Amy Grant News and Articles

Talking with Amy Grant (right) about their wish for their sister and daughter, Megan Hanno, at the "Three Wishes" tent on Friday are (from left) -- Noelle Kneip, mother Paula Hanno, Shannon Hanno Renken and Kelli Hanno. (Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) [Click to enlarge]

Heavy downpours and threatening skies may have caused delays to the production of the new NBC reality series "Three Wishes" but it couldn't dampen the spirits of those attending a special graduation ceremony for Megan Hanno Sunday night.

Hanno, a Le Mars resident, was severely injured in an October 2003 automobile accident which prevented her from graduating with her 2004 Le Mars Community High School graduating class.

People were waiting to enter Jim Lorenzen Field an hour and a half before the event's scheduled start time of 7:30 p.m. Heavy rains and reports of severe weather forced an estimated 400 well-wishers into the Le Mars Community Middle School auditorium to enjoy an impromptu concert by the LCHS choir, cheerleaders, and band.

At approximately 9 p.m., as the chances for severe weather diminished, those who remained were admitted onto the field.

"Three Wishes" star, singer Amy Grant, thanked the Hanno family, the 2004 LCHS graduating class, and the entire community for their help and for their hospitality. "Tonight, we will try to turn back the hands of time," Grant explains. "and allow Megan the opportunity to graduate with all of her friends and classmates."

Entering the stage in a wheelchair, Hanno haltingly walked a few steps to accept her diploma from Le Mars School Board member Dr. Mark Stelzer. "Thank you for coming," Hanno said as she waved to the crowd.

"I have never loved Megan more than I do at this moment," tearfully explained Hanno's sister Kelly Hanno. "Graduation means the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. This is the beginning of the next chapter of Megan's life."

"The most important word that has guided Megan through the good times and through the bad has been the word 'belief,'" Hanno continued. ""Megan has met every obstacle with courage, with grace, with beauty, and always, always, with belief."

"Though you are my little sister, I have always looked up to you," said Noelle Kneip. "You are not only my sister. You are my best friend."

"This sign of support tells you how important you are not only to your family, but to your classmates, and to your entire community," Kneip said, wiping away tears.

The celebration ended shortly after 11:00 p.m. with a fireworks display.

"Three Wishes" second big event will be a concert by Amy Grant, scheduled for tonight (Monday) at the Plymouth County Courthouse. Gates will open at 8:30 p.m.

Designed as a way for the production team to say thank you to the community, the event will feature food, games, ice cream, vintage tractors, and hayrides.

Those attending are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, sit back and enjoy an evening of music and celebration.