Ambrielle Calixte and Maggie Swift created Pages of Hope, a Scholars Academy RISE Project focused on enriching the “Soft Room” library at the Fort Myers Youth Academy for juvenile girls ages 13–17.

After shifting their original plan, they launched book drives, sorted more than 200 donated books, and custom-stamped each one while also fundraising through a successful car wash that brought in over $600 for new furnishings. Their efforts provided the girls with new books, a bookshelf, bean bag chairs, a rug, and personalized gift bags.

Ambrielle reflects that the project became a meaningful mission to inspire and support the girls, leaving a lasting impact on both the students served and on herself.

Maggie Swift partnered with Ambrielle Calixte on Pages of Hope, a Scholars Academy RISE Project focused on transforming the soft room at the Fort Myers Youth Academy into a comforting library space for girls ages 13–18.

After adjusting their original plan due to the room’s size, they held book drives, collected 248 books, stamped each one with a custom logo, and selected titles that matched the girls’ interests. A successful car wash fundraiser brought in $734, allowing them to purchase a bookshelf, rug, bean bag chairs, and personalized gift bags for every girl at the academy.

Despite communication challenges, Margaret persisted, and the final setup was met with deep gratitude from staff and students, leaving her proud of the meaningful impact they created.

Lila Dinkel’s Supplies for Success project focused on collecting and up-cycling school supplies for children served by AFAM, an organization supporting students in the Dunbar community.

After two successful supply drives at St. Michael’s, she gathered and sorted hundreds of binders, folders, notebooks, and other essentials before expanding the project to include playground equipment based on the center’s evolving needs. To fund this addition, Llaya launched an NBA Finals–themed fundraiser that quickly sold out and, with community support, raised over $800 to purchase sports gear.

The project not only delivered meaningful resources to local kids but also gave Llaya a powerful appreciation for generosity and the impact small acts can have on others.

Nicholas Gaeta, along with Jaxon and Arya, created a STEM-focused RISE project aimed at inspiring younger students to explore robotics and engineering.

After an initial partnership fell through, the team partnered with St. Francis Xavier School, where they delivered an interactive presentation featuring FIRST Robotics, a robot showcase, and a teamwork-based paper airplane activity. Their visit sparked strong interest among the students, who asked numerous questions and engaged deeply with the hands-on learning experience.

The project not only met their goal of promoting STEM but also resulted in an unexpected $100 donation toward the team’s competition robot, helping further their work in robotics.

Jaxon Kurio’s RISE project centered on expanding robotics outreach after he helped create a new robotics club at Bishop Verot to continue participating while pursuing AP coursework.

After an initial partnership with a public school fell through, Jackson and his team shifted to St. Francis Xavier, where they presented an hour-long session on FIRST Robotics, STEM career pathways, and high-school course preparation. They also led a hands-on paper airplane experiment to demonstrate problem-solving, trial-and-error, and collaboration—key principles of engineering.

The project successfully engaged dozens of students, encouraged future interest in STEM and robotics at Verot, and even resulted in a $100 donation to support their underfunded robotics program.

The Cycle – SWFL is a nonprofit dedicated to women’s health in Southwest Florida, focusing on physical, mental, and social well-being.

Founded by teen entrepreneur Mia Vaske, the organization runs awareness campaigns, donation drives (especially for feminine hygiene products in schools and shelters), hosts a monthly podcast, and fosters women’s business networking opportunities.

Its resource section covers topics such as breast cancer and mental health, and its “Cycle Connect” arm links women into local professional networks.

Arya’s RISE project grew out of personal experiences witnessing food insecurity in Fort Myers, especially after Hurricane Ian, and evolved into a Thanksgiving basket initiative serving families in need.

By fundraising within the local community, he organized and distributed baskets containing nonperishable food, meal supplies, and Publix gift cards to help families prepare a complete holiday meal. Working closely with Lee County Social Services, Arya refined the project year over year using feedback to increase its impact and efficiency.

With a built-in continuity plan involving his brother, the project has expanded beyond a single project into a sustainable tradition rooted in service, dignity, and community care.