Night to Shine is a Night to Remember
From the red carpet and beautiful archway, Night to Shine was a night to remember.
Special education students and volunteers from Lakeland and several other neighboring schools had a truly magical night at the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine on February 7, 2020. There at St. Francis of Assissi Church in Wanaque, New Jersey, the students—dressed up like royalty—danced and laughed the magnificent night away.
“The atmosphere at Night to Shine is something that you can not compare to anything else,” special education teacher Ms. Jamie Haftek told The Ledger. From the red carpet and beautiful archway made of blue and gold balloons, to the eye-catching, sparkly photo booth, the students had nothing short of fun.
The community came together to throw another amazing Night to Shine.
Night to Shine was an extraordinary, fun-filled event that brought the community together as one. According to Ms. Haftek, there were hundreds of volunteers alone who helped out at the dance. At the dance, local restaurants, including Luigi’s, Maggie’s, IL Palazzo, and more, provided food, local hairdressers made up those who attended, and the countless volunteers made it a night to remember. Additionally, local companies, Stone and Garden, Arclight images, Steve’s Custom Drapery Shoppe, Skyline Graphics, and many more, along with the Wanaque and Ringwood Police Departments, Wanaque First Aid Squad, Ringwood Ambulance Corps, and Wanaque Recreation Department, all sponsored the event.
Ms. Haftek spreading the happy!
This is not the first year Night to Shine has been around. Lakeland has taken part in the event for three years. According to the Tim Tebow Foundation’s website, this year was Night to Shine’s sixth anniversary.. Lakeland is proud to help this special night happen each year since it participated, and also have its local church be one of 721 across the world to host a Night to Shine event.
“There is so much HAPPY going around!” Ms. Haftek commented. With the help of volunteers from the local schools and the Tim Tebow Foundation, each year, Night to Shine has been made into such a beautiful celebration for students with special needs to enjoy, and Lakeland was honored to have helped bring it to life. Next year, the dance is sure to be just as exciting and magical!
Daniella is a sophomore at LRHS and staff writer for The Lancer Ledger. Although Daniella is new to journalism, she is excited to grow as a writer by being...
Joni Bedell • Mar 23, 2020 at 5:09 pm
Nice article Daniella. I have worked this event all three years. The smiles like those in the photos make the hard work worthwhile!