AXA, in association with U.S. News & World Report, awarded $670,000 in college scholarships.
The winners, known as AXA Achievers, are students who demonstrate:
- Ambition and drive
- Determination to set and reach goals
- Respect for self, family and community
- Ability to succeed in college
Their achievements are recognized with two levels of scholarships awards:
- 52 state scholarships (plus DC and Puerto Rico) of $10,000 each
- 10 national scholarships (from selected 52 state recipients) of $15,000 each (making their total $25,000)
Introducing the incredible, inspiring and motivated 2009 National AXA Achievers:
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Kasey Haas, Charlotte, NC
Launched Lexi's Voice, an organization that supports and promotes community involvement for children with physical disabilities. With special events, community outings and one-on-one interaction, the group has helped these children improve communication skills and develop friendships.
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Smitha Ramakrishna, Chandler, AZ
Created Arizona Water Activists Karing for the Environment. AWAKE raised awareness about water conservation locally and also funded rainwater harvesting and reverse osmosis systems in ten villages in India.
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Joshua Wortzel, Washington Crossing, PA
Created The Garden of Giving, which grows and donates organic produce to local homeless shelters. The eco-friendly, solar-powered greenhouse, housed at a retirement community, encourages participation of both seniors and students. After five full seasons of growing and harvesting, a second garden is now in development.
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Brittany Bergquist, Norwell, MA
Co-founded Cell Phones for Soldiers, an organization providing members of the U.S. military with pre-paid phone cards so they can call home for free. By recycling used cell phones and collecting donations, over $3 million has been raised to keep our troops in touch with their loved ones.
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Eric Feldman, Palos Verdes Estates, CA
By producing a series of fundraising events, including a read-a-thon and musical performances, Eric raised money to sponsor six Kenyan orphans’ education. His success has raised awareness and engaged others in the effort.
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Molly Watkins, Kenai, AK
Began a Make a Switch ...Make a Difference campaign promoting the use of energy-efficent compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) to save energy and money. Through a website and local business partnerships, her efforts have successfully raised awareness and reduced energy consumption.
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Charles Zhang, Oakland Township, MI
Developed an experimental device that harvests vibration energy and converts it to electrical power for human use. By tapping into vibrations generated by walking or running on stairs, Charles’ project showed successul results as a potential renewable, environmentally-friendly energy source.
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Natalia Thompson, Madison, WI
Founded Madison SOS (Speak Out Sister!), an organization promoting civic engagement and leadership among teenage girls, including leadership workshops, a community mural project and international outreach. Madison SOS aims to unite high school girls and promote action on a variety of issues, from violence against women to affordable healthcare.
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Jourdan Urbach, Roslyn Heights, NY
Using his talents and popularity as a concert musician, Jourdan launched Children Helping Children to promote awareness and raise funds to fight neurological disease. His "Concerts for a Cure" benefits have raised over $1.4 million for neurological medical organizations and research.
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Diedre Graham, Mobile, AL
Created and produced a dance benefit entitled IMAGINE ME: Image in Me, to raise awareness about body image and self-esteem issues in girls. The project raised scholarship money for a local dance studio and for a mentoring program for young girls.
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