Student Council dedicated the last week of February to organize a project called ‘Operation Beautiful’. Operation Beautiful is a worldwide movement made in hopes to influence and remind students to keep a positive self-image and an attitude of self-acceptance.

“We hope Operation Beautiful helps our fellow classmates to gain confidence and in doing so, inspire confidence in others,” StuCo member Libby Rayos said.

Schools have participated in the project for several years. However, McNeil is one of the last schools in the district to incorporate Operation Beautiful into the calendar.

“It’s disappointing to know that we are one of the last schools to be involved in Operation Beautiful, but I’m glad we finally joined in,” Rayos said. “To my knowledge depression and anxiety in teens are at an all time high, so I hope that bringing awareness to self-love will allow people to be confident in themselves whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally, or academically.”

Students excited about the project became involved in the different themes for each day such as black out your insecurities by wearing all black. They hope to mold not just their thoughts but their classmates’ as well.

“Although Operation Beautiful is just one week dedicated to make everyone feel part of a whole, everyone should feel confident with who they are every day,” junior Jewel Plant said.

While some students see the project as a positive concept, others deemed it unnecessary. For instance, the bathroom mirrors that were covered with black paper were ripped down just minutes after they were hung.

“This project is a waste of everybody’s time and energy because it won’t work,” freshman David Barran said. “Not being able to look at myself in the mirror makes me feel even more self conscious because I can’t see if I have something in my teeth or on my face.”

Even though some students were not willing to participate in the event, others hoped that this week created a ripple effect for more projects that allow students to gain confidence and celebrate their individuality.

“Here at McNeil you can see the true diversity of everyone represented in their own individual style,” Plant said. “That’s what we’ve created here in the student body at McNeil, somewhere everyone is welcome.”