Everyone who knows football has heard of Tim Tebow, the Christian NFL star who always showed his faith on the field and off. Since he left the field a couple of years ago, Tim has filled his life working some of the most unlikely of people. And on February 10, part of his ministry will be in Troy and will involve some of the students from Tecumseh.
“A Night to Shine evening is more than just a prom,” says Tebow. “It is a night where people with special needs shine and they are told that they matter, that they are important, and that God has a plan for their life!” And a tradition was started on that first attempt to give teens with special needs a moment in their high school careers that would they would feel so special and would remember the rest of their lives. And this year this special evening will be at Troy Christian Church on February 10.
All over the country and around the world special needs students will be attending the prom at various welcoming churches. Troy Christian is one of 375 churches located in all 50 states and 11 countries to host this Night to Shine. The church has invited special needs students from all over to come in and be treated like royalty. Included in the night will be a royal welcome for each young woman or young man and a teen escort for each, a formal dinner, and then a fun evening including dancing, talking and just general fun.
When FYI after school director, Julie Driskill, heard about this, she called to see if Tecumseh students could be invited and the answer was a definite YES! With the assistance of the school officials, the special needs students are invited and encouraged to come to the Night to Shine. As Julie Driskill says, “It will be a special night for so many who may not be able to enjoy a night like this elsewhere. What a way to celebrate a special event that will give memories that will last a lifetime. We are grateful to both Tim Tebow and Troy Christian Church for making this possible. Who knows—hopefully Tecumseh could sponsor one of these next year!!”
FYI is on the hunt to find prom dresses that our students could borrow for the night. If you have one to share, please drop it off at FYI, 468 N Dayton Lakeview Rd. during business hours. Sizes are undetermined at this time, but dresses can be returned after the event. FYI is working with the community to get volunteers to help get our students ready for this glamorous night—including pictures, make up, and transportation to the event. Volunteers are welcome to volunteer their services to this special evening. Call 845-0403 if you would like to volunteer. Call Julie Driskill or Pat at FYI, 845-0403 for more information.