On Tuesday, September 22, Paint Branch’s Operation Smile Club held its first meeting of the year. Among topics discussed were a review of last year’s successes, goals for this year and plans for upcoming club officer elections.

In classroom H022, roughly forty students gathered to learn more about the club. Seniors Meghana Vodela, founder and former president of the club, and Valeria Espinoza, former vice president, led the meeting. They presented a video to the group showing the changes Operation Smile has made throughout the world in the lives of countless children. The organization itself helps needy children around the world who have cleft lip by providing free operations for these poor families. “It’s not only about appearance,” Valeria informed the group. “These deformities affect the children’s ability to eat, breathe, and relate to peers in social situations.” Paint Branch’s chapter raises money and awareness so that more children can get this necessary operation.

 “I started this club at the end of my sophomore year,” Meghana said. “It has been successful so far, but this year I want to take it to the next level.” In the last school year, Paint Branch’s chapter of Operation Smile raised enough funds to completely change the lives of three children with cleft lip. During the meeting, meeting leaders passed thank-you letters from those children around the room for all to see. “It’s nice to see that our work last year had an actual effect on someone,” said Terri Orwenyo, Paint Branch senior and a club member from last school year. This year, the club hopes to raise enough money to give at least five children the chance to be changed.

According to club sponsor Mr. Stuart Miller, the officers take care of business on their own. When asked, Mr. Miller replied that they are the ones who set the goals; he is just there to advise them. This school year, the club is making a change in leadership style. At this meeting, members who were interested in running for a leadership position in the club signed up to be a part of the upcoming elections. The club will elect five people from the nomination pool. The group will then choose one person from among itself that will be president.