By Emma Stone
A “Night to Shine” (NTS) prom celebrated a community dedicated to showcasing the unique beauty in special needs individuals on February 9 on the Louisiana Tech campus.
Approximately 130 guests, 110 caregivers and 250 volunteers participated in the 6th annual event which is founded by the Tim Tebow Foundation, an organization that sponsors and supports special needs events across the United States.
Clayton Owen, Minister of Pastoral Care and Groups at First Baptist Ruston, took the lead in organizing the prom.
“Night to Shine has to be hosted by a church, so I was the staff leader assigned to the project,” said Owen. “I got to work with a great team of volunteers.”
Owen said the event’s success was also in large part to the hard work of Brittany Jackson, First Ruston Media Specialist, Jana Beck, Project Director, and former project director Tara Smith, as well as all of the volunteers.
The night began with a red-carpet entrance for guests that included photos and cheers.
“The red carpet is simply meant to be a moment where each person is celebrated and gets to shine,” said Owen. “The Tim Tebow Foundation wants every guest to know they are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ from Psalms 139.”
Guests were assigned a buddy, which are volunteers from local churches, businesses, area colleges and high schools, and organizations, who help take them to the shoeshine or makeup stations.
Following the make-over, guests were led to the photo booth and other activities, including limo rides, karaoke and plenty of food provided by local vendors.
“Tim Tebow provides a video word of love and encouragement,” said Owen. “Everyone receives a crown as they are named prom queens and kings.”
Local high school baseball teams along with organizations from Louisiana Tech crowned each guest, giving out special gift bags and a final dance.
“A huge thank you to all the First Baptist family for supporting the event with volunteers and finances,” said Owen. “A thank you to all the community volunteers. We couldn’t have done it without them. A huge shout out to all the business who donated food and services, and to our parents, caregivers and special guests.”
Regardless of ability A Night to Shine is more than a prom but a radiant celebration of the beauty of each person.
