Students compete in Make-A-Wish Basketball and Soccer Tournament

By Jamar Thomas

Staff Writer

Team JDL—made up of Jackson Self, Darious Miller and Landon Revella—won the 3-on-3 Make-A-Wish basketball tournament, while Team My Knee captured the 5-on-5 Make-A-Wish soccer tournament with the efforts of Kyle Boots, Maddox Bailey, Liam Miller, Jaxson Moore, Brendan Grant, Brady Bloss and Jesus Cortez.

In the soccer tournament finals, Jaxson Moore stole the ball from the opposing team, passing it to Maddox Bailey for a pass back goal. Jesus Cortez shot the ball but the opposing team blocked it; however, while the opposing team's goalie was distracted, Bailey shot and scored

Kyle Boots stole the ball and dribbled through the defenders; he passed to Brady Bloss from halfcourt for the soft touch goal. Finally, with 30 seconds left, Boots dribbled past the defenders for one last goal, making the final score 4-0.

Jesus Cortez said, “My highlight of the game was when the buzzer sounded and our whole team celebrated in the middle of the court and the energy was ecstatic.”

In a regular basketball playoff game, Bailey passed the ball to Carter Stemble for a pass back two, then Bailey shot again but missed and Jackson Self grabbed the rebound and put it back up for one. Bailey dribbled through the defenders and pulled up for a mid-range shot, and two plays later, Self cut to the basket for a layup off of Grant's assist. Grant drove to the basket for a layup, and in response Bailey caught the ball off of an inbound and shot it immediately for two.

Grant drove for another layup, and the play after Self shot the ball and Grant got the rebound and put it back up for one. Bailey drove and laid the ball up but Grant responded with another drive and layup. Right before the buzzer went off, Bailey hit a two, making the final score 8-6.

Coach Trevor Wilmore, who organized this Make-A-Wish basketball and soccer tournament, said, “The highlight of the tournament was seeing how excited everyone was to compete and watch all the games! It was really cool to see everyone having fun and talking about the tournament throughout its duration. Overall, I had a lot of fun running it and really enjoyed contributing to Make-A-Wish.”

CJHS goes the extra mile for Make-a-Wish Foundation

By Sydney Huynh

Staff Writer

Concord Junior High hosted a 5K “Race for Wishes," Fun Run mile, and a Strength Competition on March 28 to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

The 5K race and Fun Run mile started at 11:00 A.M., with runners paying a $35 entry fee to support the foundation. There were over 200 contestants running to support this event!

Helping make this event a success, 20 staff volunteers helped out by registering names, giving number badges, encouraging athletes as well as passing out water.

“What I most enjoyed about the race was laughing while racing through with my friends,” said Camila Laguna.

The 5K Run saw impressive times from younger athletes. Winners from the 5K race included Coen Dalton for the Male 12-14 division with a time of 19:31, and Delaney Wesdorp for the Female 12-14 division with a time of 23:48.

“My most memorable part about running the 5K was being exhausted and still pushing through the last mile,” said Terrance Ross.

Other than the athletic events going on, there were also a variety of food trucks that everyone could enjoy. These food trucks included Tom’s Coffee, Chief Ice Cream, Sweazy Catering, Ricky's Taco Truck and DonutNV.

Following the “Wishes Rock!” theme, the event featured unique rock souvenirs, hand painted by students, which were sold for $2.00 each. The event also featured a “Wishes Rock!” decorated podium where racers could take photos and celebrate their medals.

Students show support for Make-A-Wish by shaving their heads

By Alexis Lenox

Staff Writer

Kyle Boots, Nehemiah Santiago, Declan Troxell, and Mateo Palos-Figueroa shaved their heads–in front of the entire school–at the closing ceremony of Make-A-Wish March after raising money from “Bald for Bucks.”

Across the school there were several posters with the headline “Bald for Bucks” displayed to entice students and staff to donate for Make-A-Wish. A group of students thought of this idea to raise money in an entertaining way because they wanted to make sure that more than enough money was raised for Luna, a five-year-old girl who made the wish to go to Disney World. During the closing ceremony, after the students' heads were shaved, the other peers came up with the idea of applying green hair spray onto their new, now shorter hair.

