U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Maine Commissioner of Education Stephen Bowen will join dozens of Montello Elementary students for the evening on Wednesday, May 2, as the Geiger/Montello Adopt-A-School Partnership celebrates its 24th annual “Night of the Stars” at Lewiston Middle School, 75 Central Ave.

The annual Geiger/Montello “Night of the Stars” celebration is an Oscar-style awards ceremony recognizing the most talented young writers from among Montello Elementary School’s more than 750 kindergarten-through-sixth-grade students. Honored writers will arrive in stretch limousines, provided by Crown Limousine Service, from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a two-hour award ceremony in the middle school auditorium.

The theme for this year’s gala is “Imagine Big!” The 63 young writers whose work was selected as representing the “best of the best” from among their peers will have their work published in a printed anthology, which will be distributed at the door. Among this year’s winners are several multiple year honorees, including 11 second-time honorees, seven third-time honorees, one fourth-time awardee and two students who will be accepting their fifth Night of the Stars award.

“From day one, the Geiger/Montello Adopt-a-School partnership has been about raising aspirations, and inspiring students to chase their dreams. Our motto is, ‘If you can dream it, you can achieve it,’ and education is key to achieving those dreams,” said Peter Geiger of Geiger Special Markets Group.

Taking the stage that night alongside Geiger and Montello Principal Deb Goding will be Senator Collins; Commissioner Bowen; state Rep. Peggy Rotundo; and Marge Medd, former chair of the state Board of Education, to help congratulate this year’s honorees.

“American students are uniquely creative in spirit, which is what sets us apart from the rest of the world,” said Geiger. “Those who can imagine big have unlimited opportunities in life. I feel certain that each of the 63 stars we honor this year will go on to have a bright future.”

The “Night of the Stars” is the signature event of the Geiger/Montello Partnership, dedicated to raising aspirations and recognizing excellence among the student body of Montello Elementary School. The thriving 24-year partnership began in 1988, when Peter Geiger pioneered the “Adopt-A-School” program, which has since grown to include other businesses and schools.

Geiger associates have mentored Montello students through careers days, Junior Achievement classes, job shadowing, e-mail buddy correspondence, lunchtime visits and gift drives, among other activities.

The “Night of the Stars” is free and open to the community. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.