Congratulations to the Cranford Unified Soccer Team on their victory in the 2016 Special Olympics Shriver Cup!

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We believe that individuals with special needs have their own unique talents to share with the world. We believe that everyone should have the chance to showcase their abilities and talents. We believe that everyone should have a chance to connect with their community. Enjoy the video below and welcome to Shining Stars Network!

Jessie Gaeta was meant to be in the spotlight. The Cranford High School varsity cheerleader has always enjoyed being in front of a crowd or a camera, having appeared with the Count on Sesame Street when she was eight years old and as a model for Toys ‘R Us catalogs and Girl Scout Magazine. She has also "shined" during her stage performances in the Shining Stars talent shows. It was obvious early on that Jessie was born to perform.

Johanna Hathaway has lived with her family in Cranford for nearly 50 years and she has many ties to the local community. She has worked with special needs children in three different school districts, as well as, volunteering with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She is still active with 4-H programs and Shining Stars.

Shining Stars Network (SSN): What made you get involved with Shining Stars?

Johanna Hathaway (JH): After I saw the second Shining Stars Show which featured children with more severe disabilities than my autistic nephew I thought I would try to get him involved in the show. If they could do it, so could he. That’s when I found out how truly individual the special needs of each child were.  My nephew could not perform in front of a crowd, nor bear the noise at rehearsals, nor learn a simple dance step. I still wanted to become involved so I just hung around trying to help in any way I could.

SSN: What was your role and what did you do?

JH: I tried to help organize record keeping for Sally (Curci), made lots of lists, downloaded lots of lyrics, transformed wardrobes into costumes, added my input wherever I thought it could be helpful. I scrounged supplies from any place I could think of, scoured the net for the cheapest gloves, costume ideas and creative advice.

SSN: What kind of impact did this experience have on you?

JH: It made me feel younger than my years and made me appreciate the many talented children who never hit the mainstream. I laughed a lot, cried a little and thanked God for letting me help the      children reach their potential.

SSN: What was your favorite thing about Shining stars?

JH: After months of chaotic rehearsals, talented, laughing children behaving like children, tantrums, changes, more changes and then a few more changes a miracle happens right before each show.  The children are stupendous, they remember what to do, when to do it, where to go, all the while smiling like they’ve won the lottery. They make it a night to remember for their audience, themselves, and certainly me.