If you could ask for one wish to be fulfilled, what would you choose?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas is dedicated to granting wishes for children facing life-threatening medical conditions, bringing hope, strength, and joy to their lives. Children can select from four broad wish categories—“I wish to be,” “I wish to go,” “I wish to have,” and “I wish to meet”—so that each child’s dream can be tailored to what matters most to them.
Six-year-old Cindy of Dallas, Texas, dreamed of becoming an art teacher. A quiet child with curly hair and thoughtful eyes, she has always loved to draw and paint. While receiving care at a local hospital, Cindy’s social worker connected her with Make-A-Wish, and the foundation worked to turn her aspiration into a memorable reality.
Because Cindy wanted to “be” an art teacher, a college degree was a crucial part of her wish. Make-A-Wish reached out to the American College of Education, an online institution focused on degree programs for teachers, and the college agreed to host a personalized commencement ceremony. The goal was to mirror the dignity and celebration of a real graduation to honor Cindy’s dream.
On July 11, 2014, at the Make-A-Wish Foundation headquarters in Irving, Texas, American College of Education awarded Cindy an Honorary Master of Art Elements degree during a special commencement created just for her. Cindy arrived to a day designed around her hopes: a visit to a little girl’s salon, a meal with family and friends, and a festive ceremony attended by college faculty, staff, and close supporters.
The celebration was arranged with many of the traditional elements of commencement. A professional singer performed the National Anthem, college leaders conferred the honorary degree, and a photographer captured graduation portraits. The room was decorated in pink streamers and a Disney princess motif, and Cindy wore a blue cap and gown over a brand-new dress, smiling shyly as she entered the venue.
Gifts of art supplies—assembled and purchased by staff—filled tables alongside cupcakes and a popcorn machine. Make-A-Wish sponsors and college employees contributed their own special touches to create a joyful atmosphere tailored to Cindy’s passion for art.
“She was very excited. She did not know this was going to be such an amazing experience and such a beautiful presentation,” said Cindy’s mother, Maria. Because Cindy’s family members are Spanish speakers, an interpreter explained the proceedings during the event. Local Spanish-language and English media covered the ceremony, helping to share Cindy’s story with the broader community.
The celebration also served as a reminder to educators about the profound influence teachers have on their students. The teachers who inspired Cindy—those who encouraged her interest in the arts and modeled what it means to teach—were credited repeatedly during remarks at the ceremony.
“I think the most important thing for our graduates to remember is the impact they have on students,” said Shawntel Landry, Ed.D., Provost of American College of Education. “When a student wants to be you and they want to be a teacher, it’s very powerful. Everything you do, every move you make is being watched by those students, and they emulate it.”
“Any prospective teacher or practicing teacher who has witnessed part of this event should never doubt the impact and the influence that he or she can have on a child’s life,” added Dr. Kenneth Craycraft, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at American College of Education.
As the final part of her wish, Cindy will step into her own classroom this December to lead art lessons for young students. The role of an art teacher blends subject-matter passion with a commitment to helping students grow creatively and independently. During her commencement address and remarks, Cindy was encouraged to embrace mistakes as part of the creative process, to advocate for the arts within her school community, and to nurture independence and imagination in her students. Speakers reminded her—and all educators present—of Pablo Picasso’s sentiment that “Art washes away the dust of everyday life,” underscoring the emotional and transformative power of art education.
Events like Cindy’s honorary graduation highlight the meaningful work of teachers and the lasting impressions they leave on children. Thank you to every teacher who brightens a student’s day and adds color to their life through dedication and care.
For information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas and its mission, or to learn more about American College of Education’s graduate programs for teachers, please contact the organizations directly through their official channels.
Media Inquiries:
Melissa Markovsky
Senior Director, Marketing
American College of Education
317-829-9371
[email protected]