Ravenwood Seniors Help Child's Wish Come True

Published June 3, 2010

If Disney World is the happiest place on Earth, then the Ravenwood High School Gymnasium must have been a close second May 14 when 5-year-old Carson Daniel learned he'll soon be traveling to the Magic Kingdom.

During a surprise assembly at the school, Carson and his parents were presented with an all expenses paid vacation to Walt Disney World courtesy of the Ravenwood High School senior class.

It's part of a special tradition at Ravenwood in which the graduating class donates a gift to leave as a legacy to the school. This year, the Class of 2010 made a $6,000 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Carson was diagnosed with a type of lymphoma over a year ago. Since then, he has undergone numerous chemotherapy treatments as well as surgery to remove a mass from his intestines. While in the hospital, Make-A-Wish representatives asked Carson what he wished for the most and he told them he wanted to visit Disney World.

With the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the seniors at Ravenwood decided to surprise Carson by inviting him to the school for a special "tour". With many of the students dressed as their favorite Disney characters, they began to sing When You Wish Upon a Star as he entered the gymnasium.

In addition to surprising Carson with a free trip to Disney World, several members of the student body presented Carson with additional gifts. And when it was all over, Carson and his parents were treated to an after-party where they got to meet many of the students who made it all possible.