In order to offer special needs students ages 14 to 25 in the North Texas area with a prom-like experience, ‘The Well’ church will be putting on ‘A Night to Shine’, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, Feb. 10.

“[Students] are going to gain a really fun night, an inclusive night, a night where they’re really recognized and shown how much they’re loved and what they mean to this community,” STEP teacher Daina Hunt said. “Everybody’s going to get a crown or a tiara and get to be like the prom king or queen. It’s just going to show them that they really do have value and meaning, and they are important in this community.”

The event will be one of many around the world, all held on the same date.

“I think it’s a great idea to let these kids shine in a moment that they usually wouldn’t partake in,” STEP aid Laura Thompson said. “I think it highlights that we have so many different children that are a part of this community.”

Female students will be given the opportunity to have their hair and makeup done, and all students will be welcomed with a red carpet entrance.

“I’m totally stoked,” Hunt said. “I think [the event] is going to be of a whole new caliber. I think it’s going to put Argyle in a whole new spotlight. I’m really excited to see how my kids react to it.”

The prom is a great way for the community to get involved, with over 100 people volunteering.

“I will be attending the event as a student helper, so basically I get to dance and have fun with all of the kids there,” senior and president of Circle of Friends Jordan Allen said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the kids have a good time and let loose and just be normal kids having fun at a dance with their friends.”

The overwhelming support of the community is welcomed by the STEP program.

“I think it gives our community an opportunity to give back in a way and help these people be a part of something bigger and be included in a part of the community that they may have never been a part of,” Thompson said.

Held to promote God’s love for all and make students with physical and intellectual disabilities feel purposeful and included, many of Argyle’s own STEP students enjoy the idea of attending the occasion.

“I like it,” David Yeatts said. “I like singing, dancing, and eating. I’ll be a king, and [my friend] Callie will be a queen.”

The event also provides a separate respite room for parents, with a full meal, barista-style coffee drinks, and live music for their convenience.

“I think this event is just as much for the parents of the special needs kids because it’s a great way of networking and getting together with other people in a common situation,” Thompson said.

Hopeful that the night will leave students ‘shining’ with joy, the STEP program looks to make the dance a yearly occurrence.

“I hope as the years go on, we see it become bigger and bigger, and I hope that Gen Ed students come out to support it and get behind it and get excited about it,” Hunt said. “It will be so excellent.”