Shenandoah County Search, Inc.
Your Attention, Please!
We are hereby announcing the
Mad Hatter's Market & Tea!
Saturday, June 7, 2026
12 pm - 5 pm
Check out our special Mad Hatter's Market & Tea page for more details!
An Unforgettable Night to Shine
By Samantha Tankersley
It was the thirteenth of February; and everyone was looking forward to the Night to Shine prom dance. Expectations were high; anxiety was prominent. Everyone was so excited. The atmosphere was drowning everyone in excitement and anxiety.
The best part of it all was the dance itself, and how everyone looked. The men looked very sharp and handsome. The women looked extremely beautiful and elegant. Everyone looked as if they were ready for a very formal dance.
The first person, Harlan Rudolph, was dressed very handsomely. He wore a black tuxedo with a blue dress shirt and a red clip-on bow tie.
The second person, Scott Davis, wore a black tuxedo with a white dress shirt and black bowtie. He looked ready for a date.
The third person, Steven Dobbin, wore a tuxedo with a blue dress shirt and a regular blue-striped tie. Steven looked very handsome.
The fourth person, Heather Langston, wore a turquoise floral dress with a pink shawl and green sparkly flats. She looked very elegant.
The fifth person, Amanda Dodson, wore a hot-pink dress with a regular pink shawl and silver flats. Amanda's hair was the most beautiful; she wore it in a small bun.
The sixth person, Carrie Bartuska, wore a blue floral dress; a pink belt tied around her waist; rose-colored shoes; and a regular pink shawl.
Finally, I wore a short black sequin dress with black high heels; a black stone necklace; black earrings; and a black bracelet. I looked amazing. Everyone looked amazing.
Then it was time for the dance. As soon as we walk the red carpet, we find our seats and eat dinner. After we ate, we danced the night away. The dance floor was the fullest it's ever been.
Everyone had so much fun and looked amazing. It felt like everyone had just left all their worries behind. All of the worries just magically floated away. It felt magical. The atmosphere of the dancing and everyone having a great time felt surreal.
The fact that everyone looked so amazing, and the fact that all the worry faded away, just felt so mystical and magical. It was a night I'll never forget. That's why I named this story "An Unforgettable Night to Shine". Everyone was certainly shining in their own magical ways.
I didn't want the night to end. I don't think anybody did. I don't blame them. The night itself was so peaceful and magical; nobody wanted to leave.
That's why I don't really want to leave Night to Shine - because it is so magical.
who we are
Shenandoah County SEARCH, Inc. (“SEARCH”) was established in August, 1978 by Preston and Vivian Poole, and others who were interested in the welfare of intellectually challenged citizens. SEARCH is a Section 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. Thus donations to SEARCH are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by applicable law.
SEARCH Continues to operate in memory of Vivian Poole, who dedicated 30 years of her life to this cause.
SEARCH is grateful for the visionary leadership of Sid and Betsy Price following the death of Vivian Poole. They helped put SEARCH on the road to success! Their generosity and vision provided SEARCH with the current Thrift Shop building. Care for our residents guided their vision.
Board of Directors
Judy Franz
Winnie McDermott
Joan Griffin
Erika Auer
Bob Schmidt
David Jones
Kim Cassford
Dr. Jerry Germroth
Elaine Harshman
Robin Tull
KK Stroop
Joan Proctor—Emeritus
Our Missions
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To provide a warm and nurturing home for intellectually challenged adults through our Group Home.
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To operate the Thrift Shop which serves the needs of the broader community by offering quality merchandise at affordable prices. The Thrift Shop sells only donated items and provides most of the financial support for the Group Home.
events
The Thrift Store is crazy with March Madness sales this month! Check out the Thrift Store Treasures page for current details!