“We thought of this idea for our student body not only for fun but to be one step closer to Luna’s dream. We got assistance from peers and staff, showing us that everything is possible. We hope CJHS adapts to the tradition and can continue granting wishes from bald for bucks,” said by Camila Laguna Albano.

“Bald for Bucks,” showed just how many people wanted to be a part of something that may seem small but is actually a valuable deal. Laguna Albano, Lily Borens, Bella Sherck, and Nikitas Astakhov were the participants who shaved the volunteers’ heads. Mayra Lopez-Franco, Nehemiah’s mom, and several more people made great contributions towards this project.

“The second reason is that I really wanted to help and donate money because I don’t really use money on myself, so I decided that if I'm not going to use that money, I should donate it for a good cause,” said by Lopez-Franco.

Palos-Figueroa,Troxell,Santiago, and Boots were the volunteers for 2026.

The Make-A-Wish dance supports wishes

By Katie Meza Fiallos

Staff Writer

By raising over $2,000 for Make-A-Wish on March 13 solely from buying tickets, more than 200 students supported the MAW program.

Available in the school’s art gallery, a photobooth was open to students who fancied their snapshots taken on their devices for $1.00. They also had the option of buying a polaroid keepsake for $2.00.

The students could also purchase snacks from the concession stand like popcorn, soda, candy bars, pizza, and more. Additionally, they could purchase home-baked pastries from the bake sale in the commons, all for modest charges.

“It [donating $100 worth of dance tickets] meant a lot to me because I got to give the money to people who could put the money to a better use than me,” said Kynnessey Ivory.

These 7th and 8th graders at CJHS went to an after-school dance by paying $10 for a ticket that came with a colorful glowstick. Most bought food and merchandise while at the event.

“Any time we get to see our kids acting organic, as in acting their age and having fun, and where technology isn’t overwhelming the environment, is what is heart-warming to me. And it’s the best thing to see,” said Mrs. McEachern.

From playing e-sports in the library to dancing with the DJ himself in the cafetaria, students had fun while hanging out with friends during these after school hours. Not to mention, soccer and basketball games were also accessible in the auxiliary gym, open to any athletes, or even teachers, who wished to participate.

Students had an entertaining experience during the event, having fun with their friends. After the conclusion of the dance, all profits made were donated to the Make-A-Wish organization.

Walk-for-Wishes helps raise money for Make-A-Wish

By Jayden Browning

Staff Writer

Approximately 865 students and staff participated in the Walk-for-Wishes fundraiser on Friday, March 28, 2026 to help.

Students on the track walked near the end of the school day where they could buy items like water, pop, and chips. Students also made signs and held them up to display their support for Make-A-Wish as they walked around the track. Staff took pictures from the field or from the bleachers for the event.

Kai Nicholas, a student who donated money for the Walk-for-Wishes event said, “I genuinely care about a sick child’s wish and will stop at nothing to make it true.”

Another planned event at Walk-for-Wishes was stretching the dollar bills from goal to goal. Unfortunately, there were not enough bills to stretch across the field. Some students on the track went further than walking around the track and ran around it instead. In contrast, some students just sat and relaxed on the grass near the track talking to their friends.

The money from the event went to Luna’s wish, which was to go to Disney World. Mrs. Brunswick organized the event and was a Make-A-Wish volunteer. A total of $434 was raised from this event.

Make-A-Wish makes a dazzling appearance once more

By Kaylee De Santiago Carrera

Staff Writer

12/2025

Concord Junior High School raised over 3,000 dollars for Make-A-Wish, on December 5, 2025, by sponsoring a semi-formal dance after school.

Mrs.Weatherholt and Mrs. Brunswick organized this event to raise the money for the MAW Foundation. Approximately, 224 students attended the semi-formal dance—including twenty staff members who volunteered to chaperone.

“Being able to help a child and surrounding them in kindness is really important to me,” said Mrs.Weatherholt.

Concord set up many additional activities for students to participate in while at the dance. An e-sports tournament was held in the library, and students could hangout with their friends. There was also food and drinks provided for students for a nominal fee.

“It was very lively to be there! There were many fun activities at the dance. I appreciate that it benefits Make-A-Wish greatly,” said Iliana Vera Santos.

A percentage of the DJ’s money went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation; furthermore, “Magic Day” afforded students the opportunity to raise the money. Students were able to purchase snacks and soda from teachers. All the proceeds after the event went to Make-A-Wish.

