16th Annual International Student Leadership Conference
From August 2-6, more than 350 students gathered at San Diego State University in California for the 16th Annual International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC). Students from 17 United States and 16 other countries came together to learn about leadership, service, fund-raising, club organization and Operation Smile’s work around the world.
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Highlights of the conference included speeches given by Lisa Nichols, contributor to the self-development phenomenon The Secret, and Benjamin Ajak, one of The Lost Boys of Sudan who co-authored They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan. The speakers left conference participants with powerful messages including Ajak’s words of wisdom that “We are not here to work for ourselves. We are here to work for those who cannot work for themselves.” A favorite event was the “International Party” where the international students displayed their cultures through costume, dance and representative items from their countries. Students also took part in field day competitions, completed a service project to create nametags for future Operation Smile patients and enjoyed an evening at Sea World.
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During the conference’s “Opening Ceremonies,” Operation Smile’s Co-founders Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee presented awards to some of the students in attendance. The awards recognize student volunteerism and effort and to encourage leadership and service. Claire Crawford from Mississippi received the Jennifer Pham Award, while Andrea Vega from El Salvador was presented with the Logan Taylor Award. The Francine Peterson Award went to Arielle Harris of New York. Teacher and Norfolk Academy Student Association advisor Pat Hume of Virginia received the Educator of the Year Award. The student group from Cibola High School in New Mexico was named Outstanding Student Club of the Year, while the International Club of the Year Award went to both Atlantic College in the United Kingdom and the Student Program in Ireland, which represents several clubs. Utah State University received the Outstanding University Club of the Year Award, and the New Club of the Year Award was presented to Westfield High School in New Jersey.
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Prior to the ISLC, 46 students from 13 U.S states, Ireland, Mexico, and Paraguay attended Operation Smile’s bi-annual Mission Training Workshop at San Diego State University. From July 29-August 1, these students were trained to effectively teach basic health care, including oral rehydration therapy, burn care and prevention, proper nutrition and dental care, to families and patients during Operation Smile international medical missions. At the end of the intensive workshop, participants were given their mission assignments including missions to Brazil, China, Egypt, Madagascar, and Venezuela in the next six to twelve months. At least two students and one adult sponsor participate on every Operation Smile international mission. Hollie Tyrrell of Ireland said, “It was an amazing experience to meet 45 other students so dedicated to Operation Smile and I made lifelong friends from it. I loved everyday of it and am excited to go and put the things I learned into use in Kenya which will be a life-changing experience that I am fortunate enough to enjoy.” Students left the workshop informed, impassioned, and excited about Operation Smile’s mission including Kevin Prior of New Jersey who was grateful for the opportunity to “work together and meet other kids because we share the same goal of making life better for kids around the world.”
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