One of Plant High School’s most beloved clubs, Future Medical Students of America (FMSOA), is running a student-initiated Valentine’s Day drive starting on Jan. 27- Feb. 4 to donate nonessential face products to the less fortunate people of Metropolitan Ministries. This drive stands out among other drivers in Tampa due to the drive’s objective to collect nonessential face products since many of these products are traditionally overlooked by many other donation efforts.  

Another quality that makes this club stand out in the community is its outstanding leadership and board members. One example is Isabella Johnson (12), the club’s founder and president.  

When asked what inspired her to start this club, Johnson said, “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, which made me want to introduce my peers to the medical field.” In FMSOA, students learn how the health industry works by hearing from the experiences and lessons of real-world medical professionals.  

Metropolitan Ministries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless. The donated items will be distributed to this nonprofit organization to those who aren’t fortunate enough to buy these cosmetic products themselves.   

Vice President Maria Palios (12) expressed, “It started off with us needing a passion project, but it became a way for us to interact with our community and see the real differences that we can make in people’s lives.”  

This Valentine’s Day drive highlights the importance of what giving back can do for others and shows how much even a small gesture of kindness can impact someone’s life. These students are a leading example of how a brighter future begins with acts of love today.