The Wheatley School students fund life-changing surgery

Students at The Wheatley School, part of the East Williston Union Free School District, demonstrated compassion and leadership through a recent partnership with The Dr. Farhan Karim Foundation – an organization committed to expanding access to orthopedic care and supporting students pursuing careers in healthcare. Together, members of the school’s Medical Club and Student Senate raised funds to fully support a joint replacement surgery for a patient in South India.

As part of the school’s annual Showdown event, Medical Club students launched a “Coins vs. Bills” fundraising initiative, collecting nearly $2,200. With the support of Student Senate members, who contributed additional funds, the students raised a total of $2,500 to directly impact a person in need.

The inspiring effort was led by the Medical Club’s student officers: 

• Co-Presidents: Audrey Chen and Alaina Pinto (seniors)
• Vice President: Madeline Rong (senior) 
• Secretary: Radhika Sardana (junior) 
• Treasurer: Shruti Singh (junior)
• Co–Public Relations Officers: Elizabeth Harford and Emma Barnett (juniors)
• With guidance from faculty co-advisors Veronica Ade and Josett Bernberg

 

Key members of the Student Senate who contributed to the success of the project include:

• Presidents: Radhika Sardana and Anna Han (juniors) 
• Vice Presidents: Alaina Pinto and Lauren Shin (seniors)
• Treasurer: Giulia Petti (senior) 
• Recording Secretary: Gia Shah (junior)
• Board of Education Representative: Sofia Ng (junior)
• With support from co-advisors Caterina Fox and Samantha Vulin

“The project exemplifies the values of compassion, service, and social responsibility that we aim to cultivate in all of our students,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Danielle Gately said. “We applaud our students’ empathy, dedication, and initiative, and the entire East Williston community takes pride in supporting such meaningful work.” 

 

Photo caption: (left to right) Caterina Fox, Samantha Vulin, Radhika Sardana, Anna Han, Gia Shah, Farah Karim, Alaina Pinto, Audrey Chen, Madeline Rong, Veronica Ade, Josett Bernberg. 

 

Photo courtesy of the East Williston Union Free School District