As of the year 2025, Concord Junior High has raised over $500,000 dollars for Make-A-Wish.

Students step into the magic of wishes

By Keegan Morningstar

Staff Writer

Concord Junior High raised $3,000 for the Make-Wish Foundation by hosting a semi-formal dance in the cafeteria on February 8, 2025.

Approximately 300 students attended the dance, and Concord was able to carry its tradition of donating to Make-A-Wish. There were around twenty volunteers needed for the dance—six students from the high school and sixteen teachers volunteered. They helped run and set up the various stations like the photo booths and e-Sports.

“A lot of care and planning went into this dance, mainly because we wanted everyone to have a great time and feel like they belonged here,” said Mr. Saleh, one of the volunteers for the dance who picked up pizza that was sold at the dance.

The majority of students dressed up in suits and dresses. Besides dancing and concessions, students also attended e-Sports competitions as well. Additionally, students participated in board games and Mario Go Kart Racing as an alternative option to dancing.

“I think the dance was spectacular. I had a lot of fun and my favorite part was

when Mr. Lemmon did the funky monkey dance,” said Maggie Bean, who was an attendee at the dance.

This was the second successful year of Concord hosting a semi-formal dance for Make-A-Wish. Teachers and high school students volunteered their time to make this event a success.

Concord also hosted “Magic Days” where Concord staff sold items like Blow pops

Kit-Kats, Pepsi, Sprite, Takis, and other items for students to purchase. This adds more funding to next year’s Make-A-Wish Fundraiser. Teachers are not permitted to sell these items more than once during a calendar year.

From 1995-2025, Concord has sponsored a MAW fundraiser every other year. CJHS has raised $ 481,514.10 for Make-A-Wish.

CJHS raises close to $48,000 in support of Make-A-Wish

By Mirhanda Perez Ferreras

Staff Writer

Updated 4/20/24

The Make-A-Wish fundraiser raised $47,273.94, which was more than enough to grant Quinten his wish.

At the closing ceremony, there was singing, a video presentation, the chance to pie a teacher in the face, a dance battle on stage, the band playing, and the announcement that Quinten’s wish had been granted. Quinten and his mother along with the Yoder family were grateful that Make-A-Wish Foundation was there to support them in their time of need.

“Make-A-Wish has provided a sense of comfort and support with everything that's been going on,” said Quinten’s mother. Six-year-old Quinten added, “I want to meet Mickey Mouse at Disney.”

On March 1, a past Make-A-Wish recipient was introduced, Miss Katie Yoder. She is the daughter of Tim Yoder, a board member for Concord Community Schools. He spoke to the student body about the amazing things that CJHS had done for Make-A-Wish children in the area and for his own family.

Katie Yoder’s mom said, “Make-A-Wish made us feel indifferent, like we were just like everyone else.”

Apart from the numerous snacks sold in the hallways, the student body walked the track on March 15 where more snacks were sold, posters were held up, and $1 dollar bills were stretched across the field. Two dances were held in support of Make-A-Wish on Dec. 8 and March 8. With snacks and games to be bought, both dances brought in large amounts of money for this year’s fundraiser. Photo booths were created and designed by Mrs. Klopfenstein and Mrs. Amador.

During the week of March 22, Mrs. Weatherholt’s homeroom sold Crush sodas. Students could send the soda to a peer and the recipient could pay extra money to reveal who their secret admirer was. In addition, Mrs. Oberholtzer’s journalism class raised money by selling hot cocoa during all three lunches.

Mrs. Brunswick, Mrs. Shelton, and Mrs. Weatherholt, coordinators of MAW, presented a certificate of excellence to Mrs. Klopfenstein and Mrs. Amador for their efforts in support of Make-A-Wish. For many years, Mrs. K and Mrs. Amador have come up with the MAW theme and song. This year, they both designed the “sweet” decorations on stage.

Mrs. Klopfenstein, owner of Chief’s Ice Cream, was a sponsor at the 5K race. Mrs. Amador and Mrs. K designed the Make-A-Wish T-shirts that staff and students could purchase in support of MAW.

Over these 29 years of helping children with life-threatening illnesses, Concord Junior High has raised $530,423, and that number will continue to grow over the years.

