AHS Junior demonstrates what is "right" with today's teens

Too often, people complain that today's youth lack caring and vision; teens are too concerned with themselves and their technology to contribute anything to society.

Meet Michela Catena, an example of what is right with this generation.

As an AHS junior, Michela wanted to do something to improve the world around her. Through two of her aunts, she learned about Operation Smile, a not-for-profit organization that works to repair cleft palates and cleft lips of children around the world. One of Operation Smile's programs allows students to travel abroad as trained volunteers. To participate, she needed to satisfy five requirements: 1) be involved in an Operation Smile Student Association,
2) be involved in a Student Association that raises at least $750, 3) attend at least one Operation Smile International Student Leadership Conference, apply, 4) be accepted and complete Operation Smile's Mission Training Workshop, and 5) be 16 years of age at the time of the mission. But, Amsterdam didn't have a student association.

Where others might have seen an obstacle, Michela simply saw another step in her journey. She determined to found a local chapter at AHS. She hung signs throughout the high school, talked to fellow students and included her plea in the daily school announcements. When the day of the first meeting arrived, Michela was stunned to discover 100 of the school's 1800 students turned out.

The group sprung into action. They solicited donations in front of the Amsterdam Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart matched the collection dollar for dollar. Additional fund-raisers brought the group's total to $2500.

Michela's dedication combined with the dedication of the AHS chapter, earned her one of three slots as a student volunteer to Cambodia. As the medical team provided free evaluations and surgery to children with cleft lips, cleft palates, tumors and burns, Michela taught oral rehydration, burn care and prevention, proper nutrition and dental care to patients and families. She traveled to local schools and orphanages to give healthcare presentations and played with the children during pre-op and post-op.

Returning home from her two-week trip in late March, she became a local celebrity. He smiling face adorned the cover of the Amsterdam Recorder and she was the feature of a segment on Capital News 9.