Alumni Stories

MAXCourage alumni — the MAXFellows published in our book, and all those who submitted essays and participated in the curriculum over the past 33 years — are our finest ambassadors. Time and time again, we hear about the deep impact our program has on individuals encouraged to tell their own stories of courage. We are grateful for our alumni and their willingness to share their perspectives on the essay writing experience and the impact it had on their lives. We invite you to watch our 2023 Gala's Keynote Speaker, MAXCourage alumnus and bestselling author Sidik Fofana!

 

  • Peter Alvarez

    1996 MAX Fellow
    Solomon Lewenberg School (now closed), Boston, MA

    “Putting (my mom’s) experience into writing helped me appreciate what she was going through, and allowed me to combat the discrimination she faced by speaking out about it.” Read more.

  • Uri Berenguer

    1995 MAX Fellow
    Patrick F. Gavin School (now closed), Boston, MA

    “That essay jump started my career. I went on to become somewhat of a spokesperson for the Jimmy Fund and the battle against cancer.” Read more.

  • Nicholas Cathcart

    2006 MAX Fellow
    Thomas A. Edison Middle School, Brighton, MA

    “The curriculum was able to help me find the words to describe the loss of my father and turn something traumatic into something powerful. I went from feeling like a victim to feeling like a warrior who was fighting to make my family proud.” Read more.

  • Sidik Fofana

    1995 MAX Fellow
    James P. Timilty Middle School (now closed), Boston, MA

    “In 1995, at the James P. Timilty Middle School, I wrote an essay, and it changed my life. It was the first time I was ever published in a book. It made me feel like I could write something that could move people.” Read more.

  • Gladys Garcia

    1997 MAX Fellow
    Woodrow Wilson School (now closed), Boston, MA

    "Writing the MAXCourage essay gave me the voice that I needed to advocate for myself and stand up against bullying." Read more.

  • Sherwin Long

    2000 MAX Fellow
    Boston Renaissance Charter Public School, Boston, MA

    “Being a Max courage essay winner impacted my life in an interesting way! It made me feel like I was a hero! To be recognized for saving my brother's life and being able to share that moment with my family and others was a great fulfilling feeling….” Read more.

  • Kariem McCormick

    2005 MAX Fellow
    James P. Timilty Middle School (now closed), Boston, MA

    “It gave me the sense that I can actually be just as good if not better than everyone else… receiving the award was a pivotal moment for me…” Read more.

  • Evelyn Miller

    2008 MAX Fellow
    Joyce Kilmer School, Boston, MA

    “This organization recognized me. I’m very grateful that this contest is there for other students. it changed my life in a positive way.” Read more.

  • Afnan Nehela

    2007 MAX Fellow
    Al-Noor Academy, Mansfield, MA

    “At a time when uplifting minorities and diversity was not trendy, MAXCourage amplified my narrative and empowered my truth.“ Read more.

  • Heather Quigley

    2007 MAX Fellow
    Patrick E. Gavin Middle School (now closed), Boston, MA

    “Having my story published as a child gave me the confidence to be like hey, writing is something I'm good at.” Read more.