The Smile Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading Happiness through acts of kindness. Our flagship program finds its home in the SPARK Clubs. SPARK stands for “Strengthening Positivity and Reinforcing Kindness” and these groups are formed by inspiring young people who want to make their schools and communities kinder and friendlier places to be.
Today, I want to introduce the 2023 – 2024 school year leadership team of one of the oldest SPARK clubs, Westminster College (WC). This is the eighth year for WC SPARK and I am so inspired by their kindness already! Be sure to follow them on Instagram at @westminster_sparkclub
President: Lauren Gross
Lauren is a junior biology/pre-med major with a Spanish minor from Lewisburg, PA. This is her third year in SPARK and first year serving as president. She shares, “I’m most excited to continue to engage the Westminster campus community in strengthening positivity and reinforcing kindness throughout the year. I’m so thankful to work with an amazing group of girls on my executive board, each bringing their own strengths and ideas! SPARK helps create a little bit of sunshine in people’s day and always puts a smile on people’s face. Some things that bring positivity into my day to day life are my four dogs, nannying, running and exercising, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I’m so excited for the year to begin and to share all our ideas and activities with our Westminster community!”
Secretary: Nina Rascona
Nina is a senior neuroscience major with a psychology minor from Somerset, PA. This is her second year in SPARK and first year serving as the secretary. She shares “I am so excited to serve as the secretary this year. I am extremely lucky to be alongside a great group of girls on the executive team. SPARK club radiates good vibes and optimism all over the WC campus and I am glad to be a part of it. Some things that bring joy and positivity to my life include listening to music, exercising and staying active, reading, and just hanging out with my friends. I am so excited for this year to begin!
Treasurer: Natalie Calvert
Natalie is a junior biology major on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. This is her third year in SPARK and second year serving as the treasurer. She shares, “I am most excited to keep creating a positive atmosphere around campus and for the other students! With little acts of service, this club helps bring happiness and kindness all around campus, which spreads around the New Wilmington community. Some things that bring me joy are my friends and family, exercising, walking my dog, listening to music, and watching movies.”
Program Manager: Sophia Galieta
Sophia is a senior fine art and psychology double major. This is her fourth year in SPARK and her third year serving as Project Manager. She shares, “I am so excited I get the opportunity to bring to life all of our positivity and kindness projects again this year! Not only do I get to spend time with some of my best friends, but we work together to spread happiness all around campus! Some things that bring me joy are hiking, photography, playing the ukulele, listening to music, spending time with my friends and family, and making art. I can’t wait for all the fun things we have planned for this school year!”
Social Media Chair: Hannah Burtner
Hannah is a junior early education and special education major and a fine art minor. This is her third year in SPARK and first year serving as Social Media Chair. She shares, “My favorite things about SPARK are the tight knit community of our members, the multiple kindness activities and crafts we do on campus, and having the opportunity to spread kindness as much as I can with a group of equally positive people. The main attribute that brings positivity to my day is people stopping to say hello on campus. You never know how much a friendly smile or a simple compliment can positively impact someone.” She adds, “This year in SPARK, I am looking forward to reaching more people on campus and introducing them to what a wonderful community of kind hearted people SPARK is.”
