Emma Coakley is the definition of an engaged student. She is a junior and has been involved in the student council since freshman year. She is part of swim, volleyball, lacrosse and a founding member of the Sailing Team; but one of her biggest undertakings has been founding the St. Rose chapter of Operation Smile Club.

When Emma was chosen for the Student Spotlight, we asked her a little bit about Operation Smile. She spoke with such enthusiasm and knowledge that she could have been confused for the program’s CEO, it was clear that this was Emma’s passion. When she got the idea to start the club, she went straight to the top, asking local and national representatives at Operation Smile for advice about how to kick-start the program, then she took it to the St. Rose administration. When it was approved she began planning meetings and fundraisers right away. She wanted to be sure the members of the club had the same understanding and passion for the cause as she did.

In these few short months, the club has been able to raise money for several surgeries, as well as collect hundreds of necessary items for the patients after surgery. Emma looks forward to doing more events, as well as raising school spirit and awareness for the tragedy of cleft conditions.

This summer, Emma will be traveling to Wake Forest University for the Operation Smile International Student Leadership Conference. Following the conference, she will go to medical training and be assigned a mission with the OpSmile team. After that, the sky is the limit!