Bryson is our MVP

THREE-YEAR-OLD BRYSON Quinney of Lyman takes a practice swing during the Make A Wish home run derby last week. Star photos by Nicole Malicoat.

Students, community rally for local youth

By JACK H. SMITH
Staff Writer

While simple in nature, the meaning behind the sign has a far greater significance.

Surrounded by a hand written heart the sign reads “Bryson is our MVP.”

A few feet further into the school the signs begin to multiply and numerous students walking through the halls can be seen  wearing blue Make a Wish bracelets with Bryson’s name written on them.

They are all reminders of the student council’s 2010 Make A Wish event.

The child being sponsored by the council is 3-year-old Bryson Quinney of Lyman who was born with half a heart.

Thursday the final results of the students’ efforts will be made public, and they are hoping to hit their goal of $30,000.

The goal would be enough to fully fund his wish and the wishes of three other children with life threatening conditions.”

“The whole community has given to what is a great cause,” GRHS Principal Jamie Christensen said. “One of the things I am proudest of is the kids and sponsors. They do a lot of work for a couple of weeks.”

Junior Class President Taylor Mende said a lot of work went into planning the events, and they actually began working on them in November.

Just days from the results, council advisor Kris Weidner is pleased with the council’s efforts.

“The students have done a great job,” Weidner said.

Student Body President Sarah Pickle complimented local residents and said there has been a lot of community support.”

Student Council President Randi McClure has worked with the council’s Make A Wish program in the past and feels this year is different with having a local child involved.

“Bryson being involved has helped,” she said. “It’s a really touching story.”

Freshmen Class President Ryan Williams feels having Bryson on hand has really helped the community come together.

Pickle and several members of the council were able to meet Bryson a few days before Christmas.

“You get to know him,” Pickle said.

Bryson was also on hand last week for several events at the high school including a Home Run Derby.

Advisor Matt Freeze said Bryson was excited and high fiving everyone around.

For 3 hours, Bryson was non stop, Weidner said.

While too young to know exactly the meaning behind the event, Pickle said Bryson was still very excited.

At just 3 years old and with the help of council member Ashley Annable, Bryson sang the national anthem.

He was also presented with a baseball autographed by Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres.

The events also included a McWish night at the Green River McDonald’s.

According to Weidner, at one point during the 3-hour fundraiser, traffic was backed up from the restaurant to Uinta.

“It has been my most succesful fundraiser ever,” McDonalds owner Greg Bailey said. “The community got behind Make A Wish. It was impressive.”

The resturant was able to donate $773.92 of proceeds to Make A Wish. Another $900 plus was raised in donations.

With the goal of $30,000 still within reach Weidner is asking for help from the community at the conclusion of fund raising.

The goal came after Weidner talked with officials at Cody High School who were the top fundraisers in the state last year.

He said donations will be taken at the door.

Weidner added Bryson will be on hand for the games.

In the future, Weidner said the council plans on bringing Bryson back, and he will be on hand to kick off next year’s events.