Thursday, March 27, 2025
Last weekend, the annual Night to Shine prom experience was held at the Crestview Church of Christ in Waco for people with special needs and disabilities.
Each year, Night to Shine partners with the Tim Tebow Foundation with help from Elite Therapy Group and Friends for Life to host an unforgettable prom night experience, which is centered on God’s love.
Seven athletes from Team Gatesville Special Olympics were in attendance, including Spencer LaPoe, Jonathan Hannold, Haley Garcia, Staci Lewis, Caitlin Clough, Olivia Aguilar, and Tristen Tidrick.
Every guest of Night to Shine entered the prom on a red carpet complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi. Once inside, guests received royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe-shining stations, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room, dinner, prom favors for each honored guest, a Respite Room for parents and caretakers, and dancing.
Each guest also received a crown or tiara since they are all kings and queens.
Team Gatesville Head of Delegation, Heidi Clough, expressed that Night to Shine is so much more than a dance.
“It is an amazing celebration of the unique abilities of each king and queen,” she said. “In watching their joy, it is an uplifting experience for us all. Grounded in God’s love, Night to Shine prom can help change how culture embraces and includes people with special needs.”
