Amongst a wave of echoing cheers last Monday, Reese—a 20-year-old with cognitive disabilities and learning delays—was supported by hundreds of students. The gymnasium, pulsing with heartfelt energy, was packed for the Dream Week Assembly. Reese’s dream is to attend the Masters Golf Tournament and meet Jordan Spieth. Through the non-profit organization, Dream on 3, students and staff united to make a difference. 

“Dream Week is the one time a year when everyone in the school comes together for something greater than themselves,” Jordyn Moten (12) said. “It’s our one chance throughout the year to meet someone who isn’t necessarily part of the Grandview community, and become very close with that person. It’s an amazing way for everyone to learn more about people who have disabilities, whether that’s physical or cognitive.”

Three years ago, Grandview first partnered with Dream On 3 to support the dreams of people facing challenges such as social interaction and communication difficulties. In 2024, Grandview helped Finn visit the University of Michigan football program. Last year, Matthew was able to attend the SEC Gymnastics meet. With the support of students and faculty, Reese also achieved his dream. 

“I think it’s important to support people who are less fortunate,” Cole Hardy (Leadership Coordinator) said. “Providing Dreams, like sending Reese to the Masters Golf Tournament, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that he will cherish forever.”

Dream Week includes a range of different events aligned with Reese’s interests. Grandview is introduced to its Dream Kid through the pep rally held at the start of the week. Its main focus is to generate excitement for the upcoming activities.

“The Dream Week Assembly is always my favorite event of the week,” Hardy said. “It’s so heartwarming to see hundreds of teenagers come together to celebrate someone less fortunate than us.”

Hardy and Allison Schley sponsor Leadership, which primarily organizes the events through seven dedicated committees. They plan Spirit days, decorations, marketing, and social media. Likewise, some groups plan specifics, including this year’s dodgeball, yoga, and Top Golf activities.

“Leadership runs a lot of the events around the school,” Kieren Bullen (12) said. “We get to decide who’s going to be there and the structure of the events. Everybody in that class loves working with Dream On 3. They love working for a cause. Having those people working on those projects is the best.” 

According to some Leadership students, engagement is one of the most crucial aspects of Dream Week. When students actively participate in activities, such as the Pep Rally, others are more likely to do the same. With peer support, the events are more captivating and impactful.

“Getting students all together and making sure that everybody’s actually participating is one of the most difficult challenges,” Bullen said. “We plan these events, but they don’t mean anything if people don’t show up.”

For many Leadership students, the time they invest in preparing for Dream Week is worthwhile because of the influence they have on Reese.

“Reese has faced so many challenges throughout his life—some that we may never know the full extent of,” Moten said. “For him to feel seen, heard, and loved, knowing that his interests mean so much to so many people, is an amazing way for people to connect with him on a really personal level. It gets people in the mood for giving and showing kindness.”

Dream Week is an opportunity for students to convey support for others. A large number of students attended each event, including a higher-than-ever participation rate for Mr. Grandview. Through each donation, cheer, and smile, Reese was shown how much Grandview cared for him.

“I hope students will take away that kindness goes a long way and that supporting someone takes our whole community,” Moten said. “Just because someone isn’t like them—whether they don’t look like them or whether they can’t process things or go through things the same way that they can—they’re equally as important.”