Night to Shine
Each year, the Tim Tebow Foundation hosts Night to Shine across the country, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for individuals with special needs. In Flagstaff, the event took place on February 7, 2025. Night to Shine is a celebration where individuals with developmental disabilities are treated like royalty, enjoying a prom night experience complete with dancing, a red carpet, and special memories. The event highlights the foundation’s mission to honor and empower those with special needs. At Northern Arizona University (NAU), the College of Health and Human Services played an essential role, with several undergraduate students volunteering to help make the event a success for all participants. Read on to learn about the experiences of three NAU Physical Education students as they share their insights from volunteering at Night to Shine, an organization dedicated to providing meaningful activities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Volunteers’ names and programs
Aztec Fernandez, Physical Education Flagstaff Mountain Campus
Jordyn Smith, Fitness Wellness Flagstaff Mountain Campus
Celeste Switzer, Physical Education Flagstaff Mountain Campus
Why volunteer at Night to Shine?
Aztec Fernandez: I volunteered at Night to Shine (NTS) not only because it was a requirement for PE365W, but also because it is important, as a future educator, to gain experience and be around people with disabilities. It is crucial for future educators to connect with students, regardless of their race, culture, or disabilities.
Jordyn Smith: I volunteered at NTS because I was excited to have the opportunity to interact with individuals with intellectual disabilities, as I had never had the chance to do so before.
Celeste Switzer: I volunteered at Night to Shine because of my PE 365W class, which focuses on adaptivity in physical education. I thought this would be a very interesting opportunity to volunteer and potentially change students’ lives.
What was your role at Night to Shine?
Aztec Fernandez: My role that night was working in the quiet sensory room, which was a separate space away from the party where people could go when they needed a break from the crowd and to relax.
Jordyn Smith: My role was to be in the sensory room. It was fun to volunteer and an overall great experience!
Celeste Switzer: My role initially was to be part of the paparazzi crew and cheer on students as they became prom kings and queens. After that, I became a buddy and was paired up with a prom queen. We walked around the activity stations, sat down for dinner, and danced the night away.
What was something you learned through this experience?
Aztec Fernandez: I learned some stories about people with disabilities, how parents raised their kids, and the challenges that can occur.
Jordyn Smith: I learned a lot from the parents who came into the sensory room. We talked a lot about future careers and how autism affects so many different people, all of whom come from different backgrounds. I think I can take my experience from NTS and, if I ever work with someone who might be having a hard time, I’ll know how to comfort them.
Celeste Switzer: I learned that disabilities could come in many shapes and sizes. No two people at the event exhibited the same traits. This will be applicable when I have students with disabilities in my future PE classes.
Memorable moments?
Aztec Fernandez: The most memorable moment of the night was being with my fellow PE 365W classmates and bonding with them during the event, at certain times when we were able to.
Jordyn Smith: The most memorable part was dancing at the end of the night! Thank you!
Celeste Switzer: I think the most memorable moment was the look on my buddy’s face when we were showing off our matching temporary tattoos. We got butterfly tattoos on our hands, and she was very excited that we had something in common and got to match!
