We are honored to introduce one of our 2026 Smile Maker Award recipients, Winter.
Winter’s exceptional character was affirmed by both Mrs. Meadows and Mrs. Trueblood, who each wrote heartfelt letters of recommendation on her behalf. While her essay candidly shared some of the personal challenges she has faced and the emotions that have accompanied them, what stood out even more was the profound impact she has on the people around her.
During our review process, those advocating for Winter became emotional as they spoke about her character, her influence, and why they believed she was so deserving of this award. When people are willing to stand up for you in rooms where you are not present, it speaks volumes about the kind of person you are. That is exactly the impression Winter left on everyone involved.
This fall, Winter will begin her senior year of high school. She plans to pursue a career in the medical field, a passion she discovered through her participation in the Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) Health Sciences program. We are excited to see all that the future holds for her and are proud to recognize her as a 2026 Smile Maker Award recipient.
We are also grateful to the team at Haven Orthodontics, who will be providing Winter’s orthodontic treatment. Their generosity will help transform not only her smile but also the confidence that comes with it. We are excited to see all that the future holds for Winter and are proud to recognize her as one of our 2026 Smile Maker Award recipients.
