About 85 guests were crowned kings and queens Friday evening of the Huntsville United Methodist Church’s Night to Shine 2020 Prom, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.
Reverend Bryan Meadows said it’s the church’s third year of hosting Night to Shine.
“Every year on the Friday before Valentine’s Day, churches across world put on this night,” he explained. “There are more than 800 churches around the world hosting this and we, at Huntsville, get to be one of them.”
Bryan Meadows said it’s even more of an honor because you have to apply to be a Night to Shine host.
Alice Meadows, event co-coordinator, said the event is one of her favorite nights of the year.
“I think any time we can take a moment to recognize how good god is to make us all different is a good night,” she said.
Bryan Meadows said the event “takes an army of volunteers.”
Each guest had a volunteer accompanying them and there was an additional 35 to 40 volunteers, as well.
“We are so fortunate to live in Logan County,” he said. “We have folks from the church, the community, individuals, businesses, our sheriff’s department (and) our Huntsville Village Fire Department and squad. It’s been amazing to watch the outpouring of the community in this.”
And the reach of it goes from Indian Lake to Bellefontaine and even beyond Logan County, he added.
“God has been so good to us,” Bryan Meadows said. “You never know when you’re on the front end of something like this. I am so humbled and blessed and I think it speaks volumes of community we live in, in Logan County. It’s nice to see something like this actually come together and work and is supported by the community.”
Guests from ages 14 and up enjoyed getting their hair and nails done, a shoe shine station, limo rides, dancing and music, a catered meal, pictures and the red-carpet treatment. Guests also had the opportunity to be recognized and crowned as kings and queens.
Bryan Meadows said although it takes a lot to pull off the Night to Shine, when it comes together it’s simply breathtaking.
“It’s such an honor to do something like this — to be apart of it,” he said. “I’m fortunate to be a part of a congregation that has this kind of vision — inclusion that occupies kingdom of God. We crown them kings and queens tonight and that’s how God sees them everyday. You matter to God and matter to us.”
Guest Jessica Loubert said she simply enjoyed everything about the evening’s goings-on.
Brandy Parks, mother of guest Gracie Parks, said the event is always a great time.
“We’re happy the Huntsville United Methodist Church puts this on,” she said. “Bryan and Alice (Meadows) do a great job every year.”
Stephanie Godwin, mother of guest Shelby Godwin, said she thinks the Night to Shine is simply amazing.
“It’s very amazing they can do something for these kiddos,” she said.