The Wish Pageant 2026

The Wish Pageant 2026

A co-ed, inclusive fundraiser in partnership with Make-A-Wish Utah

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The Wish Pageant is the heart of Wolverine Wishes annual fundraiser in partnership with Make-A-Wish Utah. This inclusive, co-ed competition invites full-time UVU students to showcase their talents, creativity, and compassionall while raising funds to grant life-changing wishes for Utah children facing critical illnesses. Through months of preparation, training, and community involvement, contestants learn valuable skills in leadership, public speaking, and service. More than a pageant, its a celebration of hope, individuality, and the power of students coming together to make a difference.

The Wish Pageant is the heart of Wolverine Wishes annual fundraiser in partnership with Make-A-Wish Utah. This inclusive, co-ed competition invites full-time UVU students to showcase their talents, creativity, and compassionall while raising funds to grant life-changing wishes for Utah children facing critical illnesses. Through months of preparation, training, and community involvement, contestants learn valuable skills in leadership, public speaking, and service. More than a pageant, its a celebration of hope, individuality, and the power of students coming together to make a difference.

Here's The Breakdown

Here's The Breakdown

You may ask…

How It Works

UVU full-time students of any gender identity/expression can compete.


One title awarded: Mr./Mx./Miss Wish (label matches the winner’s gender expression).


All contestants receive an award; 1st & 2nd runner-up recognized.


What is the…

Schedule

Jan 31 Orientation & Fundraising Training

Feb 28 Public Speaking & Personal Branding

Mar 28 Pageant Walk and Talent

Apr 3 Dress Rehearsal

Apr 4 Pageant Day

Im curious about the…

Costs

Application free; if selected, $35 contestant fee (covers event ops).


Coaches provided (fundraising, speaking/branding, talent/walk).


Financial accessibility focus; outfits not judged by cost.

Here's The Breakdown

Who can participate?

Any full-time UVU student is welcome to participate! In accordance with federal laws and university policy, Utah Valley University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, citizenship, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. This commitment to inclusion applies to all participants in UVU’s educational programs, activities, benefits, and services, and extends to admissions and employment in compliance with Section 504, Title IX, and 34 CFR 106. Female, male, nonbinary, genderfluid, and all gender-expression identities are encouraged to apply. The Wish Pageant winner may be crowned Mister Wish, Miss Wish, or Mx Wish, depending on the winner’s gender expression and identity.

How will awards and winning work?

There will only be one overall title awarded—Mr./Mx./Miss Wish. The Wish Pageant is fully co-ed, and all contestants compete together regardless of gender. The title (Mr., Mx., or Miss) will reflect the winner’s gender expression and identity. Likewise, there will only be one first runner-up and one second runner-up, not separate titles for male or female contestants. Every participant will receive an award recognizing their contribution, while the overall winner and both runner-ups will each receive an additional award.

Should I hire a pageant coach?

There’s no need to hire a pageant coach—coaches will be assigned to you free of charge! Each category has dedicated mentors who will help you build confidence, refine your skills, and enjoy every step of your pageant journey.

Who can participate?

Any full-time UVU student is welcome to participate! In accordance with federal laws and university policy, Utah Valley University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, citizenship, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. This commitment to inclusion applies to all participants in UVU’s educational programs, activities, benefits, and services, and extends to admissions and employment in compliance with Section 504, Title IX, and 34 CFR 106. Female, male, nonbinary, genderfluid, and all gender-expression identities are encouraged to apply. The Wish Pageant winner may be crowned Mister Wish, Miss Wish, or Mx Wish, depending on the winner’s gender expression and identity.

How will awards and winning work?

There will only be one overall title awarded—Mr./Mx./Miss Wish. The Wish Pageant is fully co-ed, and all contestants compete together regardless of gender. The title (Mr., Mx., or Miss) will reflect the winner’s gender expression and identity. Likewise, there will only be one first runner-up and one second runner-up, not separate titles for male or female contestants. Every participant will receive an award recognizing their contribution, while the overall winner and both runner-ups will each receive an additional award.

Should I hire a pageant coach?

