CCHS students do world outreach to assist with mouth deformities
Special to Leader-Press
In a societal time when teenagers are into selfies, one club at Copperas Cove High School has been established for the opposite reason—selfless service. Alexandra Garcia started the Students for Smile Train Club to help children born with mouth deformities.
“When I looked at the clubs in our school, I noticed that none of them were solely based on helping others. Over the summer, I saw a post by Kylie Jenner selling lip-kits that donated all the profits to Smile Train, a non-profit organization that helps children and adults living with cleft and/or lip palate by giving them reconstructive surgery and aftercare,” Garcia said.
In order to support Smile Train, the club sets up fundraisers that gives 100 percent of the profits to the organization.
“We got the idea of creating donation boxes and we have the boxes at places like Dairy Queen. We passed out Smile Train wristbands to friends and families to help promote the cause. We hung up posters around the school to promote upcoming fundraisers, and passed out flyers for the Chipotle fundraiser where we raised almost $100,” Garcia said. “Next year, we plan on having our very first fundraiser at the high school. This will promote the club all over school and the importance of helping the organization as well.”
Vice President Noah Gonzales took a leadership role in the club because its mission is not about self-benefit.
“Students for Smiles is a great organization that promotes the welfare of others. Because of this, I believe we’re one of the best, if not the best club in the school,” Gonzalez said.
Conager Robb has been a member of the club since it started at the beginning of the school year and helped clean and build the donation boxes.
“The reason I joined Students for Smiles was because of the message it sent out to those who understood what the organization was about. I love the fact we can bring ease and happiness to those across the world,” Robb said.
Garcia hopes to grow the new club next year to the point that it will continue to exist long after she graduates.
“My aspiration is not only to help people living with cleft and/or lip palate, but is to keep this club going long after I’m gone because it is important for students to understand the importance of helping others,” Garcia said. “I have a strong faith that this is possible because what we stand for is something everyone should stand for and that is being kind to others.”