place for his performance alongside professional dance partner Heather Parker of Fred Astaire Dance Studios during the annual event, which raises funds in support of children and youth with physical disabilities.

In addition to taking home the championship title, Ennis helped raise $13,760 through table and online fundraising efforts. Altogether, the event raised more than $135,000 for Easter Seals Ontario.

“Most importantly, through table and online fundraising, we raised $13,760 for Easter Seals, directly supporting children and families,” Ennis shared in a message following the event.

Founded in 1922, Easter Seals Ontario is a registered charity that provides programs and services for children and youth with physical disabilities. The organization supports families through mobility and accessibility equipment funding, accessible summer camps, post-secondary scholarships, youth advocacy programs and public awareness initiatives.

Here in Halton, more than 250 children and families benefit from Easter Seals programs and services. Funds raised through events like Dancing with Easter Seals Stars help provide equipment such as walkers and accessibility ramps while also creating opportunities for children to attend fully accessible summer camps.

The event featured an elegant evening of dining and entertainment, including a cocktail reception, celebrity meet-and-greet, silent auction, dance demonstrations and musical performances. The highlight of the night was the live dance competition featuring local celebrities paired with professional dancers, with winners determined through a combination of judges’ scores and audience support.

Ennis said the experience reflected the importance of Kindness, Connection and Community.

“This experience was a reminder of what can happen when people come together with kindness, connection and a shared commitment to community,” he said. “As a school board, we work hard to build relationships rooted in empathy, respect and trust. This past weekend was a meaningful example of those values in action.”

He also expressed gratitude to his dance partner and fellow competitors.

“I’m grateful for Heather’s guidance, patience and encouragement throughout this experience,” Ennis said. “We all put our hearts out there on the dance floor and supported one another every step of the way.”

“Thank you all for standing behind this initiative, for cheering me on, and most importantly — for helping kids be kids,” Ennis said.