Dancing with our Diamonds
A bit about our Emcee, Judges, and DJ
EMCEE FOR THIS YEAR
Emcee
Cindy Farmer is an Emmy Award winning anchor for FOX 8 WGHP TV. The Virginia Tech graduate moved from WSLS TV in Roanoke, VA to Greensboro and WFMY TV in 1990, but found her home at WGHP TV in 1997. She anchors the FOX 8 Morning News and the FOX 8 News at Noon.
In her quest to always accentuate the positive, Cindy does a weekly report about “What’s Right With Our Schools.” It highlights the great things happening in our local schools. She has won a number of awards for both her journalism and community service. One she says she is most proud of is a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for her work with breast cancer education and service to survivors.
Cindy is married to Guilford County Superior Court Judge Bill Wood. They have two adult daughters and one four legged fur-baby named Vega. In her spare time, Cindy loves photography where she captures “God’s gifts” through her lens. She is also an avid tennis player and has won multiple NC State Tennis Championships in doubles.
We are so happy to have Cindy back as our Emcee again this year! Thank you so much!
Michael Beyrer
Judge
Michael is a 5th grade teacher at Claxton Elementary School. He has a master’s degree in special education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2016, he was recognized as The ARC of Greensboro Teacher of the Year. Michael is an active member of the Community Theatre of Greensboro’s Onstage and Inclusive program, where he has served as a stage manager, mentor, and actor since 2014.
He has played various roles in several main stage productions, including Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz, and Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical.
Michael was also one of our star dancers last year. Welcome back, Michael, in this new role as a judge. Your perspective and spirit are most appreciated.
Ed Mulvey
Judge
Ed Mulvey, a 69-year-old retiree, has been actively involved in the Special Olympics community for nearly three decades. He has served as a ski coach, basketball official, and participated in various other SO activities, including the annual spring games. Along with some friends and the Civitans, Ed built two bocce courts for Special Olympics at Pomona Park three years ago. His hobbies include skiing, tennis, and mountain biking. Ed won the Champion Fundraiser award as a dancer with his partner in last year's event. As a longtime friend of The Arc of Greensboro, he is excited to serve as a judge in this year's event.
Nicolas Camire
Judge
Nicolas grew up in South Florida and moved to the Greensboro area in 2015. His favorite hobbies are playing piano, going on road trips across the USA, watching movies, and building 1000-piece puzzles. Nicolas participates in Quad F, SPREAD, The Arc of Greensboro, and Sunshine Club activities. For the Special Olympics of North Carolina, Nicolas participates in swimming, bowling, and golf. He has worked at Apex Analytix for the last 2 years. Nicolas was a dancer on Dancing with our Diamonds in 2018. He is excited and ready to be a judge for this event.
Meredith Cason
Judge
- Meredith is a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and a graduate of UNC Greensboro. She is passionate about theatre and the ways it can connect people from all backgrounds. As the creative director of OnStage Theatre for All, Meredith believes theatre should be inclusive of and accessible for everyone—especially individuals with disabilities! She is also a mom, a writer, and a court appointed advocate for Guilford County kids in foster care.
Marikay Abuzuaiter
Judge
Marikay is an At Large Councilmember on the Greensboro City Council. She was elected in 2011 and has been reelected in subsequent elections. Prior to her public service, she owned a small business for 22 years and worked for a local university. In addition to her councilmember duties, she also serves on the boards of several nonprofits and chairs several regional boards. Marikay is a proud graduate of Greensboro College and has completed the Greensboro Citizens Academy, the Greensboro Police Department Citizens Academy, and IMPACT Greensboro, all of which have contributed to her role on the City Council. Marikay values interacting with residents from diverse backgrounds and endeavors to assist them with any challenges they may face.
Jamie Cannady
DJ
Jamie's passion is music. He has his own DJ business, "Jammin' with Jamie” and has been featured at the Greensboro Gateway School Prom, the Greensboro Jaycees Old Timers Holiday Party, The Arc of Greensboro, Greensboro and Burlington Shrine Club events, the Dancing with our Diamonds yearly events, and the Grimsley High School and Page High School Reunions. On most weekend afternoons you can find Jamie with his friends at Fisher's Grille on Elm Street, watching his favorite professional and college sports teams on TV.
Will Moore
Lighting Technician
Will is a 2007 graduate of Grimsley High School. He works at Home Depot and Westover Church for his day jobs. His passion involves lighting and in 2008, Will established his own lighting business called Lights Your Way. He provides special effects lighting for events and dances as a community service for The Arc and other not-for-profits and for family and friends.