To kick off this year’s fall Scholastic book fair, students at J.V. Washam Elementary School created the “J.V. Washm Wall of Wishes.” Each student decorated a paper rocket ship, flying saucer or star and wrote about who they aspired to be in the future.

“When I grow up, I want to find a cure for cancer because I lost my grandmother to cancer,” wrote second-grader Nathaniel Reinstadler. Third-grader Morgan Tsui wrote that she wanted to earn a college scholarship.

From Oct. 24-27, the school’s boys and girls pitted themselves against each other in a coin drive. All money collected will go to the school to purchase books for the media center, literacy room and classrooms, and for every $1 raised Scholastic will send a new book in the school’s name to Marine Toys for Tots, Kids in Distressed Situations and the Kids in Need Foundation.

Other kick-off festivities included a visit from Charlotte Bobcats mascot Rufus and a teacher bookfair preview, family night and Donuts with Dad event. The book fair continues until Friday, Nov. 4.