On February 7, a group of Warner University students had the opportunity to serve at the Night to Shine event held at First Baptist Church Lake Wales. Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is an unforgettable prom night experience centered on God’s love for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. Held the weekend before Valentine’s Day each year, the event celebrates each guest as a King or Queen, complete with a red-carpet entrance, limousine rides, dancing, and a crowning ceremony.
For Warner University’s Honors students, this night was more than just a service project; it was a chance to embrace and celebrate members of their community with Christ-like love and compassion. Dr. Matt Swale, Assistant Professor of Bible and Church Ministry and Honors Professor, led this event as a service opportunity for students.
“This event equips our students to serve in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Swale. “It’s a powerful experience that allows them to live out the university’s mission statement by honoring the image of God in others, especially those who may not often be celebrated publicly. Our students stepped up beautifully—they were compassionate, attentive, and full of joy. They didn’t hesitate or shy away from engaging with the guests’ unique needs. Instead, they embraced the opportunity to love and celebrate them wholeheartedly, reflecting Christ-like character throughout the night.”
Out of 32 Honors students, 10 participated in this impactful evening, fulfilling part of their requirement to attend three out of five events each semester. Eight students volunteered as buddies, joyfully accompanying guests throughout the night. One student served on the safety team, leveraging her EMT certification, while another assisted with registration and check-in. The Honors students who attended were Faith Palmer, Shelby Cape, Clarissa Chew, Emma Self, Haylee Woodhouse, Kody Clark, Samuel Manner, Esther Breitling, Seth Campbell, and Minerva Avelar.
Reflecting on her experience, Clarissa Chew shared, “It was amazing to get to connect with the kings and queens! I feel blessed to have been a part of this event to make them feel as special as God sees them!” Esther Breitling also shared, “It was a true blessing to be able to serve people who never got to experience prom.”
Additionally, three Exercise Science students joined the event alongside, Dr. Jackie Swale, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, purely as volunteers. These students were Peyton Harsch, Leah Cooley, and Alex Papale.
Several Warner University professors were also present, including Dr. April Steen, Associate Professor of Social Work and the Social Work Program Director, and Matt Simpson, Adjunct Professor, demonstrating the community’s commitment to this meaningful cause.
Night to Shine is a global event hosted by local churches that provides an evening of fun, dancing, and celebration for individuals with special needs. This year marked the fourth annual event at First Baptist Church Lake Wales, and the Warner University students who participated helped make the night truly unforgettable!
Through this experience, Warner University students not only served their community but also embodied our mission by living out their faith in action. By embracing each guest with love, compassion, and joy, they demonstrated a disciple-like heart of service, modeling Christ’s teachings of dignity, respect, and unconditional love.
