James Atkinson
Student creating a better environment for people with needs aiming to inspire other teens to give back.
Core Values: Curiosity, Empathy/Compassion, Solution Oriented, Leadership, and Loyalty
Bio
James is a rising senior at Cape Fear Academy in Wilmington, North Carolina, who is deeply passionate about engineering solutions for individuals with specific needs. Through his organization, Solution Engineers, he aims to motivate fellow teenagers to explore their own curiosity and find ways to contribute positively to their community.
James possesses several key strengths, including empathy, leadership, public speaking, and collaboration. He is fluent in English and proficient in Spanish. Outside of his academic pursuits, James enjoys playing tennis, surfing, spending time with friends, and various research interests.
Since a young age of 7 in Richmond, Virginia, James has demonstrated a strong sense of compassion for others. His journey began when he expressed an interest in raising a puppy to become a service dog with Canine Companions (formerly Canine Companions for Independence). Over time, James successfully raised and trained six service dogs that now play crucial roles in meeting the everyday needs of their respective recipients.
Upon relocating to Wilmington, North Carolina, James continued his involvement with service dogs by working with Paws4People. At the organization's National Headquarters Center, he has volunteered his time caring for new puppies and participating in community and fundraising events. Additionally, he serves as a puppy host family by socializing and training the puppies during weekends and holidays while providing extended care as needed.
James is also involved with PassTheBricks, an international nonprofit organization and collects donated LEGO to rebuild sets to give to kids in the local community.
Work with James
IMPACT PROJECTS | HIGHLIGHTS
A Journey of Raising and Training Service Dogs: From Volunteer to Puppy Raisers
One day, while visiting the library with my family in Richmond, Virginia, we met Emily, a volunteer raising a puppy to become a service dog. Inspired by the puppy and the stories about the incredible impact these dogs have in helping people, my family and I started volunteering with Canine Companions for Independence to learn more about their training programs.
After being involved as a volunteer for a year, I wanted my family and I to raise and train a service dog for Canine Companions (formerly known as Canine Companions for Independence). With support from my family, I embarked on this journey and successfully raised and trained six dogs that went on to become invaluable assistance/service dogs.
High School Service Dog Advocacy and Training: My Journey with Paws4People
During high school (2021) in Wilmington, North Carolina, I became involved with Paws4People. I help by socializing and training the pups as a host family on weekends, holidays, and extended periods.
I became involved in more ways to advocate and create awareness for the service dogs teams. I noticed suggestions I could make in aiding new volunteers and created an introduction quick guide to basic commands and I am also working on a more comprehensive quick guide.
- Hub to articles to help provide awareness:
- Advocacy: Proclamation Request : September is Service dog Month
Signed into action by Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Mayor Bill Saffo
- Introduction Commands quick guide
- Awareness
I am currently exploring strategies to build stronger community connections. Over the past two summers, I have interned with a builder in a retirement community located in Brunswick County, North Carolina. This experience has provided me with valuable insights into the various ways communities unite.
Design Ideas to Promote Community Connection
Guide to Dog Friendly Retirement Living
Dog Centered Events for Community Connections
Sharing the Magic of Lego: My Work with Pass the Bricks
I serve as an ambassador in the eastern part of the state of North Carolina for Pass the Bricks (PTB), an organization dedicated to providing children with access to the world of Lego. I firmly believe in the numerous advantages that Lego can offer children, from creativity and fun to supporting their cognitive and emotional development. Unfortunately, many children are unable to experience these benefits due to financial limitations or lack of access. As part of my role, I collect donated Lego bricks and redistribute small sets to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy Lego. This initiative not only opens up new creative possibilities for these children but also helps reduce waste by repurposing these bricks for a meaningful cause.
Mentorship experience
1. I have been a leader of the Auto Club at my high school for the past 3 years providing direction and support. We are the “Motorheads” and we introduce different projects to students that are curious and want to learn. We teach those students that are interested in new skills that include:
A rebuilding engine project, simple automotive maintenance, auto safety, changing engine oil, checking coolant levels, checking brake fluids & level, checking transmission fluid and level, how to jumpstart a battery safely, and minor service issues. We help guide other students in developing their own skills.We also attend local monthly Cars & Coffee events and host our own Cars & Coffee in spring and fall, which introduces club members to the skills of networking outside of our school community.
- I serve as a Senior at Large on the high school advancement team, contributing to brainstorming sessions, planning, and decision-making processes in a collaborative setting. My responsibilities include creating content by writing scripts for videos, fostering student engagement in school spirit activities, and sharing insights on marketing, event planning strategies, and fundraising techniques. I provide guidance and support to team members, enabling us to learn and grow together.
- Throughout middle and high school, I have been a source of support and guidance for friends, family members, including my six cousins who are both older and younger than me, as well as my brother.
Q&A with James
What surprised you as you and your project evolved?
What is your vision for future impact? In other words, where do you think this is going?
What kind of people do you think you work well with?
How would you describe your strengths as a mentor?
What others experienced
" I loved the entire experience. I was stuck with my project for a LONG time and I'm glad my mentor helped me. Not only did she help me with my project but she helped me connect with other researchers and experts."
—Amanda
8th Grade
YES, I WANT IN!