This school year marks the first year that Erie High School’s student government has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado to support children facing critical illnesses. During Erie’s Make-A-Wish Week, held from January 29 to February 2, the Erie community came together to support Calista, a five-year-old battling congenital heart disease. Her wish is to visit Walt Disney World Resort.

Erie’s goal was to raise $5,000 to help Calista’s wish come true. The student government worked closely with a representative from Make-A-Wish Colorado, who shared inspiring stories from previous Wish Weeks, visited classrooms, and facilitated the connection with Wish Kid Calista. “Our partnership with Make-A-Wish Colorado has emphasized the importance of community collaboration,” said Mackenzi Stuart, Student Government Advisor. “Through engaging fundraising activities and the support of our community, we are working towards making a difference in the lives of children battling critical illnesses.”

Students planned a series of activities, including give-back nights with local businesses. They also set up concessions and tables at after-school events, and used a social media campaign to raise funds. The objective was to engage not only students but also the broader Erie community to reach the fundraising goal. Throughout the week, Erie High organized a variety of themed spirit days, such as Disney Day, Pajama Day, Major League Baseball (MLB) Jersey Day, Red and Blue Day, and Pink Out Day.

Dax Bradshaw, student government vice president shared that he would like to see the event become an annual tradition. “In the future, I’m hoping that this event will be something that everyone looks forward to, and that it will include more local businesses and community members coming together for a good cause.”