On Feb. 10, 2017 over 200,000 individuals came together to create, Night to Shine. Thousands of people with special needs, ages 14 and up, were invited to attend this special prom event, which was hosted by over 375 churches around the world. Students from Pleasant Valley High School, Korryn Taghon and Paige Hawbaker, were just two of the many guests that attended the event at the Waterfront Convention Center. Additionally, recent alum from the Bettendorf area, Emily Tinsman, volunteered to help make this night special. Eleven countries, including the United States, participated in this event to celebrate love and uniqueness. All of those involved helped to give their guests a night that they would never forget.

What is Night to Shine?

Night to Shine is an event that was created by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Tebow, a former NFL quarterback, started the foundation in 2010 to bring faith, hope, and love. The foundation hosts a celebrity gala and golf classic as well as their Night to Shine event. The website for the foundation is as Tebow said, “committed to celebrating people with special needs.”

The site also details numerous ways to get involved and help to make this event run smoothly. People wanting to help, but not attend, can refer eligible prom-goers or can help secure churches or event centers to host the events. The biggest way to provide hands-on assistance is to sign up to be a volunteer. Volunteers work to turn the church and other spaces into magical environments for the guests. Also, volunteers can interact with the guests to make sure they are having fun. There are limo rides, lots of food and a dance floor for volunteers and guests to enjoy. The most simple form of help the foundation asks for, however, is prayer. The website reads, “Pray for the churches hosting this event, the amazing individuals who will be attending each Night to Shine, and for the event to be a blessing to everyone involved.”

Korryn Taghon

Korryn Taghon, senior, said this prom was her favorite because she got to come home with a tiara. Taghon’s mom, Dawn Taghon, said, “Yes everyone came home with one, but she truly felt like she was a prom queen for the night.” The event was truly special for Taghon and the thousands of other people will special needs that got to feel magical for a night. Having events like these in the Quad Cities are great for Taghon, according to her mom, because, it gives her [Taghon] a sense of belonging, a chance to catch up with old friends, and of course, another chance to hit the dance floor. Taghon loves to dance and
has been a part of the Stars Dance Team and the Sparkles Cheer Team since 2009.

Along with dancing, Taghon is also involved in many activities outside of school. She [Taghon] works at Hall of Fame pizza, and is participating in West Music’s sound reach program, among other things. Taghon’s mom said, “Korryn’s confidence has grown exponentially. She loves being apart of a team and feels so comfortable with her teammates. She is more social and  outgoing because of the camaraderie.” All that know Taghon, love her. Many of her teammates are reminded daily that they are “fabulous” and special, because of Taghon’s loving heart.

Emily Tinsman

Emily Tinsman was one of the many volunteers that helped to make Night to Shine possible. Tinsman is involved with the Miss America Organization and is currently Miss Cedar Valley. She discovered the Night to Shine event through postings on social media. Tinsman said, “We reached out to local churches and venues hosting to see if they were in need of volunteers for their event.” The Tim Tebow Foundation was happy to take in Tinsman and other Miss America representatives as volunteers.

Tinsman was involved with some of the setup of the event and also stayed for
the dance to be a friendly face for guests to interact with. Tinsman said she enjoyed helping out at Night to Shine and it’s something she would definitely like to do again. “We were able to treat them like royalty for a change and that was a rewarding experience.” Tinsman continually said that the event was important to attend, because she and others were able to help individuals who aren’t always given the same opportunities. Tinsman’s favorite part of the evening was, “Being able to see the smiles on their faces.”

Paige Hawbaker

Paige Hawbaker, senior, has attended various homecomings and proms at Pleasant Valley High School, but Night to Shine was by far her favorite dance. Hawbaker said, “It was a lot more fun than high school dances because you get to go on limo rides.”

Hawbaker is involved in a couple of activities at the high school that are geared to involve students with special needs. One of these clubs is the Stars Dance Team. No one on the
team ever has a bad thing to say about Hawbaker. Member Haley Germain, junior, said, “Paige Hawbaker is the funniest person I have ever met! Her laugh and smile are contagious and I see her everyday with a positive and ready to go attitude.” Her love for dancing is clear to the team, so it makes sense that Hawbaker said her favorite part of the night was, “Dancing with everyone in the crowd.”

A Community effort

While this is a great opportunity for people with special needs to have a magical night, this event was also an amazing chance for the entire community to come together. Hawbaker’s mother, Maryellen Hawbaker, said, “Churches, mentors, supporters , donors, food and organizers all played an important role in making this well organized Tim Tebow Foundation “Night to Shine’ happen! It was very moving to be part of this event.” Volunteers also felt like they were able to benefit from this special night. Tinsman said, “These types of events are so important, not only for them, but for ourselves too.”