For a lot of high schoolers, the last few weeks of a semester are all about pushing to get those assignments done and counting down to the holiday break. But here at Verrado High School, that countdown is mixed with a massive burst of energy and school spirit, all thanks to STUGO’S annual fundraising event.
Wish Week is more than just a normal fundraiser. It’s a full-on, five-day mission to change a kid’s life. Wish Week is our school’s way of rallying behind the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the incredible non-profit that works to grant the biggest dreams of children battling critical illnesses.
The story of Make-A-Wish is actually pretty local, starting right here in Arizona, back in 1980. The inspiration came from seven-year-old Chris Greicius, who had leukemia and wished to be a police officer. His community came together to make it happen, turning a simple wish into a powerful movement.
Since then, Make-A-Wish has granted hundreds of thousands of wishes, from a trip to Disney World to meeting a celebrity. The charity gives kids and their families a much-needed shot of hope and joy during dark times.
Show Choir Instructor and former STUGO Advisor, Mrs.Elyse Spiegel, was a huge contributor to this Wish Week Program. “It started off really small with us just trying to raise a couple thousand dollars and it keeps getting bigger and bigger every year.”
One of the memories Spiegel has of Wish Week was being able to help out a former student here at Verrado High. “She was one of my English students and was a Wish Kid. After graduating, she even came back during Wish Week and spoke at our assembly.” This upcoming week is a week where YOU could make an impact in someone’s life through even a small or big donation.
Wish Week is where STUGO and Verrado Student Body take the lead. Our student government spent time brainstorming and planning this year. They will run all the amazing activities next week in order to raise enough money to grant five-year-old Dehlila’s wish. STUGO set a goal to raise over $10,000 to sponsor an entire wish.
Delilah is a five-year-old girl who is fighting lymphoma, and her wish is to go to Disneyworld. Make-A-Wish’s goal is to get rid of negative emotions and attempt to replace any fear and sadness with hope to help give the child strength to continue fighting.
What does Wish Week look like on campus?
It’s a total transformation. Past Wish Weeks have been packed with activities like our competitive Spirit Days, culminating in an amazing Spirit Assembly on Friday. Every single dollar raised from selling a $5 bracelet or collecting spare change goes toward the goal. It’s a true community effort where every student can feel the positive impact they are making.
Mr. Matt Lees, Verrado High School Principal, understands the importance: “We have the chance as One Verrado to make a major impact on someone and their family that can truly change their life.” This year, the stakes are as high as ever, as the Vipers aim to not just hit their goal, but to shatter it, proving once again that when it comes to making a difference, we are truly One Verrado.