Friday, March 20, 2026 
at the 
NEW Northstar Gymnasium and Community Center 
to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. 

Featuring music, delicious food, and cocktails, and an exciting silent auction.

Early Bird Tickets are on sale now! 

​

At Northstar, we are surrounded by people who believe deeply in our students and show that belief through their actions—year after year. The Navigator Awards honor those individuals and community partners whose generosity, advocacy, and commitment have helped open doors for students with disabilities and made our mission possible.

We invite you to help us recognize those who truly help guide the way for Northstar. If someone’s long-standing support or meaningful partnership has made a difference for our students, please consider submitting a nomination for a Navigator Award and joining us in celebrating their impact.

Nominations are open now through January 20th .The process is quick and user-friendly. Get a nomination form and learn more about these awards, their criteria and the process by clicking here to submit form. https://forms.gle/fvz1QpeDSdEC7JuS6 

Congratulations to our 2025 Honorees!

2025 Navigator Award for Enduring Support                         2025 Navigator Award for Outstanding Community Partnership
Donna Bower                                                                                         Performance Food Group

Northstar is the premier school for learning differences in Central Virginia with a mission to promote educational excellence and career opportunities for students with disabilities who have academic, physical or social challenges. The Illumination Gala is an essential part of Northstar's ability to continue that mission.

We proudly offer two programs— the Academy and the Career Center—serving students with disabilities who face academic, physical, or social challenges. Through specialized instruction, small classes, and expert faculty, we help students reach their full potential.

Northstar supports a wide range of abilities, including 12 of the 13 disabilities under IDEA. With differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and hands-on worksite experience, students learn and apply skills in real-life settings, benefiting from peer collaboration and leadership development.

Show you care with a gift!

Every gift, large or small, makes a meaningful difference in the life of a student with disabilities on their educational journey. Make your tax-deductible gift right now by 

1. clicking this link (https://cbo.io/d/donate.php?slug=northstar) or
2.  texting "northstar" to 855.800.4975 or
3. Contact Susan Herzick to donate stock, IRA, or DAF. 

​

For questions related to Northstar's Gala, please contact Susan Herzick, Director of Development at sherzick@northstarva.org.