The stars came out as the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living presented its second annual School 2 Life gala at Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville.

While it was a warm and sunny day outside, the spirit and excitement of the people inside warmed the hearts of all those in attendance.

Appropriately themed "Seize the Day," the gala featured musical performances and an 1890s atmosphere based on the hit Broadway musical "Newsies."

One of the young adults attending the gala was Courtney Morrison, 20, a 2014 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School.

Courtney has been very active with the Special Olympics, competing in gymnastics and her favorite sport, basketball.

"I like the community here within all of us at S2L," Courtney told The Press.

In the future, Courtney wants to lend her skills to help others.

"I like volunteering best," she said.

Talented local high school students and younger performers heard the news and traveled from throughout the Lehigh Valley to provide an evening of entertainment.

But, the real highlight of the evening came with the dramatic finale performance by the S2Ler's (as they call themselves), when they ended the event with a rousing rendition of "Seize the Day."

In addition to the live musical performances, the gala included a basket raffle to raise money for School 2 Life.

With donations ranging from The Pennsylvania Shakespeare festival to the Crayola Factory, there was a generous outpouring of support from the community.

The gala was sponsored by Wells Fargo Community Relations Group, Wells Fargo Investment Advisors, and McDermott Investment Advisors LLC.

Other sponsors included Highmark, Inc., The Jeremy Carroll Foundation, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Carol Walck and Associates, and the Frederick H. Bedford Jr and Margaret S. Bedford Charitable Foundation, as well as a host of others.

In its 25-year history, LVCIL has encountered many young adults with disabilities, who have graduated without the necessary supports or skills to find a job, live independently or be self-sufficient.

Seth Hoderewki of Whitehall Township is the current director of transition services at LVCIL. He also heads the efforts of the School 2 Life program.

In 2009, the organization started the program to support young adults with their transition from high school to the real world and teach them essential job skills.