Two HRA students head to OpSmile missions

Juniors Peter Galantich and Olivia Basco are 2 of 45 high school students selected to participate on an Operation Smile mission this year. Peter will be going to Santa Cruz, Bolivia and Olivia will be going to Agadir, Morocco.

They were selected from a pool of applicants from all over the US, Canada, and UK. Peter is HRA’s first young man selected and Olivia and HRA’s technology teacher and OpSmile club sponsor will be the first student/faculty team.

Two high school students travel on select missions with a team of 50-70 medical professionals. The students must complete a competitive application process which includes demonstrated dedication to Op Smile, two faculty recommendations, written essays and a video component.

They must also complete a rigorous three day mission training workshop learning health education modules in CPR, Heimlech, burn care, nutrition, oral rehydration therapy, hand washing, and dental care. Their volunteer position for the mission is Student Educator and they will give more than 100 presentations during a mission, assist with pre and post op care and visit local school and orphanages.
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