Faces of Xavier: Drake Martin '16

In the great Jesuit educational tradition, Xavier’s primary objective is creating men for others—and Drake Martin ’16 is no exception. The sophomore from Midtown East will travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo this summer with Operation Smile, an organization that works to change the lives of children with facial deformities in more than 60 countries around the world. 

“I don’t think I would have gotten involved with Operation Smile were it not for Xavier and the idea of being a man for others,” said Martin, who is also a member of the golf team and the Latin American Club.

After learning about Operation Smile from his uncle, Martin applied and was accepted to the organization’s International Student Leadership Conference in Limerick, Ireland, last summer. Fascinated by speakers and seminars focused on changing the lives of children in need, he decided to apply to travel to the Congo. 

Operation Smile selected him to participate, and last week, Martin traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, for training in advance of his trip. There, he learned about important health tools that he will share with families in the Congo from July 3-10. 

Martin’s experience with Operation Smile has been so positive that he wants to share it with other high school students. At his suggestion, the organization will host its first-ever New York Leadership Summit for students in grades 9 through 12 on Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kimberley Hotel. (Space is limited. Please email student.programs@operationsmile.org if you are interested in attending.)

Martin encourages fellow Xavier students to attend the event and to support the children with whom he will work in the Congo. Among other items, he hopes to collect toothbrushes, stickers, and blowing bubbles to bring with him overseas. Those interested in learning more or contributing to Martin’s Operation Smile can email martinr16@nycxavierhs.org.