GSSM Students Raise $3,220 for Hartsville’s Night to Shine Through Annual 5K

Photo (L to R): Ella Alexander ('25), Hannah Hall ('26), Quin Toussaint ('26), Will Stokes ('26), Jana Robertson, director of students at Lakeview Baptist Church, Kimberly Bastean, children’s director at Lakeview Baptist Church, Gracyn Ross ('26), Marissa Eckard ('26), Persis Dathrapu ('26), Ava Shockey ('25). Night to Shine is hosted at Lakeview Baptist Church. 

HARTSVILLE, S.C. — (April 16, 2025) — Students at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) recently donated $3,220 in proceeds from the school’s annual 5K Race for Mental Health Awareness to support Hartsville’s 2026 Night to Shine, a prom night experience for people with special needs.

Held on Feb. 15, the race drew 136 registered participants and was hosted by GSSM’s student organization Fun Without Drugs (FWD). In addition to planning the race, nine GSSM students volunteered as “Buddies” during the 2025 Night to Shine event on Feb. 7, providing one-on-one support and celebration for attendees throughout the evening.

“It is a joy to watch our students engage with the community through hosting the GSSM 5K for Mental Health Awareness and volunteering as ‘Buddies’ for Night to Shine in Hartsville,” said Faith Tyner, GSSM wellness counselor and licensed professional counselor. “Our students embody what it means to be kind and compassionate to those around them.”

Ava Shockey, president of FWD and a member of GSSM’s Class of 2025, has volunteered at both events for the past two years. “They’ve been a great way to connect with my community and raise awareness about mental health,” she said. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to support these events.”

The next Night to Shine in Hartsville is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2026, and GSSM students plan to continue their involvement both on and off the racecourse.