Each winter, Forest Park glows a little brighter thanks to three Forest Park Middle School (FPMS) students who have turned a simple idea into a meaningful community tradition. Wish Upon a Light, now in its third year, is a student-led lantern fundraiser that supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation. What began as a small National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) project at Field Stevenson has grown into an event that brings neighbors together for a shared purpose: spreading hope.
How It Started
The idea first sparked when Samson Reyes noticed that Oak Park organized a similar lantern-lighting tradition. Inspired, Samson and his mom suggested bringing the project to Forest Park. With NJHS hours to earn and a desire to do something meaningful, Samson and classmates Elouise Billingsley and Maya Pesanti jumped in.
“We were going to do it for NJHS hours, but once we started, it just felt important,” Samson said. The students worked together to connect the idea of lanterns with the idea of granting wishes, ultimately choosing the Make-A-Wish Foundation as the beneficiary. “The Make-A-Wish part was Maya’s idea,” the group recalled.
A Cause That Matters
Last year, the students raised approximately $600 through lantern sales and community donations. This year, they’re hoping to raise even more to expand the tradition and to increase their impact.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation plays a powerful role in the lives of children with critical illnesses. Wishes can be as simple as meeting a favorite athlete or as transformative as a dream trip or a newly designed space at home. By participating in Wish Upon a Light, Forest Park families directly help make these wishes possible.
Why It Matters to Them
When asked why the event is special, each student shared a slightly different but equally heartfelt reason:
“We’re raising money for an important cause,” Samson said. “When people come and see what we do, it feels good.”
For Maya, the magic is in the shared moment, “It helps bring our community together. It’s really fun to see everybody put them out on the same day and see all the lights.”
And Elouise connected it to Forest Park tradition, “A lot of people here already put lights in the trees. This is similar. People like seeing all the lights outside.”
How to Get Involved
Community members can support Wish Upon a Light by purchasing a $10 lantern kit—10 bags, 10 LED candles, and sand—with all proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Order by December 13, include your address for delivery, and set out your lanterns on December 20 (rain date: December 21). For questions, visit the Forest Park Wish Upon A Light Facebook page or call/text Sally at (917) 670-0841.