Campbellsport, WI — The Shining Stars Dance Team hosted its very own Prom Dance at St. Matthew’s Catholic School Gymnasium in Campbellsport, creating a memorable experience for dancers who may never have had the opportunity to attend a traditional prom.
The gymnasium took on a kind of magic with streamers, laughter, a red carpet, and a whole lot of heart. Organized by Mary Bilgo, who had a simple but powerful goal: give kids with special needs a night that felt, in every way, like a “normal” prom.
By all accounts, that’s exactly what she did.
“This is turning out wonderfully,” Bilgo said, looking out over the decorated space as families and volunteers put on the finishing touches. “The parents are excited. The kids are excited. It’s been wonderful.”
The idea came from something she’d noticed over time—moments that were missing for many of the kids she works with.
“Kids with special needs seem to not have a lot of friends,” said Bilgo. “So, getting asked to a prom or to a special dance at school is pretty tough. Since I have a team of 30 kids, I said, ‘We’re going to have our own prom.’”
That decision turned into an event that welcomed participants of all ages. “All the kids, no matter what their age, get to participate,” Bilgo said. “Our youngest today is nine and the oldest is 41.”
This wasn’t a scaled-down version of prom, either. It was the full experience—corsages, tiaras, hair and makeup, and plenty of sparkle.
“The decorations, all the little things—the little corsages they’re wearing, the tiaras, they got their nails done, their hair, they got makeup done,” Bilgo said. “So, just like a real prom and with all the glamour.”
One of the most memorable touches came from a local high school dance team, who greeted each participant with a red carpet-style entrance. “They did a red carpet kind of salute to all the kids,” Bilgo said. “So, it was really great.”
What made the day even more special was how deeply the community leaned in to help. The local Lions Club handled the cooking, while donations poured in from nearby businesses and families. “One of our parents actually brought us all the hamburgers and the hot dogs and buns,” Bilgo said. “Our local gas station baked us 80 cookies—giant cookies.”
The gym space was donated, and volunteers came from all corners of daily life—friends from the YMCA, members of a Bible study, and neighbors who simply wanted to be part of something meaningful.
“Everybody sees the value in these kids and in the program and really want to take it to the next level,” Bilgo said.
For parents, the impact was immediate and emotional. Tanya St. Louis shared how much the event meant to her family, especially her son Harrison.
“This means just the world to everyone here—all of the kids,” she said. “I was here during hair and makeup for the girls, and the smiles on their faces were just priceless. And we couldn’t be more thankful for Coach Mary. She’s the one who did all these things. And if any of you know her, you know you can’t say no to her.”
Bilgo, who works with the dancers regularly, said the feeling is mutual.
“It’s just heartwarming,” she said. “It’s heartwarming to see the parents and what they go through every day. I get to be with these kids once a week for an hour—I call them my kids. But they really mean a lot to me.”
Out on the dance floor, the reason for all the effort was easy to see.
“I’m having a good time,” said Orion. Dressed for the occasion in a green-and-white tie, white sash and gold crown he added, “I am wearing all this nice fancy stuff right here. And it looks very nice here.”
Asked what he liked most, his answer came quickly: “I like dancing. I really like dancing a lot.”
And that, in the end, was the whole point.
For one night, 30 kids who might not otherwise get the chance had a prom of their own—complete with music, glamour, and a community that showed up in full force. It wasn’t just an event. It was a reminder of what can happen when someone decides everyone deserves a place on the dance floor.
The Shining Stars Dance Team is made up of 30 special needs dancers from Fond du Lac, Dodge, and Washington counties, ranging in age from 7 to 41 years old. What began about 10 years ago with just six dancers has grown into a vibrant team that brings joy and inspiration to communities across the region.
The team was founded by Coach Mary Bilgo, inspired by her younger brother who had cerebral palsy. Although he could not sit, talk, or walk, he loved life and his family deeply. As the youngest of seven children, he brought a special perspective to the family and taught them all to see life differently — through love, patience, and appreciation for every moment.
The Shining Stars Dance Team continues to shine as a powerful example of community support, inclusion, and the belief that every dancer deserves their moment to shine.
