Ellie O’Hare, Reporter
@EOHare_courant
The night is created like a Hollywood gala: walkways are lined with red carpets, paparazzi flash their pictures, and limos arrive revealing elegant gowns and tuxes. The world is enchanted for the guests of this special needs prom; it is their night to shine.
The 2020 Night to Shine was held at Grace Church on February 7, where 155 guests were accompanied by 156 hosts, the majority of them being high schoolers and adult volunteers. The night had red carpet photos, a shoe shining station, and a crowning ceremony at the end of the night. Across 34 countries worldwide, over 720 churches hold this event. Night to Shine was started in 2014 by professional athlete Tim Tebow with the goal to connect kids of all abilities ages 14 and up on this prom-like night.
Many guests said Night to Shine was a very different experience compared to another school dance or Prom. “The red carpet, the limo rides, the eating, the dancing. I felt so happy,” said Night to Shine guest Ethan Hughes. This was Ethan’s fourth time attending the night throughout his high school career, and it has been something he looks forward to all year, similarly to other students and the friends he got to share the experience with.
Autumn Chipp, office and Events coordinator at Grace Church, helped plan much of the night, whether it be the limo ride, the DJ, the food, or the volunteer ‘glam squad’. “The glam squad focused on the guests and let them know they’re special, they are respected, they are loved, and they are human,” Ms. Chipp said. After the guests arrive and are greeted at the door by volunteers and decorations, they are matched up with hosts in a completely random and organic process, but Ms. Chipp says it always seems to work out like magic. The night is now set in motion as the guests and their hosts get to know each other while dancing and waiting for the crowning ceremony that closes the night. Ms. Chipp said that the preparation of Night to Shine is not only dedicated to the attendees, but also for the parents of the guests, as they see their kids being accepted right before their eyes.
Sophomore member of Buddies Club Abby Gaudreau said that Night to Shine acts as a bridge to connect students who are presumed to be different based on their abilities. “You forget in that moment on the dance floor that anyone is different, and you’re just totally equal for a moment,” Abby said. “It’s amazing to know that they’ve been looking forward to this all year and that we could be a part of it.”
Everyone who attended Night to Shine said that it’s the feeling and bond that is inflicted that truly holds the most value. “We’re all going out of our way and uniting together to show we all have the same value as different as our abilities and appearances may be,” president of the Buddies Club and Night to Shine host Alex Kurz said. “We’re all under the same roof, listening to the same songs, dancing with the same people, and there’s nothing that divides us or any status quo to follow.”
Alex said she finds more fortune in the relationships made through Night to Shine than any other. “We live in this town and all wear the same clothes… we’re all bred the same way. Through Night to Shine and Buddies Club, we all get to see outside this ‘bubble’ of New Canaan,” she said. “I feel like I don’t have to be the president of the club but can hang out one on one as equals and enjoy the night together.” Alex said.
