Lawrence residents with special needs in the spotlight at annual Night to Shine prom

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

Guests at the annual Night to Shine prom enjoy their dinner on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at River City Church.

At the annual Night to Shine prom on Friday, area residents with special needs got the royal treatment — walking down the red carpet and being crowned as a king or queen — before hitting the dance floor.

The event, which is now in its fourth year in Lawrence at River City Church, also featured a sit-down dinner and was emceed by Kansas Jayhawks radio announcers Brian Hanni and David Lawrence. When they arrived, attendees were escorted down the red carpet by Army ROTC members, and the announcers read a short introduction of each guest.

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

Night to Shine attendee Lola Kernell prepares to hit the red carpet as royalty on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

Josh Cheek strikes a pose at the annual Night to Shine prom on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

The University of Kansas and Eudora High cheer teams, KU mascot Baby Jay and Kansas City Chiefs mascot K.C. Wolf were also there to welcome the attendees.

“This event is literally the highlight of my year,” event organizer Tom Sack said. “To see the smiling faces and excitement that they have, and just to see their energy.”

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

Night to Shine attendee Kelsey King wears a crown on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at River City Church.

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

Attendee Mark Rice gives a smile and wave at the Night to Shine prom event on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at River City Church.

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

Night to Shine attendee Jordan Platt sports a crown on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

Attendees at the annual Night to Shine prom prepare to hit the dance floor on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at River City Church.

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

Cheerleaders and photographers prepare to welcome the guests at the annual Night to Shine prom on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

photo by: Matt Resnick/Journal-World

Attendees of the annual Night to Shine event depart in a limo on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

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