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Good morning, I’m Rocio Hernandez, a K-12 education reporter at The Nevada Independent, here to share some inspiring news with you. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on a remarkable teen from Henderson who is making a positive impact on the lives of seniors in our community.

Mischa Abad, a 17-year-old senior at Green Valley High School, noticed the challenges faced by seniors during the pandemic. With social distancing restrictions in place, many seniors were separated from their loved ones and experiencing feelings of isolation. This motivated Mischa to take action and make a difference.

In 2021, she founded a nonprofit organization called Uplifting Deliveries. The mission of Uplifting Deliveries is to combat social isolation among seniors by delivering handmade cards and care packages filled with snacks and activity books. These deliveries bring joy and hope to seniors in senior homes and hospices across the Las Vegas Valley.

Since its inception, Uplifting Deliveries has made an incredible 16,000 deliveries, spreading cheer and positivity to those who need it most. Mischa’s dedication to this cause is truly inspiring, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

During one of her first deliveries, a senior woman expressed that the card she received was the only present under her tree that year. This simple gesture made a profound impact, highlighting the importance of spreading kindness and compassion in our community.

In addition to the deliveries, Uplifting Deliveries also hosts workshops for students, teaching them how to be leaders in their community. These workshops provide valuable learning experiences and opportunities for students to make a difference in the lives of others.

Mischa’s passion for helping seniors extends beyond the Las Vegas Valley. She has delivered cards to seniors in the Pacific Northwest and has plans to expand into Southern California and rural Nevada. Her dedication to this cause is truly commendable, and she is an inspiration to us all.

As Mischa looks towards the future, she plans to study neuroscience in college and pursue a career in geriatric medicine. Her journey from winning the state Spelling Bee at the age of 11 to making a difference in the lives of seniors is a testament to her compassionate spirit and determination to create positive change.

If you know a student or staff member who deserves to be featured in our next edition of School Spotlight, please share your nominations with me at [email protected].

Let’s celebrate Mischa Abad and the incredible work she is doing to bring joy and companionship to lonely seniors in our community. Together, we can make a difference and spread kindness wherever we go.