There’s no need to hire a pageant coach—coaches will be assigned to you free of charge! Each category has dedicated mentors who will help you build confidence, refine your skills, and enjoy every step of your pageant journey.

Who can participate?

Any full-time UVU student is welcome to participate! In accordance with federal laws and university policy, Utah Valley University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, citizenship, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. This commitment to inclusion applies to all participants in UVU’s educational programs, activities, benefits, and services, and extends to admissions and employment in compliance with Section 504, Title IX, and 34 CFR 106. Female, male, nonbinary, genderfluid, and all gender-expression identities are encouraged to apply. The Wish Pageant winner may be crowned Mister Wish, Miss Wish, or Mx Wish, depending on the winner’s gender expression and identity.

How will awards and winning work?

There will only be one overall title awarded—Mr./Mx./Miss Wish. The Wish Pageant is fully co-ed, and all contestants compete together regardless of gender. The title (Mr., Mx., or Miss) will reflect the winner’s gender expression and identity. Likewise, there will only be one first runner-up and one second runner-up, not separate titles for male or female contestants. Every participant will receive an award recognizing their contribution, while the overall winner and both runner-ups will each receive an additional award.

Should I hire a pageant coach?

There’s no need to hire a pageant coach—coaches will be assigned to you free of charge! Each category has dedicated mentors who will help you build confidence, refine your skills, and enjoy every step of your pageant journey.

What does it cost?

Application to the Wish Pageant is completely free. If you are selected to compete, there is a $35 contestant fee, which helps cover event operations and ensures an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. We understand that financial circumstances vary, and we don’t expect contestants to spend large amounts of money as they might in a traditional pageant. Our team is committed to helping you find outfits that make you feel confident without added financial stress—evening wear will never be judged based on price.

What does the time commitment look like?

There are three mandatory rehearsals or meetings and one official Pageant Day. Attendance at all scheduled dates is required, and missing any of these will result in immediate disqualification. These sessions are designed to prepare you for every aspect of the competition and ensure that all contestants feel confident and ready to shine on stage.

Should I hire a pageant coach?

There’s no need to hire a pageant coach—coaches will be assigned to you free of charge! Each category has dedicated mentors who will help you build confidence, refine your skills, and enjoy every step of your pageant journey.

What does it cost?

Application to the Wish Pageant is completely free. If you are selected to compete, there is a $35 contestant fee, which helps cover event operations and ensures an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. We understand that financial circumstances vary, and we don’t expect contestants to spend large amounts of money as they might in a traditional pageant. Our team is committed to helping you find outfits that make you feel confident without added financial stress—evening wear will never be judged based on price.

What does the time commitment look like?

There are three mandatory rehearsals or meetings and one official Pageant Day. Attendance at all scheduled dates is required, and missing any of these will result in immediate disqualification. These sessions are designed to prepare you for every aspect of the competition and ensure that all contestants feel confident and ready to shine on stage.

Should I hire a pageant coach?

There’s no need to hire a pageant coach—coaches will be assigned to you free of charge! Each category has dedicated mentors who will help you build confidence, refine your skills, and enjoy every step of your pageant journey.

What does it cost?

Application to the Wish Pageant is completely free. If you are selected to compete, there is a $35 contestant fee, which helps cover event operations and ensures an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. We understand that financial circumstances vary, and we don’t expect contestants to spend large amounts of money as they might in a traditional pageant. Our team is committed to helping you find outfits that make you feel confident without added financial stress—evening wear will never be judged based on price.

What does the time commitment look like?

There are three mandatory rehearsals or meetings and one official Pageant Day. Attendance at all scheduled dates is required, and missing any of these will result in immediate disqualification. These sessions are designed to prepare you for every aspect of the competition and ensure that all contestants feel confident and ready to shine on stage.

Should I hire a pageant coach?

There’s no need to hire a pageant coach—coaches will be assigned to you free of charge! Each category has dedicated mentors who will help you build confidence, refine your skills, and enjoy every step of your pageant journey.

What if I've never done a pageant before?

No prior pageant experience is required—just bring your authentic self, your passions, and your unique talents! Our team will provide training and assign coaches to guide you through each step of your pageant journey, ensuring you feel prepared, supported, and confident along the way.

