Student Senate destroyed their 2024 fundraising record of $55,000, raising $68,280 for Bags of Fun, a charity that buys care packages of toys and treats for chronically ill children.

Unlike their usual fundraising goal of $50,000, Senate instead set a goal of $67,000 this year, referencing the popular ‘67’ meme. The idea came from senior Student Body President Channing Walter.

“I think setting a goal of $67,000 helped make the target memorable,” Walter said. “I believe the real reason we made it was because everyone came together over the week and chipped in what they could.”

All the money came from corporate sponsors, restaurant nights, and most importantly, admission and participation in organized events throughout the week. See moments from the events below.

All day Monday – Telethon:

Following annual tradition, CCSN commenced Power Week with a full day of live broadcast. CCSN teachers David Knoeckel and Matt Weiss invited guests onto the show for interviews, minigames, and fundraising.

“The point is to kick off power week,” Weiss said. “Help raise awareness. Try to just get some excitement, people talking about power week, both on campus and then off campus.”

Monday 5 p.m. – Brain Bowl:

Hosted by math teacher Neal Rosengren in the Fine Arts theater, Brain Bowl featured  six teams competing in a tournament bracket format. Rosengren enjoyed the event and was proud of its growth.

“We had more teams come out this year than we had last year, which was great,” Rosengren said, “We had our defending champs come back, and it’s just a fun way to have a good time, raise some money for bags of fun and test our trivia skills.”

“Weld Central Trivia Team,” composed of juniors Adam Mane, Leo Tovbis, Caleb Kloster, and senior Peter Philpott, was victorious.

“I think our team’s cohesion was really key to our win since we were able to buzz in quickly every time and to agree on an answer in less than five seconds,” Mane said.

The hope is to grow the event even further in the future with more people participating. “I’m hoping for more teams, bigger and better tournaments, just to create more buzz and raise more money,” Rosengren said.

“That’s what we’re here to do. We’re here to support bags of fun,” Rosengren said, “We’re trying to raise as much money as we can and have fun while we’re doing it.”

Monday 6:30 p.m. – 3v3 Basketball:

Activities Director Kelly Prevost hosted the annual 3v3 basketball competition in the West gyms and she was happy with the success of the event this year.

“Oh my gosh, it was so awesome,” Prevost said. “Amazing kids, such good sportsmanship, so fun.”

The champions, led by senior Luke Zurcher, won by two points, completing back to back titles.

“It feels amazing. That was the goal all along, so it feels good to finally complete it.” Zurcher said.

Zurcher credits the balance and well-roundedness of his team, the aptly-named “Defending Champs,” as the reason for their success.

“We got some good defenders, good shooters, good drivers, put together a good team and won it,” he said.

Tuesday 4 p.m. – Mario Kart:

A crowd gathered in the Senate room for a Mario Kart tournament Monday afternoon. Junior Student Body Activities Coordinator Mike Wehrle organized the event and believes it’s popular because it’s so easygoing.

“I think it’s a good one because it’s simple, it’s easy, it’s the cheapest event,” Wehrle said. “It doesn’t take very much practice…It’s a small community, and it’s really fun. It’s just a way to compete against your friends.”

Staying quiet and humble throughout the tournament, freshman Patrick Ryan took home the victory, driving Waluigi to first place.

“Winning today, I feel pretty good,” Ryan said. “I won because I actually practiced, like a lot, like an unnecessary amount, when [the game] first came out.”

Tuesday 6:30 p.m. – Talent Show:

Tuesday’s talent show showcased many diverse performers, from singers to dancers to a lone juggler. Some came up solo, but others, like senior Bela Hafley, performed in a band. She performed Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” with her sister, sophomore Natalia Hafley, and Olive Goodman, a homeschooled friend.

“It’s my last one. I’ve done it all four years. I love ‘The Chain.’ It’s a very fun song,” Bela Hafley said. “I think the talent show went fantastically. I think it showcased a lot of the different sectors of talent at Cherry Creek.”

Senior Eli Rodriguez sang a rendition of Lizzy McAlpine’s “Let Light Be Light” with sophomore Peyton Creenan.

“I felt really good. I was really, really, really nervous,” Rodriguez said. “But everyone said that I was doing it with emotion.”

Wednesday 4 p.m. – Shazam:

The annual “Shazam!” competition, named after the music recognition software, ended in more controversy this year than it tends to. Because of confusion with the championship, two teams believed they won, including sophomore Hasiet Gebreyohannes and her team “KHVPM.”

“I’m so proud of my team,” Gebreyohannes said. “I think we definitely won, and there’s some sore losers in here, but we 100% won.”

Event sponsor and math teacher Matthew Miao, in the end, sided with KHVPM as the victors. Senior Arianna Pasha, a member of “The Beliebers,” was disappointed in Miao’s call.

“Honestly, it was a little janky,” Pasha said. “I think we’re the true winners at heart, yeah, the winning was the memories made along the way.”

Wednesday 5:30 p.m. – Basketball Doubleheader Pac the Place:

The Feb. 11 doubleheader matchup against Grandview wasn’t just a popular Power Week “Pac the Place” event, it was a heartfelt appreciation night for seniors from girls and boys basketball, varsity cheer, and varsity poms.

Girls’ head coach Katie Kidd expressed gratitude towards the squad and the seniors. “They’ve had their ebbs and flows but they always persevere and come back trying to be better each game,” Kidd said.

The girls’ season is over, and though it was a difficult one with only three wins, the team was happy on their last night. “Some games we get a little bit frustrated with each other, but this game we were all just supportive with each other,” senior Jalen Nelson (#10) said.

After boys’ basketball got blindsided in the first half, going down 18-25, they fought back to take the win away from Grandview, winning 54-50. Being able to come back against a top team in the league shows promise for the playoffs. Being able to win a night honoring the seniors, is a great way to end the regular season, but the season isn’t over.

“Job’s not finished,” Zurcher (#4) said. “Still got to win the league tournament.”

Thursday 6 p.m. – Mr. Creek:

The annual “Mr. Creek” male beauty pageant is no stranger to a full house. Students packed the FA Theater to the max Thursday evening to enjoy lip sync battles, satirical interviews, and a mini talent show.

Senior Jack Loehr took home the crown, performing Zach Bryan’s “Burn Burn Burn” on acoustic guitar as his talent.

“Really nervous going in,” Loehr said. “Started playing the guitar four months ago. Never played in front of people, but the crowd here was just awesome.”

Senior Student Body President Channing Walter was the runner-up, but he wasn’t disappointed with second place. Before Mr. Creek, contestants spend a long time practicing and rehearsing together, and he was thankful for that time with his competitors.

“We put in a lot of work,” Walter said. “I’m so grateful. It’s a super fun time.”

Friday 10 a.m. – Pep Assembly:

Friday morning’s pep assembly capped off the week with performances, mini games, and a trip to the barbershop. Groups including the Blue Cherriz K-Pop Dance Group, Poms and Cheer, and the Bruin Brothers Band all generated some spirit in the crowd.

As a finale for the week and as an agreement to a deal, Principal Ryan Silva shaved Walter’s head, as the student body president promised if Power Week reached its $67,000 goal.

“I was bummed to lose my hair, but I know it is for a great cause,” Walter said. “If shaving my head raised even a little more money for bags of fun it was worth it.”

See more moments from throughout the week below.

Additional Contributions by Andrei Machado, IV Collier, and Clay Biskner.

This story was originally published on Union Street Journal on February 18, 2026.