Operation Smile students to train in Virginia this summer

Operation Smile students

Amsterdam High School's student association of Operation Smile recently held their annual walk-a-thon. This year's theme was Walk-a-Mile for a Smile. The group made enough money to fund two operations for children born with cleft palates. Each operation costs $240. Operation Smile is an international organization where doctors and nurses donate their time to perform surgeries for underprivileged children born with facial deformities.

In addition, four Amsterdam High School students were chosen to participate in mission training this summer from August 4-8 at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia. The students are: Ashley Santiago, Morganne Ottati, Shelbi Montenaro and Tyler Morrone. Once they complete their training the students are eligible to volunteer a medical mission. Congratulations!

Operation Smile students Brook Bascom and Joseph Stanavich

Founded in 1982, Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Va., is a worldwide children’s medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile volunteers have treated more than 130,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and the organization has a presence in 51 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency.