The Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS) Student Council put on quite the celebration for a special young man on Friday during their Wish Assembly.
For the past several years, the LPHS community, spearheaded by the LPHS Student Council, has committed to raising money for Make-A-Wish Colorado to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Each year, the student council organizes Wish Week as a way to raise money for the cause. The student council fundraises throughout Wish Week and then caps it off with a huge assembly and celebration planned around a specific Wish Kid's interests and goals.
This year's special guest was Alex, a 12-year-old with a gastrointestinal disorder. His wish is to travel to Washington, DC.
The week prior to fundraising, student council met with Alex and his family to connect and learn about his interests. They then incorporated those interests into games and competitions during the Wish Assembly. Two of Alex's passions are history and Star Wars, and the student council made sure there were plenty of both featured in the assembly.
The LPHS student body packed the gym Friday along with school staff, D38 administration, community members, and local media. The Wish Assembly began with a heartfelt video presentation telling Alex's story.
Then, the lights went down, the light sabers and cell phones lit up, and Alex entered the assembly accompanied by the sounds of "The Imperial March" from Star Wars. He had a front row seat for the entire assembly.
The LPHS cheerleaders then gave a spirited performance, followed by a light saber (pool noodle) battle between student representatives from different sports and organizations. Then, many brave students shaved their heads to raise money for the cause.
Next was a game of "Are You Smarter than a Seventh Grader?" featuring Alex (who is in seventh grade) on a team with students vs a team of LPHS teachers. Questions asked during the game focused a lot on Alex's other big interest, history. His team jumped out to a big lead but the teachers made a valiant comeback to end the game in a tie.
Next, the LPHS Poms Dance Team gave a high-energy performance before buckets were passed around during the 'Miracle Minute.' Over the course of just one minute, more than $900 was collected in buckets for the fundraising effort!
The assembly continued with announcements of the Snowball Court and the crowning of the Snowball Prince and Princess from each grade. The representatives from each grade then faced off in a dance battle featuring songs chosen by Alex. He also chose the winning team, the Freshmen class.
The assembly then ended with a class by class chant from the student body, each trying to top their younger classmates with their volume level.
Though the assembly had ended, the fun wasn't over for Alex just yet. As the crowds filed out, Alex was busy battling various costumed individuals with light sabers and was treated to another up close performance of The Imperial March by members of the LPHS band.
Alex wrapped up the event with lots of pictures, smiles, and even an interview with local TV stations.
The LPHS Student Council continued to raise money for Make-A-Wish Colorado and kids like Alex throughout the weekend. 50 percent of ticket sales from the Snowball Dance Saturday night also went to support the cause.
“I’m so grateful that we have such an amazing student body who genuinely cares about people in our community,” Student Body President, Caroline Anderson said.
For more information on how you can help make wishes come true for kids like Alex, visit Make-A-Wish Colorado.