Get Ready for a Day Filled with Fun and Learning Your Kids Will Love!
Countdown to Stardom
Our Sponsors
Thank You for Your Support
We're grateful to our sponsors for helping make the Shining Stars Contests possible.
Guiding Lights
Our Advisors
Experienced leaders who guide our mission and inspire every young star.
Viju Chiluveru
Founder Director, The Onward Project
28 years of experience organizing youth enrichment events including contests, debates, and cultural programs. Former Managing Consultant in SAP, later founded an IT Consulting & Training firm. Actively associated with several community organizations in the Atlanta area.
Viji Namburar
Principal, Woodward Academy — North Campus
Holds a Master of Elementary Education from Oglethorpe University and a Master of Accounting from Georgia State University. Balances the school's traditional 'magical' student experience with forward-thinking educational updates. Spearheaded an outdoor learning greenhouse, introduced a competitive debate team, and deeply integrated Social-Emotional-Ethical (SEE) learning across Pre-K through 6th grade.
Jyothna Hegde
News Editor, NRI Pulse
Holds an M.S. in Computer Science from Loyola University Maryland and began her career as a software consultant. Serves as City News Editor for NRI Pulse Newspaper, covering regional events, academic spotlights, and local achievements. Co-founder of the Atlanta Indian Women's Forum and President of the empowerment organization Saris To Suits.
For Parents & Families
Why Your Child
Deserves This Stage
Every child carries a spark of brilliance — a unique gift waiting to shine. The Shining Stars Contests, organized by The Onward Project, is a one-of-a-kind celebration designed to bring that spark to life in the most exciting way possible.
On Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, children from across the community will gather for a day packed with friendly competition, creative exploration, and pure joy. This is not just a contest — it is a launchpad for confidence, a celebration of culture, and a showcase of the incredible potential in every young mind.
Whether your child loves building with Lego, telling stories on stage, painting masterpieces, or exploring technology — there is a category made just for them.
Ignite Curiosity
Four distinct categories spark every type of young mind — from builders to storytellers, artists to historians.
Earn Recognition
Winners and participants receive awards, certificates, and the unforgettable pride of stepping into the spotlight.
Build Community
Connect with families who share your values — learning, growth, and heritage. Together we rise.
Develop Skills
Public speaking, critical thinking, creative expression — life skills that go far beyond a single contest.
Don't Let This Moment Pass!
Registration spots are limited. Give your child the gift of confidence, community, and achievement. Sign them up today and watch them become the Shining Star they were born to be. The deadline is approaching — secure your child's spot now!
Also, the Child receives a Certificate which will be valuable to build the resume while applying for colleges.
Four Universes of Talent
The Galaxy of Choice
Every child is unique. Choose the category — or categories — that set your child's imagination on fire.
Technology & Innovation
Showcase your ideas, inventions, and tech projects. From coding to engineering concepts, demonstrate how technology can change the world.
- ✦ Project presentations
- ✦ Innovation ideas
- ✦ STEM demonstrations
Public Speaking
Take the stage and let your voice be heard! Present a prepared speech on a topic you are passionate about. Judges evaluate confidence, clarity, and content.
- ✦ Prepared speeches
- ✦ Confidence & delivery
- ✦ Topic of choice
Drawing & Painting
Express your creativity through visual art. Create original artwork that tells a story, celebrates culture, or captures your imagination.
- ✦ Original artwork
- ✦ Any medium accepted
- ✦ Creativity judged
Lego Building
Design and build an original Lego structure that demonstrates creativity, engineering thinking, and storytelling. The only limit is your imagination!
- ✦ Original builds
- ✦ Themed challenges
- ✦ Engineering + creativity
Eligibility by School Level
| Contest | Elementary | Middle | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💻 Technology & Innovation | |||
| 🎤 Public Speaking | |||
| 🎨 Drawing & Painting | |||
| 🧱 Lego Building |
Participants may enter multiple categories!
Know Before You Go
Rules of the Contests
Clarity builds confidence. Review these rules with your child before the big day.
