Emerson High School is hosting its second annual Wish Week from April 28 through May 2 in partnership with the Make-A-Wish foundation. This special week brings together students, teachers and the entire community to support a young child and make their wish come true. Throughout the week, the entire school participates in fun-filled events like themed spirit days, fun activities, and a pep rally all to help grant Liam’s wish to go to Disney.

This year, Emerson is fundraising for Liam, a compassionate, entertaining and brave young boy born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Living with only half a heart, Liam underwent his first open-heart surgery at just four days old, followed by another at two months. He was recently approved for a heart transplant. Despite his challenges, Liam continues to smile brightly and dream big. His wish is to visit Disneyland, where he hopes to meet his favorite characters and ride the train. Thanks to the generosity of the community, Emerson has already raised over $13,000, however the final goal is $25,000. So there is still a long way to go. 

To support the cause, Emerson has organized several exciting events. On Friday, April 25, students gathered for a special pep rally dedicated to Liam. The pep rally featured a lot of entertaining activities like Masked Singer, where teachers anonymously performed in silly costumes, a hilarious high heel race, a thrilling lightsaber battle, and the chance to pie a teacher or even the principal, Dr. Kristen Sommers. The rally also showcased wonderful performances from the Majestics and the Emerson Cheer Team, making it a one of a kind experience.

“I loved the pep rally. It was different from usual in a good way,” Madison Mayes, 11 said. ”I really liked how involved the teachers were, it was very funny to watch. The whole school came together to silently cheer for Liam, it was a great experience.”

The celebration continues throughout this week with daily themed activities for Emerson students to participate in:

• Monday 4/28- Comfy For A Cause: Wear Pajamas and grab a $5 Tropical Smoothie
• Tuesday 4/29- We are a Team:  Compete in a Volleyball tournament
• Wednesday 4/30- Wish Week shirt or Blue: Participate in a fun Cake Walk
• Thursday 5/1- Western Wear: Join the Kickball Tournament
• Friday 5/2- Blast from your past: Enjoy a drink from Black Rock Drink for $5

The final event of Wish Week is the Community 5K Color Run on Saturday, May 3, held at the Emerson High School football field. This vibrant and colorful event brings together the whole community to run or walk in support of Liam. Participants must purchase a Wish Week shirt or a bracelet to run, which will be distributed all week in the quad during Power Hour or available for purchase on Saturday. All proceeds from this event will go towards making Liam’s dream come true.

“I am so excited to go to the color run. It is for a great cause,” teacher Jacqueline McGaughey said. “It is awesome to see how the school has come together to create something special and also show our support for Liam.”

Help make Liam’s wish a reality. You can contribute by donating through this link: bit.ly/ehswishweek25, or by purchasing a Wish Week t-shirt, spreading the word and attending the Color Run.