If you were granted one wish, what would it be?

That was the question posed to former Walter Hill Elementary student Chase Donnell in 2007 by the Make-A-Wish Foundation while he was suffering from a terminal form of cancer. Most children might choose an extravagant trip, a shopping spree or to meet someone famous. Chase surprised everyone when he said he wanted to help others by renovating the gym at the elementary school.

Now Chase's memory and his example will forever be a part of the community and school he loved. A portion of Highway 231, which runs in front of the school, has been deemed the "Chase Donnell Memorial Highway" by the Tennessee General Assembly.

"Chase donated his Make-A-Wish wish — I don't know any adults who would have done that," his former physical education teacher, Melissa Powell, said during the dedication ceremony at the school on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

At 10-years-old, Chase was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma and took a turn for the worse after a failed bone marrow transplant. Make-A-Wish contacted the family in November 2007, and Chase later made his decision to give the gym a much-needed facelift. He passed away a few days before the renovations were completed in March 2008. The changes included new paint, refurbished bleachers and a new sound system. The work was completed on a Saturday at Chase's request because he didn't want to interrupt gym time for other students at the school.

The Walter Hill gym is now named in his honor — something his father, Clint Donnell, says he didn't want — and silhouettes of athletes are painted on the walls. Many of the silhouettes carry the names "Chase," "Donnell" or the number eight, which was Chase's favorite number.

During the road dedication ceremony at the school, friends, family, students, teachers, community members and elected officials paid tribute to the young man and his giving spirit. Many audience members came dressed in red, which was Chase's favorite color, and area high schools allowed Chase's former classmates to attend the ceremony. Chase would have been a junior this year.

Chase's mother, Jennifer Dunn, encouraged those in attendance to share the memory of her son with future generations.

"When Chase said, 'Please remember me,' he wanted us to remember he was here, that 'you loved me and that I loved you back,'" Dunn said.

After the proclamation ceremony in the gym, a large portion of Highway 231 was closed for nearly 20 minutes while everyone streamed out of the school to gather near the official sign adorning the road. Chase's friends held up pictures of him for the crowd as they walked to the highway. Elementary students lined the street with homemade posters, red balloons and cheers as Chase's parents and former Principal Butch Campbell unveiled the memorial marker.

Afterward, there were hugs and tears by some while others took pictures of the memorial. Shelby Hayes, a close family friend, took pictures while wearing a red T-Shirt with the number eight and the name Chase on it.

"I loved it," she said of the ceremony. "We're keeping his memory alive. He was a great, great boy."