Honored guests receive VIP treatment with crowds of cheering students, faculty, and staff who welcome them as they walk on a red carpet to the dance floor.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks hosted the 10^th Night to Shine event this evening, Friday, Feb. 13, in the Silver Dollar City Parlor at The Keeter Center. The College, along with churches around the world, partnered with the Tim Tebow Foundation to make this event possible and celebrate God’s love for people with special needs.

The prom-like event welcomed more than 100 guests from Stone and Taney counties. More than 200 College of the Ozarks faculty, staff, and students volunteered — helping with hair and makeup, shining shoes, cheering for the guests as they entered on the red carpet, and serving as “buddies” or chaperones for the entire evening.

“One of the College’s core pillars is to reflect Christlike character through a spirit of service and genuine care for others,” said Dr. Justin Carswell, vice president for Christian ministries and student development. “Night to Shine gives our students a meaningful opportunity to live out that calling by being the hands and feet of Christ to our honored guests. The most rewarding moments come from watching the joy on each guest’s face as they connect with their buddies and get ready for an unforgettable evening.”

Jayce Landers, junior biblical and theological studies major, crowns honored guest, Stephen Donhardt, for 2026 Night to Shine at College of the Ozarks.

Night to Shine is a memorable experience for everyone participating. Lori Simmons, community service coordinator, mentioned the event’s impact on both guests and those who volunteer to serve.

“For many of our guests, the evening marked a meaningful first — an experience where they were truly noticed, valued, and celebrated as the one-of-a-kind individuals God created them to be,” Simmons said. “While we set out to serve them, we found ourselves deeply changed as well. The event leaves a lasting impression every year on our students, offering them the opportunity to serve others and discover the powerful joy that comes from living out love through action.”

This year, Night to Shine was directed with the help of Esperanza Melendez, assistant coordinator of community service and student development at College of the Ozarks.

“Night to Shine is centered on counting others more significant than ourselves,” Melendez said. “It is a truly special evening where our guests are the stars of the show, and our students get to experience the joy of celebrating alongside them. The event is also a meaningful night of respite for the caretakers who faithfully go above and beyond for our guests every day. It is a privilege to serve them as well, offering a space of fellowship and rest.”

Honored guest Nick Watterson and “Buddy,” Simon Hopkins, sophomore chemistry major, celebrate Night to Shine.

The Impact of the Kings and Queens

After the honored guests were pampered with VIP treatment by C of O student volunteers in the Welcome Center, they had a luxurious ride to The Keeter Center. Crowds of cheering students, faculty, and staff welcomed them as they walked on a red carpet to the dance floor.

“My favorite part of Night to Shine was meeting my buddy. He had so much energy walking down the red carpet and I’ve had a great time with him,” said Simon Hopkins, sophomore chemistry major. “I think Night to Shine gives us an opportunity to live out our values, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

This was Hopkins’ first time serving as a buddy at Night to Shine, and he is already looking forward to serving again next year.

Shannon Tierney, sophomore marketing major, reflected on how Night to Shine is a natural extension of the College’s Christian Pillar.

“Night to Shine is all about service,” Tierney said. “As Christians, we’re called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It is a blessing to be at College of the Ozarks where we’re able to serve others and give them a night to remember.”

C of O students and Night to Shine guests enjoy making memories at the annual event.

Local Impact

For the Parker family, Night to Shine is a uniquely exciting celebration. James and Meri Parker, who recently moved to the area, say their daughter, Allison, 24, has attended Night to Shine events in previous communities and looks forward to each one with excitement. James Parker serves as the business manager at College of the Ozarks.

“Allison enjoys a fun party,” said Meri Parker, Allison’s mom. “This party has amazing food, dancing, and gives Allison an exciting night where she can spend time with college students who are her age.”

Having experienced Night to Shine in multiple cities, the Parkers say they were not surprised to learn of College of the Ozarks’ involvement in hosting the event.

“It’s truly a wonderful event and organization,” Parker said. “I’m pleased, though not surprised, that College of the Ozarks is so closely involved in supporting the community through this effort.”

Allison Parker enjoys dining with her “Buddy,” Skye Johnson, senior elementary education major.

The family expressed gratitude for the College and The Keeter Center, which serves as the venue for the prom. Known nationally for its hospitality and service, The Keeter Center provides a setting that reflects the heart of the Night to Shine mission.

For the Parkers, Night to Shine reflects their faith and belief in the God-given worth of every individual. Meri shared that Psalm 139:14 holds special meaning for their family: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

What stands out most to the Parkers is the role of College of the Ozarks students who volunteer as buddies, escorting guests down the red carpet and spending the evening with them.

“Thank you to the College for sharing their incredible students,” Meri said. “This event will surely be a meaningful blessing to so many in attendance.”

A Worldwide Movement

Night to Shine launched in 2014, rapidly growing from just a handful of host churches into a global celebration of people with special needs. Today it is widely recognized as a hallmark event of the Tim Tebow Foundation. In February 2024, 725 churches in all 50 states and 56 countries hosted Night to Shine, with more than 150,000 volunteers celebrating over 80,000 honored kings and queens. In 2025, the movement continued to grow, with over 820 churches in 62 countries hosting unforgettable prom experiences for people with special needs around the world.

Participating agencies included the following:

• Barnabas Prep
• LinkAbility
• New Hope Development/Cedar Creek Coffee
• Young Life Capernaum
• Chances of Stone County
• Hollister Special Education

About Tim Tebow

Tebow is a two-time national champion, first round NFL draft pick, and Heisman Trophy winner. Tebow played three years in the NFL for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and New England Patriots. He grew up the son of missionaries, and even after moving to Florida as a child, he returned to the Philippines as a teenager to spread God’s word and do the Lord’s work by serving the needy. He carried that calling with him to the University of Florida, where in addition to leading the Gators to two national championships and winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007, he also devoted himself to charity — raising money for pediatric cancer patients and disadvantaged children.

The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. This mission is being fulfilled daily through ministry outreach in Orphan Care + Prevention, Special Needs, Profound Medical Needs, and Anti-Human Trafficking & Child Exploitation. To learn more about how the Tim Tebow Foundation is serving the world’s most vulnerable people, please visit www.timtebowfoundation.org.