Aananth Andey
About
Aananth Andey, a driven Indian-American teenager, excels as a researcher, activist, and skilled soccer player. From a young age, Aananth has been passionate about soccer, now playing for both the Columbia Premier Soccer Club and his school's varsity team. His dedication extends beyond sports, as he has been deeply involved in charity and volunteer work since his middle school days. Recognized for his efforts, Aananth received the prestigious Congressional Gold Certificate Award. In 2023, he founded the A3C nonprofit organization, a testament to his commitment to enhancing rural education.
Activism
In 2019, I visited India with my parents to my father’s hometown in Odisha. I was saddened to see that many children in the Nabarangpur district lacked the resources they needed for their education, especially in rural areas. This problem became even worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. I founded the A3C (Aananth Andey Activism for Charity) organization to help these children. With the help of local volunteers and partner nonprofit “Govindalaya Trust”, we distributed uniforms, set up the internet, and provided essential school supplies to elementary school children. Since then, we have expanded our reach to include two more districts in Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram.
Research
In high school, I used my spare time to thoroughly research key natural skincare ingredients such as oils, aloe, waxes, butters, minerals, and herbs. I wanted to understand which vitamins were best for the skin and the natural ingredients that contain them. I ran an experiment to examine pH interactions and their effectiveness on the skin of different ages. Two years of research later, I patented my cream brand, "Aloe Veda" Using my own formulations, I make and sell 2oz and 4oz containers at local markets and on the web. I donate all profits to my A3C nonprofit organization.
Advocacy at Home
I learned about the prevalence of substance use issues among my peers, including middle schoolers. I was both saddened and motivated by this fact. I wanted my peers to have a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment. To this end, I became a committed Teens for Tomorrow (TFT) member in 2021 and now leading the group. My group sought to improve the situation by changing local legislation to provide better substance use support. During the state-wide Prevention Policy Day event, I had the opportunity to briefly meet with local lawmakers, discuss vital substance use legislation, and share insights about youth drug prevention efforts in Clark County, WA. Our voices contributed to the passing of House Bill 1664 in Washington state, which allocated additional funding for school resources – a significant step in providing better support to students suffering from substance abuse.
Soccer
I began my soccer journey alongside the neighborhood kids. For more than one decade, I've dedicated myself to the game, particularly excelling as a center back for both my ECNL club and Varsity teams. I've also demonstrated versatility by stepping into midfield and wing positions when my team required it. My strengths on the field are rooted in my ability to blend speed and agility with solid defensive skills, especially in challenging situations. I pride myself on effective communication both during matches and off the field. I possess a keen sense of judgment and outstanding passing skills, particularly in tight angles, which make me a dependable and trustworthy defender for my team. In recognition of my defensive prowess, I was honored with the title of Defensive Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season at my school. Click here to see my full soccer profile.
Photography
Since my 5th birthday, photography has been my enduring passion. My journey began with a simple point-and-shoot digital camera gifted by my parents, capturing the world's beauty in my backyard and during family trips. Over the years, my love for photography grew, leading me to experiment with various cameras and techniques. I now rely on my smartphone and a mirrorless camera for my craft. Enrolling in an AP photography class provided invaluable knowledge, teaching me composition, lighting, and storytelling through images. My goal is to become a skilled photographer to match a professional. While my journey continues, I am dedicated to learning, experimenting, and growing as an artist. If you want to explore my photographic journey, please visit my collection here.