For the fourth year, Farmington High School and New Heights Church has teamed up with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host the annual Night to Shine event. This prom-themed event gives special needs students the night of their dreams. Night to Shine was held at the Centene Center on Feb. 14 this year. FHS students volunteered their time to help students have a magnificent night.
“We host Night to Shine to emphasize love, celebration, and dignity for individuals with special needs, creating a memorable night highlighting their importance and inclusion within the community,” explained Kristi Scott, High School Librarian and Night to Shine Organizer.
Throughout the night, fun activities are available to students including karaoke, dancing, and more. Eventgoers will have the chance to walk the red carpet as they will receive a corsage/boutonniere made by students involved in Floral Design, while students cheer on the side and photographers will take pictures. At the beginning of the night, every student will be crowned as the prince or princess of their dreams for the entire night.
“FHS students can register to be a volunteer and help with many different ‘jobs’ on the night of the event or to be a ‘buddy’ for our guests, including enjoying dinner with their guests, participating in all the fun activities, and more. Registration links can be found on the Night to Shine website or on Google Classroom,” said Special Education Teacher, Casey Burch. She has been involved with assisting in the planning and organizing of Night to Shine for the last four years.
“Everyone involved will have the opportunity to eat a catered meal with friends and the students will have the opportunity to go through the swag bag line, choose their special gifts, and then ride in the limousine or party bus,” said Scott.
Scott and Burch always look forward to students helping out to volunteer as well as staff putting it together.
“Night to Shine is one of my favorite nights of the year. It is so amazing to see everyone dressed up and having the time of their lives,” said Scott. “The Red Carpet experience is my favorite part of the night!”
“I absolutely LOVE Night to Shine!! It is an amazing event for my students. They are pampered and celebrated as they should be!” exclaims Burch. “I also love how it brings the church, school, and community together to make this event a success. It would not be possible without everyone’s generous donation of time, talent and financial support.”
“Night to Shine is held annually on the Friday before Valentine’s Day, at the Civic and Centene Center,” said Burch. “This year, we have special permission from the Tim Tebow Foundation to hold our event the following Friday, on Valentine’s Day, due to a scheduling conflict with the event facility.”
Many organizations help out with this event including New Heights Church, FHS staff, students, parents, and community members. There are approximately 70 guests from area schools in attendance each year including North County, Central, Arcadia Valley, West County, Kingston, Fredericktown, Bismarck, and Potosi.
Students can always sign up to volunteer for next year’s event. If there are any questions about volunteering, students can email Mrs. Scott at [email protected] for more information.
