Introducing the incredible, inspiring and motivated
2011 National AXA Achievers:
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Aishvarya Govil Gupta, Irvine, CA
Founded Wonder Writers, which organizes creative-writing contests and workshops for
K-12 students worldwide. Winning entries are published online and in print. The organization has published five books, with more than $10,000 in proceeds donated to charities including the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and the ALS Foundation.
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Riley Carney, Denver, CO
Created Breaking the Chain, which has raised over $140,000 to support children worldwide by fighting illiteracy and poverty. The organization has built three schools in Africa, created a children’s literacy program in a women’s shelter in the U.S., and bought more than 18,000 new books for high-need elementary schools.
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Yasmine Arrington, Washington, DC
Established ScholarCHIPS (Children of Incarcerated Parents). She formed partnerships with leading local nonprofits to raise money for three $10,000 college scholarships for students who have a parent in jail.
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Raul Buelvas, Savannah, GA
A cancer survivor himself, he founded Teens HOPE to provide laptops and game equipment for the pediatric cancer center in his community. The group has raised $30,000 through donations and fundraising events, and its volunteers visit the center to provide companionship to hospitalized teens.
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Maxwell Shinn, Chaska, MN
Created WriteType, a computer program to help elementary school and disabled students type more easily. Among its many specialized features, the program completes words and reads back typed work with a text-to-speech system. The free program has been downloaded by students around the world.
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Holley Cunningham, Pascagoula, MS
Initiated and led a three-year effort to create a $350,000 fully accessible playground for children with disabilities. She enlisted teachers, therapists, parents, community leaders and designers to establish a unique space where children with disabilities, whether physical or mental, can express their abilities and experience the joy of play.
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Carol Lopez Muskett, Los Lunas, NM
After taking a college course on tax preparation, founded Tax Help New Mexico to provide free tax preparation for low-income families and the elderly in her community. Actively recruiting fellow students at her high school, she attracted new volunteers, helping the program triple in size after one year.
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Tess Michaels, Plano, TX
Has conducted three years of in-depth scientific research on ways that dietary supplements can slow the aging process, delay the onset of diseases of aging, and increase life span. She has presented her findings at the American Junior Academy of Science and other national and state organizations.
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Brandon Smith, Draper, UT
Created and ran Draper Youth Service Day, an annual city-wide event that gets students and families involved in community projects and draws attention to year-round service opportunities. The 2010 event featured 15 youth-led projects, included 31 nonprofit organizations, and attracted more than 500 participants.
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Riley Ennis, Alexandria, VA
Launched RC Molecular Innovations, a biotechnology company, based on a vaccine platform he invented and patented. The vaccine platform harnesses the power of the immune system to remove cancer, bacteria, viruses and other diseased cells.
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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)
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