NHS Wish Week reaches for the stars

In a genuine demonstration of true community support, Niwot High School students and families, Longmont merchants, and the greater Niwot community came together in support of Make-a-Wish Colorado last week and likely exceeded the $10,000 fundraising goal set by the NHS Student Council, the event's organizer.

Niwot's Wish Week brought together people from a wide array of backgrounds, all in support of Charlie, Niwot's 2024 Wish Kid, and others like him. Make-A-Wish Colorado supports kids with critical illness by granting wishes to bring hope and joy to young people and families facing challenging situations.

Fundraising was ongoing and diverse over the course of the week. Over the course of six days, six Longmont-area merchants hosted fundraising events donating proceeds to Wish Week. The NHS Student Council hosted a bake sale and a Community Game Night. Niwot Cougar CORE Advisory classes competed in a donation competition, with the winning class receiving a donut party as a prize.

The Cougar CORE competition alone netted over $800 in donations. Proceeds from the NHS Winter Formal "Candyland" Dance will also benefit Make-A-Wish Colorado.

As of the end of the school day Friday, Jan. 26. with 5 full days left in the drive, more than $8,700 had been donated just through the online portal. "We are well on our way of surpassing our goal this year," said Student Council Advisor Leah Messinger.

Wish Kid Charlie was the guest of honor at the pep assembly on Monday, Jan. 22, that kicked off Wish Week with the entire NHS Student body and staff. On Wednesday, Jan. 24, Charlie and his family attended the boys varsity basketball game against Roosevelt High School. Before the game began, Charlie got to connect with the team with a team-tradition handshake. There was also a knock-out tournament played at halftime, with the entry fees going toward the fundraising goal.

The biggest highlight of Wish Week," said Messinger, "has been Charlie! Getting to know a Wish Kid in person is life-changing. Having a Kid in our [Niwot] community makes it real. You get to see the impact that Make-a-Wish Colorado has, even before the wish is granted. It's super special."

Student Council thanked Blue Agave, Raising Cane's - Longmont, Kona Ice, Qdoba - Longmont, Coldstone Creamery - Longmont, and Dutch Bros - Colorado for their support of NHS Wish Week's fundraising goals. NHS Student Council also thanked Niwot Market for its generous donation of prizes for the Game Night.

Student Council leader and Wish Week Coordinator Lila Repsher reflected, "Wish Week is so much more than granting the wishes of kids in Colorado. It's about unifying the community under a common cause, and it's such an amazing week."

There is still time to donate online using this link.