2007 AXA Achievementsm Scholarship Winners AXA, in association with U.S. News & World Report, awarded $670,000 in college scholarships. The winners, known as AXA Achievers, are students who demonstrate: ambition and drive determination to set and reach goals respect for self, family and community ability to succeed in college Their achievements are recognized with two levels of scholarships awards: 52 state scholarships (plus DC and Puerto Rico) of $10,000 each 10 national scholarships (from selected 52 state recipients) of $15,000 each (making their total $25,000) Introducing the incredible, inspiring and motivated 2007 National AXA Achievers:

Jake Fuller, Cottonwood, CA Created the group “3D, Don’t Drop Dead” to raise over $45,000 to help fight reckless and drunk driving – the leading cause of death among teens.

Elizabeth Grondalski, St. Louis, MO Coordinated efforts to give visually impaired veterans the opportunity to attend, see and enjoy a major league baseball game with the help of new technology.

Laura Irastorza, Miami, FL Traveled on a mission to Morocco and raised money for the charity Operation Smile in order to pay for over 70 plastic surgeries for impoverished children suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate, burns or tumors.

Daniel Kent, Carmel, IN Founded Net Literacy, a nonprofit that offers basic computer and internet training, web safety information and increased computer access for underserved youth, families and seniors.

Clay Lillard, San Antonio, TX Started “Clayton’s Backyard Crew,” an organization that provides new and used bicycles at the holidays to kids who have a parent incarcerated.

David Mulcahy, Roswell, GA Created a program called “Teach a Man to Ref” that lets financially disadvantaged kids earn money by becoming licensed soccer referees.

Karlescia Perkins, Memphis, TN Helped underprivileged students in her community secure new school uniforms and school supplies by creating a project called “Uniforms N’ Style.”

Anthony Smith, Lake Stevens, WA Because the March of Dimes helped save his own life, Anthony raised awareness of premature birth by planning March of Dimes Walk America fundraising events in his local area.

William Stoudt, New Orleans, LA Helped his storm ravaged city by creating “Youth Rebuilding New Orleans,” an organization that brings together high school aged Hurricane Katrina victims to help rebuild their community.

Ayana Wilson, Washington, DC Her commitment to social justice led Ayana to participate in several projects, including work with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, aiding Hurricane Katrina victims and promoting awareness of genocide in Darfur.