Studio School student's wish inspires the community

The image shows a family sitting together on a couch, surrounded by a festive background with dollar sign symbols and sparkling lights.

Care

April 14, 2026

Anita Pascarella, a kindergarten student at The Studio School, was selected by Mountain Vista High School (MVHS) as the recipient of a Make-A-Wish Foundation gift.

Just before her fourth birthday, Anita was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that requires immediate and aggressive treatment.

But on Friday, January 30, MVHS in Highlands Ranch made Anita's wish come true.

Mom hugging a smiling Anita in front of her father looking at both of them with adoration

In the week leading up to the events, MVHS hosted many wish week activities in Anita’s name, and through fundraising efforts and sponsorships they earned over $2 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

At the end of the week Anita was celebrated with “Camp Anita”, an assembly-style game show, where she won a range of prizes, including a new camper for her family! This was something she wished for after her family had to sell their camper to help pay for her medical treatments.

A young child wearing a camouflage jacket and pink pants stands in the open doorway of a recreational vehicle, with an adult figure visible in the background.

Several Studio School staff members and Anita's friends and her parents were in attendance for Camp Anita. The outpouring of care, generosity, and joy from the MVHS community for one of our youngest Five Star students is incredibly moving.