General Rules
All participants must be registered and paid in full by 11:59 pm on Oct 1, 2026. Walk-in registrations considered but may not be guaranteed.
Participants must arrive at the venue by 8:45 AM. Do N O T arrive late. That will create chaos and disrupt the event
Single registration for one or more categories for one child and separate registration for each child
All participants must conduct themselves respectfully toward judges, volunteers, and fellow contestants at all times.
Parents and guardians are welcome to attend and cheer, but must remain in the designated audience area.
The decision of the judges is final. No appeals or re-evaluations will be entertained after scores are submitted.
Any use of unfair means, plagiarism, or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in immediate disqualification.
Prizes, certificates, and awards will be announced at the end of the event. All participants receive a participation certificate.
Category Rules
Topics for all the contests will be given by evening of Sep 30, 2026. Check this page.
Prepare to Shine
Participant Guidelines
Everything you need to know to make the most of this incredible day.
What to Bring
- ▸Drawing & Painting: Your own art supplies (brushes, paints, colored pencils). Paper provided.
- ▸Lego Building: Your own Lego bricks/sets in a clearly labeled bag or box.
- ▸Technology: Laptop/tablet for digital demos, or physical prototype.
- ▸Water bottle (refill stations available).
- ▸A copy of the registration confirmation email.
Refreshments
- ▸Pizza, juice and water bottle will be provided during lunch hour.
- ▸Parents can buy a light lunch combo.
- ▸Special dietary needs? Please notify organizers in advance.
- ▸No outside food allowed.
Judging Criteria
- ▸Each category is evaluated by 2–3 qualified judges from relevant fields.
- ▸Judging is blind to school affiliation — all participants are equal.
- ▸Scores are based on rubric sheets provided to judges in advance.
- ▸Criteria include: Creativity, Execution, Communication, and Age-appropriate Complexity.
- ▸Judges' final scores are tallied privately and announced at the awards ceremony.
Awards & Recognition
- ▸1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards per category per age group.
- ▸Special "Judges' Choice" awards for outstanding entries.
- ▸All participants receive a certificate of participation.
- ▸Photos will be taken during the event — a digital gallery will be shared with families.
Age Group Brackets
- ▸Elementary School: Little Stars
- ▸Middle School: Rising Stars
- ▸High School: Shooting Stars
- ▸Judging criteria and time limits vary by age group.
- ▸Please ensure you register under the correct age bracket.
Photography & Media
- ▸Event photography will be conducted by designated volunteers.
- ▸Parents may photograph their own child during their presentation.
- ▸General audience photography is permitted in common areas.
- ▸A digital photo album will be shared with all registered families.
- ▸Video recording of individual performances is at organizers' discretion.
We're Here to Help
Questions? We're Here to Help!
Reach out to our organizers any time — we want your child's experience to be perfect from start to finish.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the Team
Organizers' Experience
The Organizers have immense experience of 28 years in organizing several events in general and youth enrichment contests in particular.
The promoter of this organization, Viju Chiluveru, was on the Board of several Indian Community Organizations like IACA, TAMA, GATeS, Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Indian Friends of Atlanta and has organized Contests and Competitions for youth besides organizing Business Seminars/Webinars.
Plan Your Day
Event Schedule
A full day of contests, learning, and celebration awaits your family.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Registration Fees
Each contest category is just $5. Pick one or more — every registration includes a participation certificate and eligibility for category awards.
1 Contest
Perfect for focusing on a single talent.
- One contest category
- Participation certificate
- Eligible for category awards
2 Contests
Double the fun — two categories, twice the shine.
- Two contest categories
- Participation certificate
- Eligible for category awards
3 Contests
The full Shining Stars experience.
- Three contest categories
- Participation certificate
- Eligible for category awards
4 Contests
Participate in all four categories!
- Four contest categories
- Participation certificate
- Eligible for category awards
$5 per contest category — pick one or bundle up to all four.
In-App Registration + Payment
Register & Pay Online
Complete your child's registration and secure payment in one seamless flow.
$5 per Contest
Separate registration is required for each participant!