High School Marathon Spotlight: Jorie DePalma

By Samantha England in collaboration with Marathon Relations

Jorie DePalma began her IU Dance Marathon journey in 1998 during her sophomore year, participating alongside fellow sorority members. DePalma’s passion for IUDM grew over time, as she joined a committee the next year, and became director of the Riley Development committee as a senior. She graduated from IU with a degree in social work, which she put to use at Southport High School. She has served as the school’s resident social worker and the staff advisor for Southport’s Dance Marathon for the last fifteen years.

DePalma has been a part of the IUDM community for over two decades now, and her influence has been immeasurable. She’s fundraised thousands of dollars, put in countless hours, and led, supported, and inspired hundreds of students over her years as an advisor and mentor. As she moves on to her new position as an Employee Assistance Program counselor with IU Health, Depalma continues to contribute to Dance Marathon through the support of her daughters: Emerson Oskay, co-president for the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School Dance Marathon, and Delanie Oskay, a participant in the South Deanery Dance Marathon that runs through Roncalli High School.

Jorie DePalma has done so much for not only IUDM, but the future generations of leaders and philanthropists that participated in Southport’s Dance Marathon. Her impact on these students, and everyone else around her, will last a lifetime.

We here at IUDM would like to thank Jorie Depalma for all her hard work and wish her the best of luck going forward!