Palmer Ridge High School students once again demonstrated their heart and community spirit during Wish Week, a week-long campaign from March 10–14, in support of Make-A-Wish Colorado. This year, the focus was on RaeLynn—a wish kid whose dream of visiting Hawaii inspired a series of spirited events and incredible fundraising efforts that brought in more than $20,000.
The school buzzed with excitement from the start, as students and staff joined forces for events designed to raise funds and awareness. Highlights included a restaurant night at Parry's Pizza, a spirited staff basketball game, and a Mr. PR pageant that raised an impressive $4,000 in one evening. A tropical-themed spirit day and a heartfelt assembly capped off the week, all while special t-shirts featuring RaeLynn’s drawing of Baby Yoda on the beach added a creative touch to the celebration.
Iliana Schiffelbein, a senior and the Philanthropy Chair of the Palmer Ridge Student Council, has been involved with Wish Week for three years. “Being part of the philanthropy committee since my sophomore year has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” she shared. “Seeing the direct impact that my school and I can have on someone in our community means a lot to me. I think it really teaches everyone about selflessness and being part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Throughout the week, the school came together to celebrate RaeLynn and make her feel special. “It wasn’t just about planning events—it was about bringing joy to a child and her family during a challenging time,” Iliana said. “Throughout the week, just seeing RaeLynn let go and have fun was incredible.”
One of the most memorable moments came during AirCity night, where students and staff saw firsthand the impact of their efforts. “She had the biggest grin on her face, and she took and kept every single sign and poster that had been made for her,” Iliana recalled. “That was so sweet and honestly made me cry. RaeLynn is truly one of the sweetest kids I've ever met, and her excitement for everything brought all of us so much joy.”
Palmer Ridge has proudly supported Make-A-Wish Colorado since 2012, granting wishes ranging from magical Disney Cruise Lines adventures to unforgettable trips to Hawaii. In 2024, the school set a record by raising $21,000 in a single year, underscoring the growing impact of this beloved event.
Tina Stroman from Make-A-Wish Colorado summed up the significance of Wish Week beautifully, “When kids are battling through illnesses, they have a lot of fear and anxiety. What you are doing this week by hosting Wish Week is replacing that fear with joy and that anxiety with hope. You are providing something that medicine can’t give—joy, hope, strength and ultimately healing to wish kids like RaeLynn and their families.”