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 go on sale November 20.

​

We can't wait to celebrate this year's Northstar Navigator Awards These awards are recognition of one volunteer and one community partner who exhibit incredible support and dedication to extending the impact of Northstar's mission. 

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.

Thank you to our amazing individual sponsors!

Anonymous
Dr. Richard L. Bennett
Page & John Corey
Beth & Chris Daly
Mary & Lem Doss
Kathleen McCauley & Edward Fishback
Katie & Michael Jarvis
Nancy & Jay Jordan
Laura & Steve McCoy
Whitney & Tom Parfitt 
Kathleen & Robert Redmond
Jeni & Tom Reedy
Pam & Mark Sweeney
Allison & Watson Wright 
Rebecca & Ben Winters
Melissa & Tyler Whitley