Axel Makeup Academy Glows at Mountain View High School
“Axel and his team are special,” proclaimed Nicole Cox, former Aspire coordinator at Mountain View High School. “They have invested in the future of our students and consistently showcase the value of giving back not for recognition, but because generosity is part of who they are as a community.” It’s this generous spirit that led Mountain View to establish an Ignite Partnership with Axel Makeup Academy this past school year.
Axel Vasquez is a Mountain View alum. A proud Guatemalan immigrant, Axel turned his childhood passion for beauty into a thriving career, inspiring others to embrace their individuality by founding Axel Makeup Academy in 2017. By partnering with Mountain View High School, he sought to empower the next generation of beauty artists with practical, industry-relevant skill development during bi-monthly, half-day field trips to the academy. While there, more than 100 students explored makeup application, hygiene, and customer service in the beauty industry.
“This partnership with FCPS has allowed us to inspire students, build confidence, and show them that their passion can become a profession,” says Axel.
And it’s working. Nicole Cox reflected on students feeling, “valued, enlightened, and ready to implement a new skill in their beauty toolkit. In an industry that is so fast-paced, Axel and his team have taken the time to pause and pour into our students.” In fact, members of the Axel Makeup Academy team have dedicated more than 300 hours to Mountain View students since becoming an Ignite partner in March 2025.
“We love being part of something bigger,” reaffirms Axel. For the academy team, it’s about “giving students the tools, exposure, and encouragement to dream big and create a future they didn’t know was possible.”
If you’d like to learn more about Axel Makeup Academy or how to get involved, visit www.axelmakeupacademy.com or visit them on Instagram @axelmakeupacademy.
In May 2025, FCPS welcomed Belong as an Ignite Partner with Cunningham Park Elementary School. Belong is a non-profit organization based in Vienna that provides compassionate mentorship to underserved children and youth to foster personal growth, academic achievement, and a sense of belonging.
During the 2024-25 school year, Belong served more than 50 Cunningham Park students during after-school programming.
“Belong has quickly become a trusted presence in the community, known for their strong commitment to family engagement and student well-being,” says Martha Macdonald, FCPS mentoring specialist.
Belong is deeply intentional in cultivating high-quality mentors that provide consistent support and connection. A Youth Program Manager screens, interviews, trains, and places mentors with mentees to lead them in 90-minute sessions focused on connecting with their community and developing strong social skills. This is key to creating a sense of belonging and eliminating isolation that creates social and academic challenges, especially for the immigrant community.
"I’m pleasantly surprised by how useful [the program] is,” exclaimed a mentee’s parent. “[Belong] focuses on building confident children, which is exactly what’s needed for their future. It’s excellent that each mentor works individually with the kids–something truly admirable."
Sixty-five Belong volunteers served the Cunningham Park Elementary School community this past school year, contributing 2,298 hours to their mentees. They’re more than volunteers, though; they’re role models that celebrate students’ strengths while encouraging them to think critically about themselves and their community.
“I feel proud because this school year I learned that you can’t change how someone else feels. I might tell a joke that’s funny to me, but it could make someone else feel scared, sad, or not good. Now I think more about how others might feel,” reflected a fifth grade mentee.
Belong is currently seeking volunteers for the 2025-26 school year. Volunteers are expected to commit approximately two hours per week between September 2025 and May 2026. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer with Belong, complete an application.
Wellness. Comfort. Community.
This is what Project Knitwell delivers with their knitting instruction. In January 2025, Project Knitwell became an Ignite Partner by starting knitting clubs at Bucknell, Hollin Meadows, and Riverside elementary schools.
Carol Caparosa founded Project Knitwell while being the mother of a pediatric patient. It was at that time that she renewed her interest in knitting as a welcomed distraction from the immediate worries related to her daughter’s hospital stay.
Years later, Carol returned as a volunteer to the pediatric unit where her daughter was a patient to teach other mothers whose children were hospitalized to knit. With this, Project Knitwell began, and the organization received its 501(c)(3) status in October 2010. Now, Project Knitwell is a recognized leader in therapeutic knitting that promotes wellness and resilience for individuals undergoing stressful situations. The non-profit is led by Lexi Keogh, executive director.
Years later, Carol returned as a volunteer to the pediatric unit where her daughter was a patient to teach other mothers whose children were hospitalized to knit. With this, Project Knitwell began, and the organization received its 501(c)(3) status in October 2010. Now, Project Knitwell is a recognized leader in therapeutic knitting that promotes wellness and resilience for individuals undergoing stressful situations. The non-profit is led by Lexi Keogh, executive director.
“Lexi and Project Knitwell have been such amazing partners to Riverside Elementary!” exclaims Angela White, a Riverside teacher and club sponsor. “Our students come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, and home life situations. The free, after-school club allows students the chance to learn and refine a skill that encourages creativity, utilizes math skills, and builds a supportive and tight-knit community.”
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Project Knitwell has also positively impacted student mental health and wellness according to Cathy Hosek, a knitting lead volunteer. “Knitting is a powerful, multidimensional activity that blends learning with relaxation and self-expression, while providing a platform for creativity and social interaction. The pride on these students' faces when they learn a new skill is heartwarming. I have seen several students blossom and gain confidence after only a few sessions.”
During the 2024-25 school year, Project Knitwell directly served 46 students across the three Mount Vernon District schools and contributed over 175 cumulative volunteer hours amongst 15 volunteers.
To learn more about volunteering with or donating to Project Knitwell, please visit www.ProjectKnitwell.org.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid often says, “Together all things are possible.” That sentiment energizes Educate Fairfax, the 501(c)3 non-profit and the only charitable foundation dedicated exclusively to harnessing the power of the community to raise funds that invest in the educational excellence of FCPS students.
