Miss International Elise Banks visited the Bellaire Beating Hearts club at lunch on Mon., Oct. 12. During her visit she emphasized the importance of volunteer service and shared advice for club members.

Banks won the title of Miss Texas International in a pageant last year and has gained numerous awards and titles since. In her pageants and daily life she works to spread awareness of mental health diseases and encourages healthy minds for healthy bodies.

Sophomore Tarini Kumar, a new member to Bellaire Beating hearts, shared her opinion of Banks.

“I think she’s very nice,” Kumar said. “She’s definitely a good role model.” 

Miss International shared her personal experiences with volunteering and what one gains from the volunteering experience. Together with the club members Banks and the club officers discussed how to avoid volunteering excuses, increase support for volunteering and surpass roadblocks often faced in volunteering. 

“In our group, we discussed how to get your friends involved,” Kumar said. “One of our solutions was to advertise for the location or events you’re volunteering at so that everyone can participate.”

Creative ways to reach out and dispelled myths about volunteering and set the mood for Bellaire Beating Hearts members. Focused on helping children with chronic illnesses, Bellaire Beating Hearts provided opportunities to deeply benefit the community.

“I think it is a wonderful club,” Kumar said.

For a club that is only two years old, Bellaire Beating Hearts has accomplished a lot. Some of their more notable activities include hosting a bake sale, hosting a seminar with Miss International and participating in Project Santa, and more. After the visit from Miss International the officers have planned a great year to come, including a volunteering trip to Cunningham Elementary the following week.