Step towards hope with Make-A-Wish

By Ella Bloss

Staff Writer

Updated 4/15/24

On Friday, March 15, the Concord Junior High students and staff took to the track on a mission to raise money in support of the Make A Wish Foundation.

The biennial event took place on March 15 and was yet another huge success with each student pledging 45 minutes of time on the track. CJHS showed up in true Minuteman spirit.

“Granting Wishes Is Sweet” and “CJHS Grants Sweet Wishes” were just some of the encouraging messages written on posters by students walking on the track. Music filled the air while students gathered with some of their closest friends to share in the event. Participants were lucky to share in a beautiful sunny day.

A challenge led by Mrs. Isenbarger tasked every student to bring a cash donation with the hope to create a chain of bills that would stretch the length of the football field. Though the goal was not met, a significant amount of distance was covered, but more importantly the money was also donated to Make-A-Wish.

“August Kumm stood out to me. He came to the library to tape bills more than once. He stood on the football field holding the money ribbon longer than anyone else (while others were walking with friends), and he gave WNDU a nice television interview,” said Mrs Isenbarger.

While students made their way around the track, staff members supported them with snacks and drinks to make sure all students were able to stay focused on the goal. Mrs.Earl was even offering to star in TikToks for a $1 donation. With even more being sold, happiness filled the air.

“Not only is Make-A-Wish about raising money for kids, but it is a lifetime memory that everyone will remember,” said Carly Clauss.

Founded in April of 1980, Make A Wish offers opportunities to children diagnosed with critical illness by fulfilling a wish they may have. Some examples are trips to Disney, tickets to major sporting events, concerts and even in-person meetings with their favorite celebrities. Fun Fact: WWE Wrestler John Cena has granted over 650 wishes to Make A Wish kids.

Sales spark magic for MAW

By Tyler Watson

Staff Writer

Updated 4/10/24

The inaugural Magic Day raised money for MAW as students and staff were encouraged to use this one-time annual opportunity to sell beverages, treats, and candy that are not approved for sale during the normal school day.

Some of the many things sold were Crush, hot chocolate, Gatorade, chocolate bars, snacks, and buttons. Mrs. Shelton organized the sale of World’s Finest Chocolate bars. Mrs. Daugherty sold buttons for $1 of which students could bring in photos to make the button design, but there were also pre-made designs available.

Mrs. Kristen Weatherholt held a Crush for a crush. She said she had done it years ago and wanted to do it again. Her homeroom organized almost everything and made a total of $251 profit after selling 288 cans of Crush. The deal was to pay a dollar to give a crush for a crush. If a student wanted to know who it was, he or she had to pay a dollar.

Riley Watson said, “I enjoyed donating because it was for a good cause.”

The journalism class donated items and sold hot chocolate during all three lunch periods. They made $150 by selling each cup of cocoa for $1. During these hours the students organized an assembly line and collected money for the sale.

Hudson Hooley, “The hot chocolate sale was a fun time for me because I was helping a great cause and I loved working there.

During the week of Magic Day, there were games at lunch for which students could pay a dollar and play. The games included the following: basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, and soccer. Mr. Overmyer hosted these activities, and Mrs. Reid was in charge of going into the cafeteria and gathering the people who had paid.

In the slideshow there was a QR code that students could scan and buy a T-shirt that was designed by Mrs. Amador. All proceeds supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Many people bought these and wore them during Magic Day.

Boden Scott said, “My favorite thing for sale were the shirts because of the colors and design."

Students raise money for Wishes at Semi-formal

By Ziann Ware

Staff Writer

For the first time ever, CJHS hosted a Semi-Formal Dance to raise money for Make-A-Wish children.

There were 372 students who attended the dance and mostly everyone came dressed up. During the dance, there were concessions, a Donut NV truck, a DJ, a photo booth and E-sports.

Many High School students were willing to volunteer and help out with the dance to make sure it would be successful. “Students were very well behaved and everyone looked magnificent,” said Mrs. Katie Shelton, Make-A-Wish teacher and volunteer.

Previously, students have asked for an after school dance or a formal dance. However, teachers were worried that students would think the dance would be boring.

“[It was] electrifying; everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” said Mrs. Courtney Sponseller.

