MIDVALE, UT — Hope Squad is working on preparing for their annual Hope Week. This year it will be held from March 9 to March 13, 2026, at Hillcrest High School.
This year for Hope Week, Hope Squad chose the theme “Share the Light,” which was chosen because they decided that it is a message that everyone should hear. Hope Week is during the ACTs, so they felt it was important to have this message for everyone stressed by the ACTs and brighten up the school.
When sharing this message, President Layla Gardner said, “Before, during and after Hope Week, we will be spreading our message not only through spoken word but also through social media and various activities.” Hope Squad’s social media is @hillcrest.hope.squad on Instagram.
The band Poolhouse has been a huge part of the Hope Week assembly for the past two years. According to Gardner, they will not be making a return this year; however, the Hope Squad will be holding auditions for students to come share their light and show their talents. “So look forward to seeing some exciting new performances,” said Gardner.
According to Gardner, “preparing for Hope Week looks like chaos!” They start with brainstorming themes, and once the theme is chosen, they start planning activities. “We often end up doing five things at once.”
Hope Week is the way that Hope Squad shares the light throughout the school. “Hope Week is just a time to be happy and have a lot of fun doing activities with friends!” said Gardner.
Speaking with a few different members of Hope Squad, they all had different answers as to why you should participate in Hope Week.
Kylie London stated, “I fully recommend it because it brings the community together in a way, and the activities are really fun!”
Alea Silvestro, the Hope Squad artist, shared, “I think it’s a great idea because everyone in Hope Squad has been working really hard to make it happen! We want everyone to feel included and have a chance to be a part of something that affects people positively.”
Addilyn Coleman said, “It really brings people together and it’s a great way to spread the light.”