At Cape Fear Academy in Wilmington, North Carolina, senior James Atkinson isn’t just focused on graduating from high school—he’s dedicated to making a difference in his community. Through his organization, Solution Engineers, James is on a mission to inspire more teens to create solutions that help people with specific needs. 

A Journey of Compassion

James’ journey of helping others began when he was just seven years old, living in Richmond, Virginia. It was during a visit to the library with his family that he encountered Emily, a volunteer raising a puppy to become a service dog. The idea of training dogs to assist people with disabilities fascinated him.

“That moment sparked something in me,” James recalls. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that world and help people in a meaningful way.”

With the support of his family, James began volunteering with Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs to assist people with disabilities. Over time, he successfully raised and trained six service dogs, each one going on to change someone’s life.

“There’s something incredible about knowing that the work you’ve done is making someone else’s life easier,” James says. “It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Moving Forward with Paws4People

When James and his family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, he got involved with Paws4People, a local organization that works to train service dogs and pair them with individuals who need them. James became a key volunteer, helping to care for and socialize the puppies. 

He was an experienced trainer by this time, and in an effort to help the families who adopted the dogs better maintain the training that the dogs required, he created a website where he posted articles for these families. 

It was during this time that he realized that in order to train the dogs effectively, he needed to anticipate the needs of the people who would adopt the dogs. This trained his brain to think several steps into the future in order to problem solve. Amazingly, he discovered that training the dogs was also training his mind. Perhaps he was benefiting even more than the people receiving support. 

“Working with Paws4People has allowed me to take what I’ve learned and help others get involved too,” James explains. “I wanted to make it easier for new volunteers to feel confident in what they’re doing.”

Giving Back Through PassTheBricks

In addition to his work with service dogs and engineering, James also volunteers with PassTheBricks, an international nonprofit organization that collects donated LEGO sets, rebuilds them, and gives them to kids in the community. It’s yet another way James uses his talents and time to spread joy and make a positive impact.

“There’s something really special about giving a kid LEGO’s and seeing their face light up,” James says. “It’s a small thing, but it can mean a lot to a child who doesn’t have much.”

Engineering Other Solutions

As James enters his senior year, he’s excited about a future where he continues to engineer solutions for people with needs. He hopes his story will inspire other high school students to believe in their own potential and take steps toward making a difference.

“We all have challenges, but that doesn’t mean we can’t overcome them and still make an impact,” James says. “If you care about something—whether it’s animals, engineering, or helping your community—find a way to get involved. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish. It’s even better when you find something you enjoy and can turn it into something meaningful to others.”

James’ story is a reminder that age is not a barrier to making a difference. He shows us that with focused action, every high school student has the power to leave a lasting impact on the world around them.