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Class of 2022
Katherine Wei
Katherine Wei is an incoming freshman at the University of Pennsylvania intending to major in neuroscience. In high school, she captained the speech and debate and varsity volleyball teams while also holding leadership positions in clubs like the First and National Honor Society. Outside of school, she was the co-president of a 501(c)3 nonprofit called AYLUS (Alliance of Youth Leaders in the US), which is dedicated to the advancement of our communities through volunteer work. AYLUS donated over 30k PPE to hospitals and other public sectors within the Phoenix area and Wuhan, China at the beginning of the pandemic. She's also an avid poet whose writing has been recognized by prestigious organizations like the YoungArts Foundation, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and Princeton University..
Jonathan Martinez
Jonathan Martinez is a two-time Arizona Scholastic State Chess Champion and National Chess Expert. His passion for chess is matched only by his ambition to serve his community. Jonathan founded The Pawn Initiative, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that empowers senior citizens, refugees, and minority youth, using chess as a tool to build community. He has raised $5,000 for the US Chess Federation and developed a Chess in the Park event in southern Arizona. Jonathan serves as Board Secretary of the Southern Arizona Chess Association and Chief Tournament Director of the ChessHelps Annual Tournament for Charity. Jonathan is a Congressional Award Gold Medalist, Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, and Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awardee. He was also named one of Junior Achievement of Arizona’s 18 Under 18.
Will Zhou
Will is a proud wearer of red and yellow—representing his affinities both as a graduate of Chaparral High School and now, incoming Trojan at the University of Southern California. Fight on! He is a current Environmental Studies major, but knowing himself, that could change 12 times in the upcoming year. In everyday interactions with those around him, he does his best to promote an atmosphere of acceptance and practices hospitality to perceive and meet their needs. In his self-care time, he loves singing Christian songs, listening to Pastor Rick's Daily Hope podcast, and studying the Bible to learn the wisest angle to approach various life topics, ranging from finances to the ever-so-important: relationships. Will Zhou is also one of our legacy scholars.
Mimi Harris
Mimi Harris is a recent graduate of Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix. She will be beginning her first semester at Alabama State University as she joins the university’s volleyball team. Mimi enjoys giving back and volunteering her time to her community. During high school, she recorded more than 500 hours of volunteering. She also created two service projects: COVID Meal Relief - which provided meals, toiletries, and socks to the homeless in Phoenix impacted by COVID, and “Jeans 4 Teens” -which provided jeans to youth in shelters. This project created a ripple effect and was duplicated nationally by friends and families in other states.
Autumn Fairbanks
Autumn Fairbanks is a freshman at Arizona State University majoring in Special Education. She enjoys composing music, reading books, and hiking outdoors. Coming from a large family of eight, with four older brothers and one younger sister, she is an Alisa's Angels legacy. Autumn also enjoys learning new things and is looking forward to her college experience!