Students and staff from Lee University’s LEAP (Learning Engage Achieve Program) recently partnered with Broad Street United Methodist Church and the Tim Tebow foundation to host “Night to Shine,” a special prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older.

“This special event affected me greatly, touched my heart, and inspired me to be there for those with disabilities,” said Kayla Clark, a LEAP student. “It was amazing to be a part of it, and I hope it will continue for years to come.”

There were 140 attendees who were all crowned queen and king at the event, which took place at Broad Street UMC.

LEAP staff Kathi Douglas, Jake Fast, and Amber Delong worked closely alongside LEAP students to set up the night before and to attend the prom. During the event, staff and students served as paparazzi, buddies, cosmetologists, food servers, and the cleanup crew.

“This is our fifth year serving with Night to Shine, and it is humbling to see this group of students share the love of God in such a tangible way,” said Dr. Angela Waltrip, director of LEAP. “Through serving, we received so much.”

LEAP started in 2015 and is a federally-funded TRIO Student Support Services Program. Ideal candidates for the program are first generation, income-qualifying, and disability students. As part of this federal grant, students are encouraged to engage with the community to learn about career readiness. 

The program currently provides individual success coaching, peer mentors, direct student aid, financial aid counseling, financial literacy education, cultural and academic enrichment opportunities, and other personalized services according to individual students’ needs.

For more information about LEAP, visit leeuniversity.edu/leap/.

For more information about Night to Shine, visit timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine/.