Over 200 people gather every March to participate in dance parties, music lessons, movie nights, swimming, campfires, snowmobiling, yoga, crafts, and games at the Shining Stars Winter Games. Shining Stars is an organization that brings kids and children with life-threatening diseases together for a few days a year to have fun and raise money for research and treatment.

“Shining Stars is one of the coolest things in my life,” thirteen-year-old Callie Mitchel said. “This is my second year and it’s super fun and the people are nice.”

Mitchel has paralysis in her legs, but she most definitely doesn’t let that stop her from having fun and participating in life.

“In all my life – and especially at Shining Stars – people don’t tend to treat me differently then they would treat a person with functioning legs. At Shining Stars, I feel like everything understands,” Mitchel said.

All AHS students who have participated in the Shining Stars event this year have seemed to enjoy it immensely this year, and had unique and memorable experiences that will be with them for the rest of their lives.

“Shining Stars really gives me a sense of accomplishment, family, and warmth I have never gotten anywhere else. I love helping out and playing games with the kids. It’s truly amazing,” said freshman Dara Schank with a smile.

“I think it really gives everyone at the events a new and different sense of community unlike anything else. It’s a week of talking to people you’d never talk to otherwise, and getting an opportunity to do something good in the world,” said freshman Adair Pattillo.

“Overall, Shining Stars has been a wonderful part of my year and my life,” sophomore Katie Peshek said. “I hope I can have more wonderful experiences like this one in years to come.”