Hannah van Warmerdam; Gianna Guillen: Making miracles happen at Atwater High

Atwater High School is proud to share the story of our latest success. In lieu of holiday spirit, we planned our 2nd annual “Miracles Do Happen” assembly. Each and every student was given the opportunity to make a wish. Thousands of dollars were raised and handed out to students in the form of family dinners, prom tickets, yearbooks, spa days, a trip to Six Flags or Great America, Giants opening-day tickets, and two trips to Disneyland. Though tears were shed, the atmosphere of the assembly was one of joy, gratitude and unity.

The Falcon family created and shared many unforgettable and heartfelt moments in “The Nest” on Dec. 12.

All the smiles we put on the faces of our students would not have been possible without the help and generosity of businesses in our community and the Atwater High School staff. On behalf of the leadership class, staff, students and those who had their wishes come true, thank you. Thank you to: Downtown Merced WestAmerica Bank; Merced Toyota; Merced Irrigation District; C&R Cabinets; Riggs Ambulance; DeVine Auto Sales; Hanger Clinic; Affordable Markers; Almond Tree; Atwater Jewelers; Beard Enterprises; Bellevue Bowl; Bellevue Insurance Agency; Big Foot Western BBQ Company; Flicks and Licks; G.R. Clark Inc.; Hultgren Dairy; Label Technology; Merced Sun-Star; O’Reilly’s Auto Parts in Atwater; Polished Nail Boutique; Sub Shop; T Nails and Spa; Uncle Bucks; UPS Store-Atwater; Valley Christian Church; Village Haircutters; Winton Cemetery and the amazing Atwater High staff.

Thank you to all and to all happy holidays!

Editor’s note: The online version of this letter includes the 28 individual businesses thanked by the Awater Student Body.

This story was originally published December 16, 2014 at 12:27 PM with the headline "Hannah van Warmerdam; Gianna Guillen: Making miracles happen at Atwater High."