Record-Breaking Wish Week Helps Disney Dream Come True

Kent Denver students rallied together this spring to raise more than $8,000 to help a young boy’s Make-A-Wish dream come true! As part of the school’s fifth-annual “Wish Week” in March, KDS students organized a series of activities on campus to help fund an exciting trip for Luciano, a 9-year-old cancer survivor from Aurora, Colorado. He was introduced to the school by Make-A-Wish Colorado, with a wish to go to Disney World with his family. 
 
With planning from Kent Denver’s Make-A-Wish club and student leadership, each day of the week had a special theme related to Luciano and his wish. On Monday, students and teachers wore construction crew shirts and hard hats to school for Brave Builders Day, to celebrate Luciano’s bravery and his love of legos. Tuesday was Disney Day, Wednesday was Out of this World Explorers Day, and Thursday was a Purple Out in honor of his favorite color. Students were able to raise over $5,000 during the week through a bake sale, class fundraiser competition and by buying blocks of legos to go toward a lego tower dedicated to Luciano. 
 
“The experience was really positive. I was amazed to see how many people got involved,” said Angelina Akdis ’22, a member of Make-A-Wish Colorado’s Youth Leadership Council who worked as a liaison between the organization and KDS. “People were excited to help out, and the vibe around campus was really incredible. I was glad to see everybody come together for a good cause. This was something that was bigger than everyone, and that really motivated people to get involved.”

A student and faculty trivia night—which was postponed from March’s Wish Week to April due to snow—raised an additional $3,000 to bring the total fundraising to over $8,000, completely funding Luciano’s Disney World dream. 
 
“It was the best Wish Week ever,” said Matthew Woodhull’ 22, who was Co-President of the KDS Make-A-Wish Club along with Claire Murphy ’24. “We blew out what we made last year. It means a lot to help Luciano. It makes you feel a lot better when you help someone in that kind of circumstance have a positive experience like Disney World. Thank you to all the students who made this possible!” 

At the end of the week, students received a video message from Luciano thanking them and Make-A-Wish Colorado for helping his dream come true. 
 
“I love Make-A-Wish,” said Akdis. “I’ve been able to see firsthand the wishes that have been granted and the hope that it brings to families and the kids. This drive and love that is created is extraordinary. I am so proud of the Kent community!”