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Whiz Kid: Grad to Continue Philanthropy in College

A recently honored graduate of Robinson Secondary School says she'll continue the non-profit work she started in high school as a college student.

A recent graduate of Robinson Secondary School said the nonprofit organization she started as a high school junior will continue as she moves on to college.

Jessica Aviles is attending Virginia Tech to study biomedical engineering. She isn’t certain if medical school is in her future or not, but she does know one thing for sure.

“One of my main goals in life is to try and help as many people as possible,” Aviles said.

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Aviles’ original non-profit organization Creating Smiles of Joy has won her scholarship money, recognition and respect from her community.  She was recently honored at the Best of Braddock awards ceremony as Young Person of the Year.

Creating Smiles of Joy is designed to put homemade tote bags full of books, toys, calculators and school supplies into the hands of young people who really need them.  Aviles and her two friends who started the effort have given more than 300 bags to three different homeless shelters and are hoping to expand to hospitals.

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Aviles said the shelters and residents are very happy to be on the receiving end of such kindness.

“A lot of them are really shocked, they’re kind of surprised we would do this but they’re always very thankful,” Aviles said.

While Aviles will attend Virginia Tech next year, her other friends are heading to the University of Virginia.  But Creating Smiles of Joy will live on.

“We’re going to meet pretty soon, try to open branches at our schools,” Aviles said.

Aviles came to the U.S. as a 5 year-old, and says her perspective from living in another country has helped fuel her passion for service work.

“I was born in Bolivia and grew up there a little bit.  In third world countries you see a lot of poverty but you also see a lot of community.  It’s about helping your neighbors out,” Aviles said.  “Kids should start getting the idea that helping each other out is what really matters.”

Outside of school and volunteerism, Aviles loves music and has been playing the viola since the fourth grade.

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