Jesse Reed Meighen

FEBRUARY 26, 1920 – MARCH 12, 2024

​

NADAA, The National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts, Inc., extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jesse Reed Meighen.  It was an honor and privilege to connect with Jesse last February to celebrate her 103rd birthday.  We were inspired by Jesse when we met her, and we were delighted to become acquainted with all of those who are dearest to her.  When we learned that Jesse's affiliation with NADAA had meant so much to her, we were thrilled to present her with the Charley Award, and we were touched by her humility in accepting it. It was also a special opportunity for us to recreate one of the dances she had presented when on faculty for NADAA more than five decades ago.  While we are unable to be with you in person as you celebrate her life, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. 

" Let them praise his name in dance, make music with tambourine and lyre.  For the Lord takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory." Psalm 149:3-4

With love and sympathy from NADAA,

Maria Pagliaruli-DeConti, National President

Anita Jean McMonigle Seibert, First National Vice-president

Gail Siewert, National Treasurer

Karyn O'Toole, National Treasurer

Madelyn Kirkella, Chairman of the Board

​

​

-------

​

Jesse Reed Meighen, 104, of Waynesburg, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024, at the Chapel Pointe Senior Living Center in Carlisle, PA. She was a graduate of Waynesburg High School Class of 1938, attended and graduated from Slippery Rock College (University) with the Class of 1943 with a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Health and Physical Education, with a minor in Mathematics.

She began her never ending love of dance at the age of 4 with her first dancing lesson, and it is accurate to say that she was a dancer, teacher and educator in one form or another her entire life.

In 1946 she opened her first dance studio in Waynesburg, and over the years she added studio locations in Carmichaels, and in Cameron, WV. She was schooled in and taught, tap, ballet, ballroom, character and jazz. She took lessons at and/or danced in musical productions in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Hartford, CT, Winston-Salem, NC, Chicago, IL, Cleveland, OH, and in New York. She worked with and was a member of NADAA (National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists, Inc.) from 1956-1965, and the New York Conservatory of Dance from 1961 –1963. In 2023 in celebration of her 103rd birthday, NADAA honored her with the presentation of The Charley Award, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to dance education and the embodiment of the guiding principles of the organization.

In 1964 she joined the faculty of West Greene High School where she taught health, physical education and physiology. During her tenure at West Greene she was instrumental in providing opportunities in dance and school musical productions. She sponsored the dance and drill teams, and incorporated into the school’s physical education program ballroom dancing, modern dance, and square dancing, exposing students to cultural and fine arts.

Her commitment and dedication provided opportunities for women to compete in high school sports well before female sports were sanctioned by the WPIAL and PIAA. She served as the sponsor of the initial West Greene Girls Athletic Association and later as the Head Coach for Women’s Varsity Basketball. In October of 2022, at the age of 102, she was recognized and inducted into the West Greene Pioneers Athletic Hall of Fame. She was also a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.