Cedar Valley Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society is making a difference!
The group raised $10,000 to donate to an 11-year-old Make-A-Wish America child named Jordan, who wishes to visit Disney World.
“The Make-A-Wish representatives said we are the only school in the area that can raise this amount of money,” said NJHS Advisor Mirelle Marquez. “And that they use us as an example for other schools in the area who want to start similar fundraisers.”
Marquez said her students raised half the money at their “Wishes Benefit Concert” in November and the other half at their annual “Walk 4 Wishes Carnival” in February. This is Cedar Valley NJHS’s 7th annual fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Eighth-grader Luis Figueroa said it was fun to be a part of the events that helped raise the money.
“It’s important because we’re changing lives,” he said. “I love that we were able to unite our community for this amazing cause.”
Along with the monetary donation, the group also gave Jordan a travel backpack filled with sunscreen, a hat, a $25 gift certificate to Chick-fil-A, some of his favorite snacks, a stuffed animal, and other small necessities for his trip.
“It’s hard knowing what he’s going through, but it’s heartwarming being able to put a smile on his face,” said Luis.
Make-A-Wish is a foundation that helps “make a wish” come true for children diagnosed with critical illnesses at a crucial turning point in their lives. The organization believes these wishes are critical for helping children regain the strength necessary to fight harder against their illnesses.
Marquez said the experience was memorable for her and her students.
“Seeing him hug the backpack, and seeing his smile… knowing that we’re granting his wish… it’s very rewarding,” she said. “It makes all of the time and effort leading up to this worth it.”
