Give the Gift of a Smile

Lia is a sweet 11-year-old girl who suffers from bullying and self-esteem issues because of her teeth. She has asked for braces several times, but her family has had to put off orthodontic treatment for financial reasons. Gift of a Smile wants to make her wish for braces come true and help Lia see how beautiful she is!

Dana is a kind-hearted 12-year-old girl who began experiencing crowding when her permanent teeth came in. Despite being teased over her teeth, she never let others take her smile away. Gift of a Smile is excited to give her a smile as bright and beautiful as her heart!

Eli is a bright 14-year-old with a great sense of humor who loves to make others smile. However, because of his insecurities over his teeth, he often hides his own smile. Financial strain for Eli’s family made it seem like orthodontic treatment was not an option, but thanks to Gift of A Smile, soon he’ll be able to laugh with confidence!

Free braces will soon also help Damian Soler, 13. Soler lives in Decatur, but comes from Gwinnett. His teeth prevent him from being able to close his mouth while he sleeps. As a result, he suffers from constant sore throats. Soon, he’ll be able to sleep peacefully.

Savien Cox, a fifth-grader from Lawrenceville, will also be able to fix his orthodontic problems thanks to GSO. Cox is a happy kid who loves to smile, but suffers from low-self esteem over his teeth. Soon, braces will help him overcome those insecurities.

Dacula resident Sierra Henson, 14, was one of the children selected to receive free orthodontic care, which will include appliances, braces, retainers and more at no cost. Henson is a straight A student enrolled in AP and gifted classes. Because of a family member’s expensive medical costs, it seemed like Henson wouldn’t be able to receive orthodontic care.

An honor roll student, this fourth grader is an avid writer, school chorus singer and Peer Leader. After a recent and sudden loss of Jennifer’s close family member, the family has sought counseling and free grief support camp opportunities for her. Jennifer’s parents are also financially challenged. The guidance counselor who nominated her said she is a remarkable girl and very deserving of this gift.

At 12 years old, Jordan is a great student who gets good grades, is a basketball star and has been Student of the Month. He has overcrowded and crooked teeth but manages to keep smiling every day. He has asked for braces and has had several orthodontic appointments, but his family has been unable to afford them. He and his family are grateful for this gift.

Thirteen-year-old Madeline is too self-conscious to smile for the camera. She also experienced recent family issues, including a family member who moved into the household after a medical emergency. Yet, she has maintained a sense of humor and enjoys helping others. Her parents are excited that GSO is giving her a winning smile to match her cheerful personality.

With asthma, Solomon uses a breathing machine with medications that have worn down his teeth. He has had and still needs some expensive dental work, which has proven financially challenging for his aunt and caregiver.

De’ja and her family moved from Baltimore about two years ago, but the orthodontic care she received there was not transferable to Georgia. She is heading to high school next year and, as such, completing her orthodontic treatment will no doubt give her a boost of confidence.

As she expressed in a recent poem, “Just because my teeth are crooked, doesn’t make me less beautiful. It makes my smile unique. Beauty doesn’t have to be perfect.” While she is coping well with her situation, Nicoli’s self-confidence will get a boost from the orthodontic work and give her the smile she deserves.

There are many times My’Teiz has been embarrassed to smile because his teeth are shifting to the left. The orthodontic work he needs was ruled out as too costly for his family. This free service will boost his confidence and give him the beautiful smile he deserves.

Eight year old Gift of a Smile winner Roman Lara attends the Michelle and Barack Obama Academy in Atlanta. His favorite subject is math and his favorite color is blue. Roman enjoys playing soccer, learning tennis, and anything that has to do with art. He also enjoys playing with his adopted dog Savannah.

Eleven year old Camilo Benitez resides in Alpharetta Georgia. His mother Angela nominated him for the gift of a Smile program and was elated to find out that her son had won the contest to receive complimentary orthodontic care.

