Second annual student-led event at Gilley’s Dallas brings together thousands of high school seniors to support children facing critical illnesses
DALLAS, Texas – High school students across the Dallas-Fort Worth region raised $100,000 for Make-A-Wish® North Texas during the second annual Graduation Concert, held at Gilley’s Dallas as part of the 2026 graduation season.
The student-led event brought together thousands of graduating seniors for an evening that combined celebration with charitable impact, with all proceeds benefiting children living with critical illnesses across 161 counties in Texas.
This year’s fundraising total marks a significant increase from the inaugural 2025 Graduation Concert, reflecting growing student participation and expanded community involvement. The event featured a live performance headlined by James Hype, with support from JAMØ.
Originally launched in 2025 by Thomas Owen during his senior year at Jesuit College Preparatory, the Graduation Concert has developed into an annual initiative designed to unite graduating classes around a shared philanthropic mission.
“The long-term vision was always to create something that could continue beyond a single graduating class,” said Thomas Owen, CEO of Nightly. “Each year, new student leaders take ownership and continue building on the foundation.”
Student Leadership Transition Highlights Event Growth
A major focus of the 2026 program was the leadership transition to the next generation of student organizers.
Ella Stanzel, a senior at Argyle High School, was named 2026 Student Representative Lead after previously participating as a volunteer during the inaugural event. Her involvement over the past two years included student outreach, ticket initiatives, and event coordination support.
Stanzel is scheduled to continue with the organization in an expanded leadership capacity as Student Representative Director for the 2027 Graduation Concert, overseeing the student ambassador program.
“This event demonstrates what students can accomplish collectively when celebration is connected with purpose,” said Stanzel.
Stanzel will attend Southern Methodist University in fall 2026.
Supporting Children Across North Texas
Funds raised through the Graduation Concert will support Make-A-Wish® North Texas, which grants wishes to children facing critical illnesses throughout the region.
According to the organization, more than 1,100 children in North Texas are currently waiting for wishes to be fulfilled.
Since 1982, Make-A-Wish® North Texas has granted more than 12,500 wishes across its service region.
The Graduation Concert remains one of the few recurring large-scale student-organized graduation events in the United States dedicated to supporting a single nonprofit partner across multiple graduating classes.
Planning for the 2027 Graduation Concert is already underway, with the next event scheduled for May 2027 at Gilley’s Dallas.
About Graduation Concert
Graduation Concert is an annual student-led graduation event established in 2025 in Dallas, Texas. The initiative brings together graduating high school students to celebrate commencement while supporting charitable causes benefiting local communities.
About Nightly
Nightly is a platform focused on building student-centered experiences, community initiatives, and event infrastructure designed to connect younger generations through shared causes and experiences.
Website: https://night.ly/
About Make-A-Wish North Texas
Make-A-Wish® North Texas creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across 161 counties in Texas. Since 1982, the organization has granted more than 12,500 wishes regionally as part of the broader Make-A-Wish network.
Media Contact:
Landon Flesher
Head of Media, Nightly
Additional inquiries:
Available for Interview:
Ella Stanzel, 2026 Student Representative Lead
Thomas Owen, CEO, Nightly
