By Julie Slama | [email protected]

Murray - A four-year-old boy suffering with brain tumors told high school students he wishes to “go on a big boat with a slide.”

Together, in December, Cottonwood High students, staff, faculty and the community, raised $6,000 — $1,000 more than their goal — to send Magnus, who lives in Salt Lake City, and his family on a cruise through the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

“Every year, we choose a charity to help, but this year, we wanted our money to stay in the Salt Lake Valley and through Make-A-Wish, the money directly stays locally,” Amy Thomas, Cottonwood High studentbody officer adviser, said. “When we had our assembly, Magnus and his family came on stage and explained what he’s been through and what is going on with him.  It really hit home for our kids.”

At the Dec. 5 assembly, the students gave Magnus a stick horse, representing their school mascot, the Colts.  Magnus trotted around the stage on his horse and has been asking about his Colt friends ever since, Thomas said.

To help raise funds for Magnus, the students collected donations between acts at the assembly that featured the school’s jazz band and dance company, as well as student rock bands, a piano solo, the boys drill team and other performances.  

There were class competitions to raise funds, an auction for parking spots and dates with studentbody officers and a huge letter “C” piggy bank that officers walked around at half-time of basketball games to collect donations.

A poster in the hallway of Magnus going down a slide indicated the students’ progress in getting the youngster his wish.

Thomas said students were motivated by Magnus to talk to other classmates, make friends, network and try to help him.

“It means so much to these high school students if it’s personable and relatable,” she said.

On Dec. 18, the studentbody officers presented the check to Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Thomas said her students learned much from doing the fundraiser.

“The students see just how much effort and organization a fundraiser takes, they have to be prepared themselves and be responsible for having several other people follow through on assignments.  The students also see the great amount of need that is out there, they begin to see the world with a broader vision, not just themselves,” she said.