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Angie Reinoehl/MDN McKinley students, Emily McCrossin and Jaxtyn Bradberry, show off their Sunday-best in front of CLC’s outdoor, “You’re a Star!” sign.

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Angie Reinoehl/MDN A McKinley Elementary School staff member receives a hug from an excited Ayden Fredrickson after being greeted by enthusiastic morning staff.

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Angie Reinoehl/MDN Auzora Lindsay poses for paparazzi on the red carpet after a grand, streamer-filled entrance.

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The Community Learning Center (CLC) put on “Be a STAR” day at McKinley Elementary School in Minot.

The red carpet was rolled out for the kindergarten through fifth grade students as they arrived at school to start their day. They were greeted by enthusiastic staff and given star necklaces, a fun new pencil and an autograph book for their friends to sign.

Students were invited to go all out in their fanciest party attire. The halls were decorated with stars hung from the ceiling, streamers, lights and each students’ locker was adorned with a golden star with their name on it. Attention to detail was an effort for every student to feel like they were on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The stars were also treated to a small dance party before class started.

The event was started three years ago by CLC site-coordinator, Julie Petz. The CLC program offers expanded learning hours for students before and after school to help parents fill the gaps between school starting and ending and their work schedules.

“We try and think of things that we can do at the end of the year that will be fun, something memorable. It’s always nice to have the red carpet and the star treatment like you see on TV in Hollywood,” said Petz, “I feel like it’s important for them to feel important, just to be a star for the day. As we grow older, (it’s important) to feel important and it’ll be wonderful for them to be able to reach inside themselves and just bring out that self-confidence. Any little thing helps.”