Viewing Party for Dance Champion Melanie Moore

"She is one-of-a-kind," Rhonda Webb said with a smile. "The kind of student who gets along with everyone and everyone loves her."

Webb, a Lassiter High School history teacher, was part of the organizing team of the free gathering held Thursday evening in the Lassiter High gymnasium. Live dance performances and original cheers entertained fans before "So You Think You Can Dance?" season eight finale aired on a supersized screen.

The gym holds about 2,000 people and was standing room only before show started at 8 p.m.

"We put this event together in less than a week so that we can celebrate Melanie and show that we're proud of her and how she's representing our school," said Webb. "She's a humble person and would be embarrassed by the special attention."

Moore is a 2010 graduate who was voted Home Coming Queen her senior year.

When asked what will happen at the gym if Moore wins, Webb said, "She'll probably be able to hear us yelling in California."

Rhythm Dance Center administrator, Krista Mallon, said, "Chances are high that Melanie's going to win. She's won our hearts, maybe she's won over all of America's."

Moore studied dance at the center for about four years while in high school. Rhythm Dance teaches about 700 students including about 50 young men. The center is also home to performing dance companies.

Rhythm owners, Becca Moore, no relation to Melanie, and Danielle Rosenberg sponsored the event. Free fans, pencils and dance classes were given away to add to the fun of two-or-more gathering in the name of loving a special hometown girl.