An incredible moment meeting and speaking with North Carolina Governor Josh Stein at the historic Governors Mansion. We discussed important issues impacting our community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective and learn from his leadership.

I planned and led my club’s interest meeting to attract new members by designing and distributing promotional posters, organizing materials, and presenting our club’s mission and upcoming activities!

I started a club called Cookies for a Cause with the goal of combining something simple, baking, with making a real difference at the beginning of my junior year. Recently, we held our first bake sale of this year at my high schools football game to raise money for less-toxic kids’ cancer research, and the response was amazing. Students, teachers, and community members came together to support the effort, and in just one event we raised over $150. This was not only a fundraiser but also a chance to spread awareness about the importance of safer, more effective treatments for children battling cancer.

As I reflect on this service project, I am proud that my bake sale through Cookies for a Cause was able to bring people together while supporting kids’ cancer research. It took a lot of time and effort into creating this fundraiser, but more importantly it showed me that even small efforts, like selling cookies, can add up to something meaningful. The $150 we raised is just a start, but it motivates me to keep finding creative ways to give back and make a difference. The photo I attached below is from the club instagram, informing members of the service opportunity! Instagram: cookies4acause_rjr