Shine Prom, or “Shine” for short, is an event where people with exceptional abilities ages middle school and up get to attend a sensory-friendly, prom-themed event.
On March 21, guests walked a red carpet, all crowned as kings or queens, with all expenses paid.
The Rock Church in Conway hosted the Shine Prom for the past seven years. The Rock Church promotes the term “exceptional abilities” as an affirming alternative to “intellectual disabilities” or “special needs.” Local vendors, businesses and volunteers made the night special by donating their products and services. Nail painting, shoe shining and hair and makeup design were all provided, as well as local mascot special appearances. Throughout the church there were different activities like karaoke, crafts and a large dance floor.
Everyone in attendance could find something to enjoy on this special night. Member of the Rock Church and Shine Prom coordinator Adrian Robertson said students from Coastal Carolina University have been volunteering at Shine for years.
“CCU students volunteering for Shine makes this event even more special. This is our seventh year for Shine and when our CCU students show up, our guests are super excited,” Robertson said.
Coastal athletics including the football, softball and volleyball teams all volunteered this year, along with students involved in the CCU LIFE Program.
One volunteer, sophomore business accounting major Josie Nowak, works for the LIFE Program as an academic tutor and as social support. Nowak said helping with the LIFE program and Shine allowed for a more fulfilled college experience at CCU.
“I’ve gotten a lot more involved with students with disabilities and just all the stigma around that– working with the LIFE program is so fulfilling, they have definitely made me a better person,” Nowak said.
Many Shine volunteers have personal connections with friends and family members with exceptional abilities, and these connections lead them to helping and interacting with the community even more.
Freshman Brailee Rathburn double majoring in journalism sports media and recreation and sports management volunteered at Shine for the first time this year. She shared that her family has played an influential role in her volunteering.
“I have a cousin, he has special needs, so I grew up with it. And my brother used to work for a similar program back in Ohio. When they mentioned there was a volunteer opportunity for something like this, I jumped on it because I knew it was important to me,” Rathburn said.
Student volunteers aren’t the only ones with deep connections to the program.
“I have a daughter, Caroline, who is 25 years old with Angelman Syndrome, so I understand the journey parents and caretakers share in caring for a person with an exceptional ability,” Robertson said. “On the flip side, helping coordinate this event, I see firsthand the goodness of our community as everyone comes together to make this event what it is.”
No matter the reason for volunteering, Robertson said the celebration at Shine Prom is truly something special.
“We jokingly tell our volunteers to be ready for your cheeks to be sore from all the smiling that happens that night but it’s so true,” Robertson said. “This celebration truly points to the celebration we all will experience as believers in Jesus.”