Preparation for the dance began this summer as Mrs. Shelton, Mrs. Brunswick, and Mrs. Weatherholt worked together and divided different tasks to make the dance run smoothly. As planning went on, there were donations from other staff members, which included a generous discount from Noah Wright, who was the DJ. He gave over a 50 percent discount as he wanted to give back to help support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

CJHS was able to raise over $5000 from the Semi-Formal Make-A-Wish dance.

“The dance was fun, I liked how everything was decorated and everybody was dressed up,” said Katie Tucker.

CJHS have been hosting fundraisers since 1995 to support Make-A-Wish. This was the first semi-formal dance to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Student projects support Make-A-Wish

By Emma Wilson

Staff Writer

Mr. Watson, a Bridge Academy teacher, and his students made and sold decorated blocks of wood to raise money for Make-A-Wish.

They sold these projects to staff in the building to raise money for the sick kids in need.

He has his whole class participate, which is about 5-8 students. They are putting lots of hard work into making these.

They have to sand the wood, paint the blocks, stain the wood, paint the stencil, seal the wood, and finally nail everything together. That’s how they make one of the signs. For one person to build one sign it takes about a week, and with everyone involved they make about 7 in a week.

One of these signs can cost from $10-$20. Mr. Watson has been involved in Make-A-Wish for 10 years. His favorite part of doing this project with his students is showing them how to use the tools and how to build the signs.

To date, they have made 31 signs this year for the staff, with more to construct. Students make these builds from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

Mr Jon Waston said, “ I like seeing the students take ownership of the work they are doing, and the sense of pride they get when they deliver the finished products to the customers.”

Damion Miller’s dad donated all the blocks for the signs this year. This project raises hundreds of dollars for Make-A-Wish. They have constructed 31 signs so far, and more to come.

Faith Armstrong said, “ I do these projects for Make-A-Wish to help the kids in need.”

Class constructs snowmen for Make-A-Wish fundraiser

By Yesi Chavez

Staff Writer

Mrs. Ogle’s class made snowmen out of railing and cork to sell to school staff for this year's Make-A-Wish fundraiser.

There were 15 people who contributed in helping to get the materials and/or making the snowmen. The materials were donated by teachers and friends, while the students put things together and painted the snowmen. The snowmen were all made in one of their classrooms and were also kept there during the painting and drying process.

“The best part had to be watching the kids scraping and making them,” said Mrs. Liponoga.

The amount of time it took to finish one of the snowmen was about a week and a half because of multiple steps that took place in making one. Mrs. Ogle's class donated all the money to Make-A-Wish to help make children's wishes come true. Some of the steps taken to complete the project were cutting down the fence (donated by a friend's neighbor), collecting scarves, getting scrapers, painting it white, and waiting for it to dry so that a friend can paint the faces on.

When asked if all the students were proud of their creations Mrs. Ogle stated,” Yeah, they were very excited to show others the snowmen.”

Mrs. Liponoga was the one who came up with the idea of making them, and it was mentioned that for the next Make-A-Wish there will be a different project.

December magic raises money for Make-A-Wish

By Kenidi Garcia

Staff Writer

Students show school spirit by buying treats for Make-A-Wish and by decorating doors with Christmas themes.

To raise money for Make-A-Wish, CJHS had a Magic Day where snacks were sold to students. According to Mrs. Betsy McEachern, CJHS is only allowed to sell food and beverages that meet the FDA’s regulations and fall under a standard called “Smart Snacks.” If the school does not follow the rules they are given, they could potentially lose funding for the free and reduced breakfasts and lunches.

Based on state regulations, the food sold and given out during the school day is strictly for students 18 and under. That is partly why students are no longer allowed to take food out of the cafeteria because the school is not certain the food is not going to an adult. There is only one day in a school year where selling snacks is approved and that was December 22 of 2023.

During the Magic Day sales on December 22, multiple teachers sold candies and foods like suckers, Airheads, Jumex, and popcorn.

In the afternoon, there was also a judging for the door decoration contest. For 7th grade, Ms. Mast won first place with a snowman made out of cups.

The second place winner for 7th grade was Mr. Callan with the Grinch theme. The two 8th grade winners were Mrs. Weatherholt and Mr. K. The judges gave first place to Mrs. Weatherholt.

Mrs. Weatherholt’s homeroom focused on a scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. They depicted Clark Griswold hanging from his roof. Mr. K’s door was decorated as a snowman with his own face on the head and his students' faces on snowflakes.

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