LEWISTON — The stars will be out on Wednesday, May 8, as the Geiger/Montello Adopt-A-School Partnership celebrates its 25th annual Night of the Stars at Lewiston Middle School, 75 Central Ave.

The annual celebration is an Oscar-style awards ceremony recognizing the most talented young writers from among Montello Elementary School’s kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Honored writers will arrive in stretch limousines between 5 and 6 p.m., followed by a two-hour award ceremony in the middle school auditorium.

The theme for this year’s gala is “One Moment in Time.” The 61 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, to be distributed at the door. Among this year’s winners are several multiple year honorees, including nine second-time honorees, two third-time honorees, two fourth-time awardees and two students who will be accepting their sixth 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.

“Every year, we try to go above and beyond in recognizing these students’ creativity and accomplishments. Our goal is to give them a moment in time they will remember for years to come.”

Over the years, Geiger’s Night of the Stars celebration has honored hundreds of students, a few of whom will return to the stage this year to mark this special anniversary. Geiger will introduce videos of these special guests reading their winning entries before catching up on their more recent achievements.

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 25-year partnership began in 1988, when Peter Geiger pioneered the “Adopt-A-School” program, which has since grown to include other area businesses and schools. Since then, Geiger associates have reached out to Montello students through career days, Junior Achievement classes, job shadowing, reading support, one-on-one mentoring and gift drives, among other activities.

Taking the stage that night alongside Geiger and Montello Principal Deb Goding will be Lewiston Superintendent Bill Webster, longtime supporters state Rep. Peggy Rotundo and University of Maine at Orono trustee Marge Medd to help congratulate this year’s honorees. U.S. Sen. Angus King is also expected to be standing by to give this year’s stars a special message via a live video link to his office in Washington, D.C.

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