Eleven year old Pjaye Phinisee of Atlanta, Georgia was one of four lucky children selected to win complimentary orthodontic treatment through the Gift of a Smile program. She was nominated by her mother Della who submitted a heartwarming and touching story about her daughter and the love, care, and support she shows her daily. We are honored to award Pjaye with a beautiful, healthy smile.

Sixteen year old Lawrelle of College Park, Georgia attends the Tri-Cities High School of East Point. Her favorite subject is Physics and her favorite color is Navy blue. Lawrelle enjoys making jewelry and styling hair. She was nominated by several family members and friends and we were touched by every story that was submitted about Lawrelle.

Deona is a thoughtful and caring 8th grader with a heart of gold and a personality to match. Each day Deona makes it a point to give out at least five compliments to people young and old. She was nominated by her mother, Christina, who submitted a heartwarming story about the love and support her daughter shows daily. Deona has always wanted straight teeth and we are excited to provide her with a healthy, confident smile.

Ezra is a shy, polite kid who attends Couch Middle School in Lawrenceville. Despite battling liver disease, he is positive and brings joy to everyone that knows him. He loves playing basketball, drawing, and programming video games. His dental team nominated Ezra for this life changing experience so that his smile would match his spirit. We are excited to bring a little joy to Ezra with the gift of a new smile!

Raphael is a rising freshman at Wheeler Magnet (STEAM) program and a member of the National Jr Honor Society. He volunteers at his church and several local charities, including Simple Needs, the organization who submitted his deserving story. He’s a gifted musician (plays many instruments) and a member of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. His mom, now disabled, said receiving this gift would be a BIG dream come true!

Hunter, a bright sixth grader at Bear Creek Middle School in Statham, is very self-conscious about his teeth and always hides his smile. A musician who plays the trumpet, he also enjoys going to church, reading, playing video games and keeping up with his big brother. His mom, a mother of four, submitted his deserving story after several trips to the dentist only to be told orthodontic treatment was not medically necessary. Thanks to the Gift of a Smile, Hunter will soon have a reason to SMILE!

Fifteen-year-old Mikaylah, a happy spirited honor roll student at Ronald E. McNair High School enjoys cheerleading and looks forward to trying majorette dance. Her mom and biggest cheerleader submitted the nomination of how a healthy, straight smile will build her self confidence to face anything. We can’t wait to make that wish come true as Mikaylah plans to be a cosmetologist upon graduation from high school and has future aspirations to work in the medical field as an OBGYN.

Logan is a bright, compassionate 11-year-old who has faced more hardship than most his age. Since losing his father in 2015, he has been lovingly raised by his grandmother. In recent years, he’s also endured the loss of his great-grandmother, his dog Lucan, and his grandfather—leaving a profound emotional impact.

Despite these challenges, Logan continues to shine. He is kindhearted, shy, and always eager to help others. Academically, he excels in math and science and is a proud member of the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program. This fall, he’ll begin a new chapter at Haynes Bridge Middle School.

Logan comes from a large family with nine siblings, ranging in age from 15 to 26. He’s an avid puzzler - tackling 3,000-pieces now. He loves gardening, and expresses himself through his creativity.

Receiving a healthy, straight smile would bring Logan renewed confidence and joy to a boy who truly deserves to smile more.

Elijah is a bright and resilient 11-year-old who has faced early life challenges, including time in foster care and significant school absences. Since moving in with his Nana, Papa, Great Granny, and siblings—Donnie (12), Jordan (9), and Taya (4)—in 2023, he has truly flourished being surrounded by love and stability.
Now entering 5th grade at Northwood Elementary, Elijah has made the honor roll, joined the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program, and achieved perfect attendance. He loves reading, creating art, flipping with his sister Jordan, and playing baseball and soccer.
For Elijah, a healthy, straight smile means more than confidence—it means fewer struggles at mealtimes with food getting stuck in his teeth and the joy of feeling proud of his smile.