How am I expected to fundraise?

We’re here to help you every step of the way in your fundraising journey. On the first day of the pageant program, you’ll receive training to understand the fundraising requirements, brainstorm creative ideas, and get started confidently. You’ll also be paired with a fundraising coach who will provide ongoing guidance and support throughout the semester. Fundraising looks different for everyone, and we encourage you to use your talents and imagination to create a platform that reflects you. Some ideas include performing at a coffee shop, hosting a bake sale, running a GoFundMe or social media campaign, selling handmade jewelry or clothes, washing cars, or finding local sponsors. Remember—there’s no need to organize a large or expensive fundraiser; what matters most is creativity, effort, and heart.

What can I do for my talent portion?

Your talent doesn’t have to be performative—all forms of creativity are welcome! In addition to singing, dancing, comedy, juggling, or solving a Rubik’s cube, contestants are encouraged to showcase artistic or personal skills such as art displays, poetry readings, floral or garden arrangements, or similar talents. Think about what makes you unique! Do you bake? Present a cake you’ve created and share the story behind it. Can you assemble an engine in under two minutes? Show us! Anything that highlights your passion, skill, or creativity is on the table. All talents must be approved by the Board prior to the pageant.

What if I've never done a pageant before?

No prior pageant experience is required—just bring your authentic self, your passions, and your unique talents! Our team will provide training and assign coaches to guide you through each step of your pageant journey, ensuring you feel prepared, supported, and confident along the way.

How am I expected to fundraise?

We’re here to help you every step of the way in your fundraising journey. On the first day of the pageant program, you’ll receive training to understand the fundraising requirements, brainstorm creative ideas, and get started confidently. You’ll also be paired with a fundraising coach who will provide ongoing guidance and support throughout the semester. Fundraising looks different for everyone, and we encourage you to use your talents and imagination to create a platform that reflects you. Some ideas include performing at a coffee shop, hosting a bake sale, running a GoFundMe or social media campaign, selling handmade jewelry or clothes, washing cars, or finding local sponsors. Remember—there’s no need to organize a large or expensive fundraiser; what matters most is creativity, effort, and heart.

What can I do for my talent portion?

Your talent doesn’t have to be performative—all forms of creativity are welcome! In addition to singing, dancing, comedy, juggling, or solving a Rubik’s cube, contestants are encouraged to showcase artistic or personal skills such as art displays, poetry readings, floral or garden arrangements, or similar talents. Think about what makes you unique! Do you bake? Present a cake you’ve created and share the story behind it. Can you assemble an engine in under two minutes? Show us! Anything that highlights your passion, skill, or creativity is on the table. All talents must be approved by the Board prior to the pageant.

What if I've never done a pageant before?

No prior pageant experience is required—just bring your authentic self, your passions, and your unique talents! Our team will provide training and assign coaches to guide you through each step of your pageant journey, ensuring you feel prepared, supported, and confident along the way.

How am I expected to fundraise?

We’re here to help you every step of the way in your fundraising journey. On the first day of the pageant program, you’ll receive training to understand the fundraising requirements, brainstorm creative ideas, and get started confidently. You’ll also be paired with a fundraising coach who will provide ongoing guidance and support throughout the semester. Fundraising looks different for everyone, and we encourage you to use your talents and imagination to create a platform that reflects you. Some ideas include performing at a coffee shop, hosting a bake sale, running a GoFundMe or social media campaign, selling handmade jewelry or clothes, washing cars, or finding local sponsors. Remember—there’s no need to organize a large or expensive fundraiser; what matters most is creativity, effort, and heart.

What can I do for my talent portion?

Your talent doesn’t have to be performative—all forms of creativity are welcome! In addition to singing, dancing, comedy, juggling, or solving a Rubik’s cube, contestants are encouraged to showcase artistic or personal skills such as art displays, poetry readings, floral or garden arrangements, or similar talents. Think about what makes you unique! Do you bake? Present a cake you’ve created and share the story behind it. Can you assemble an engine in under two minutes? Show us! Anything that highlights your passion, skill, or creativity is on the table. All talents must be approved by the Board prior to the pageant.

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