Club spreads smiles downtown

A group of sixth grade girls from Everest Academy set out to make the world a happier place during a ‘Smile Mission.?
The girls meet after school for Challenge Girls Club, a faith-based club which meets weekly to brainstorm different ways to help the world and make it a better place.
Last Wednesday their mission was to visit downtown Clarkston to rally people in the community to smile.
The girls stood on the corner of Washington and Main streets holding signs reading ‘Honk if You’re Happy? before heading off to downtown businesses to continue their campaign spreading inspirational messages.
The girls created a thick stack of inspirational messages to give away or place in various spots around town.
‘We want others to know no matter what, they are beautiful,? group member Maggie Smith said with a smile. ‘If each of us could spread happiness, the world would be a better place.?
Girls participating said they are out to spread the love of God in the world.
‘We want everyone to know and love God,? said student Anna Allard. ‘We pray for everyone.?
Getting a message from the girls was special for downtown visitors Kathy and Frank Helms.
‘You are important,? Kathy read in a message she received from the girls.
‘This is very sweet,? she told the group. ‘You brightened my day.?
Other messages included, ‘your mistakes made you who you are,? ‘you are beautiful,? ‘be happy,? ‘smile? and many more words of encouragement. Inspirational messages were spread around town for people to find long after the girls went back to school.