Each year graduating seniors from Locust Valley's Portledge School are required to do a senior project and for Mila Kirstie Kulsa of Hicksville, there was no doubt in her mind that she wanted to apply her passion for ice skating to her project. Mila reached out to Iceworks in Syosset and found the opportunity she was looking for. The rink was just about to begin preparing for its 3rd Annual Iceworks Spring Fling and Disney Spectacular to benefit The Smile Train, the world's leading cleft charity.

Mila's first contribution to the show was to use her talent to help choreograph and direct all the show's performances including attending rehearsals and making sure the children were fully prepared for the event. Given her personal accomplishments as an ice skater, this part came naturally. Mila is a Double U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist (Moves in the Field and Freestyle), U.S. International Team Member, U.S. National Team Member, U.S. Junior National Championships Competitor, and Empire State Games Champion. She is just shy of being a Triple U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist (in Ice Dancing).

In addition she took on the creative challenge of producing the show's program, which first meant she had to finalize the order of performances, taking into account that many of the 100 performers were in more than one of the 21 performances. She also had to build in time for herself to serve as both a performer and backstage manager. Mila single-handedly approached local businesses to ask their support in promoting the event with the poster she and classmate, Yola Yu, designed. From ordering medals and producing certificates to pulling together a silent auction and arranging photography, the experience proved to be an invaluable lesson in event management.

Mila's dedication to the project provided a learning experience for all the young skaters who performed, a memorable afternoon for those who attended and most importantly, proceeds from the event will help pay for life-changing cleft surgery for children in need.