Student Success Stories
Welcome to our Student Success Stories page, where we celebrate the accomplishments and creativity of our students. From entrepreneurial ventures and innovative projects to academic awards and community leadership, our students are making an impact both in and beyond the classroom. These stories highlight their hard work, dedication, and the bright futures they are building. We invite you to explore and be inspired by the many ways our students are achieving excellence.
​Student Entrepreneur Spotlight
The AESA Entrepreneurial Institute is proud to highlight 9th grade student, Camila Carrasco, founder of Buttercup Bakery. Camila successfully pitched her fully licensed business and now counts AESA among her clients. Each day, our dining hall serves her 100-year-old starter sourdough bread for students who can enjoy gluten. We are proud to celebrate Camila’s entrepreneurial spirit and success!
Inspiring Change Through Storytelling
Dylan MacDonald, 11th Grade, has achieved the remarkable accomplishment of becoming a published author. As a contributing writer to Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers, Volume 3, Dylan’s work is now featured alongside inspiring voices from across the globe. His creativity, dedication, and storytelling talent shine through this achievement, making us proud to celebrate him as part of our Student Success Stories.
Spotlight on Academic Distinction
We are proud to celebrate AESA’s 2025 Valedictorian, Amrith Chandra, who has been named a National Merit Finalist and Scholarship Winner—an achievement earned by less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. Out of more than 1.5 million students nationwide who entered the competition, only about 15,000 advance to Finalist status, and approximately 8,000 are awarded scholarships. This prestigious recognition reflects Amrith’s exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to excellence. Amrith will continue his educational journey at the University of California, Berkeley, where we know he will make an extraordinary impact.
Shining Bright on the Scholastic Arts Stage
AESA proudly congratulates our 2024 and 2025 Scholastic Arts Competition Winners—Camila Carrasco, Emily Schwartz, and Zadok Bendandi. Through their exceptional talents in photography, fashion, and other creative media, these students have earned both regional and national recognition, distinguishing themselves among the nation’s top young artists. Their achievements showcase not only their artistic vision and dedication but also AESA’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation at the highest level.
