By Claire Bauer, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photos

Every year, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to raise money in support of critically ill children and grant their “wishes” – things like going on trips, visiting Disney World, or even getting a pet.

This year, the school chose to grant the wish of Dean, a young boy who recently began undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cancer. After his own beloved dog died, his family realized just how important the dog was to him. Dean’s greatest wish was for a new puppy. The new puppy, named Leon, was gifted to Dean on April 3 at the school’s “Walk for Wishes” fundraising event.

This year’s event included speakers blasting music, balloons and other decorations, a small car parade, several food trucks, and hundreds of community members adorned in blue, ready to show their support on a sunny Saturday. This year was one of the biggest turnouts yet.

Overall, Rock Canyon’s 2021 Wish Week was a huge success. During just the first minute of donations, the community amassed over $11,000. By the end of the week, RCHS had proudly raised almost $63,000, and was able to grant wishes to nine different kids.
RCHS students kicked the week off with an opening assembly, which was in-person for seniors and virtually streamed for everyone else. The school was decked-out with impressive decorations. Students and teachers dressed up for specific themed days with the week ending in a sea of blue when students all wore their blue Make-A-Wish T-shirts.

RCHS students kicked the week off with an opening assembly, which was in-person for seniors and virtually streamed for everyone else. The school was decked-out with impressive decorations. Students and teachers dressed up for specific themed days with the week ending in a sea of blue when students all wore their blue Make-A-Wish T-shirts.

“My friends and I participated in the dress-up days because we wanted to support Wish Week,” stated Jack Munro.

RCHS partnered with local restaurants, encouraging the community to both support nearby businesses, and support the fundraising efforts by eating at restaurants that agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds.

In addition, RCHS Student Council (StuCo) planned and hosted numerous other events. There was a virtual baking contest, where students could bake an item of their choosing, post a photo on social media, tag RCStuCo to enter, and potentially win a prize.

There was also a livestreamed dodgeball tournament, where RCHS students were able to sign up with their chosen teammates, create a team name and uniform, and compete for the title of champion. The senior team, “CashWagons,” won.

On the last night of Wish Week, a drive-in movie night was put on in the high school parking lot for $5 a person. Rows and rows of cars filled with laughing friend groups lined up to watch The Incredibles.

“We hung out and had some fun for the night, and I loved the movie that was picked! It was such a fun experience and I loved being able to support Dean, the wish kid, as well,” RCHS freshman Avery Bjorklund stated.