Business and Community Partnerships with a financial sponsorship component work closely with Educate Fairfax, which accepts monetary gifts on behalf of FCPS. Educate Fairfax addresses critical gaps in funding by providing schools with grants, students with scholarships, and fundraising for the Innovator’s Fund that invests in creating experiences for students to innovate within the classroom and prepare them for the workforce. Educate Fairfax also manages key programs that ensure every child is ready to learn and be successful. In the 2024-25 school year, 1 in every 3 FCPS students (37%) received free or reduced-price meals, an indicator that they, and their families, are living in need. Therefore, Educate Fairfax launched the Kids in Need fund to collect food and school supply donations from community members and businesses. Donations are always welcome, impactful, and even fun!
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Join Educate Fairfax on Saturday, July 5 at Nationals Park to celebrate public education and the power of learning! You can order tickets here. Beyond cheering for the Nats from one of our reserved sections in left field, you’ll enjoy meeting fan-favorite mascot, Screech, during the 7th inning and seeing FCPS honored during in-stadium announcements. We hope to see you at the ballgame!
How It All Began
When you arrive at Hutchison, the transformation is impossible to miss — from freshly painted walls to a fully renovated teachers' lounge. This impressive makeover was made possible by more than 150 volunteers from Iridium Communications and the expert coordination of Volunteer Fairfax’s BusinessLink team.
This impactful day of service at Hutchison Elementary School was brought to life through a partnership between Iridium Communications and Volunteer Fairfax’s BusinessLink program. BusinessLink specializes in designing customized volunteer experiences that strengthen the community while helping companies foster connection, engagement, and team growth.
Iridium partnered with BusinessLink to create a hands-on service event that would be meaningful, well-organized, and fun for employees — while directly benefiting a local school in need. Volunteer Fairfax handled the planning and logistics, allowing Iridium’s team to focus on making a difference. The result was a vibrant, community-driven project that left a lasting impact on Hutchison students and staff.
Transformation in a Day
BusinessLink oversaw every aspect of the project, including planning, supply management, and day-of logistics, allowing Iridium employees to focus on the work and enjoy giving back.
In just a few hours, volunteers completed a long list of improvements. They painted two long hallways with signature blue stripes, added murals and wall color throughout the school, and assembled new desks in the kindergarten pod. The second grade area now features a vibrant reading space, and colorful murals brighten the music and pre-K halls. Bathrooms were refreshed with paint, plants, and uplifting messages, and new murals near the back entrance proudly showcase the school’s eagle mascot.
In the “Eagle’s Nest,” volunteers created a resource center and kids’ corner, sorted supplies, assembled shelves, and painted two murals. The teachers’ lounge got a full upgrade with a fresh coat of paint and new furniture, including a couch, two chairs, and a coffee table. In the library, volunteers painted a cozy reading corner and reorganized books by genre, author, and Dewey Decimal System.
Outside, they built and stained four benches and four picnic tables, repainted basketball court lines and blacktop games, and landscaped the school’s entrance.
“It was so well organized and flowed perfectly,” said Rhonda Patton, executive assistant, Iridium Communications.
“Our role is to handle the planning so volunteers can focus on what matters — making an impact and enjoying the experience of service,” said Karen Coon, corporate volunteer services manager at Volunteer Fairfax.
A Lasting Impact
For Hutchison Principal Sarah Aiello, the impact was extraordinary. “I'm still speechless after witnessing the incredible work of Volunteer Fairfax and Iridium,” she said. “Projects we had absolutely zero funding for were completed — it was nothing short of miraculous. Seeing the smiles on our teachers’ and students’ faces was truly moving. I can't express enough my deep gratitude. The entire community is thrilled. This partnership has made a tangible difference, and I look forward to our continued collaboration!”
This project is one example of the custom volunteer opportunities available through Volunteer Fairfax’s BusinessLink. From small team efforts to large-scale service days, Volunteer Fairfax provides expert support for meaningful and impactful experiences.
To learn more or plan a project, contact Karen Coon at kcoon@volunteerfairfax.org or visit www.volunteerfairfax.org/businesslink.
EduTutorVA, an Ignite Partner since 2021, was started with the dual purpose of helping close learning gaps and addressing teacher shortages. The organization tackles these goals by training local undergraduate students who are considering careers in education to become tutors. EduTutors currently serve students at four FCPS elementary and middle schools.
This fall, EduTutor Rosemary (Rose) Morales will enter the classroom as a first year teacher, hopefully in FCPS!
Rose is a graduate of George Mason University with a bachelor’s in Integrative Studies and is currently working on her master’s degree in early childhood education. Rose is interviewing for K-2 classroom teaching positions.
Continue reading for an exclusive interview with Rose regarding her unique experience as an EduTutor and her passion for education.
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What was your educational journey from high school to college like?
My educational journey through high school was typical; I focused on getting good grades and always knew I wanted to go to college to pursue a career in education. My college experience, however, wasn’t traditional.
As a first-generation college student, I attended college right after high school for a couple of semesters before taking a break. I returned to school at the age of 23, determined to continue my education. Knowing that I always wanted to pursue graduate school, I enrolled in a dual-degree program to work toward both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in education.
What made you consider a career in teaching?
I chose a career in teaching because I wanted to support children like myself who faced challenges navigating school with non-English-speaking parents. I am passionate about making a positive impact on children’s lives and encouraging them to believe that they are capable of overcoming challenges through perseverance.
How did you get started as a tutor with EduTutorVA?
I began working with EduTutorVA shortly after transferring to George Mason from Northern Virginia Community College, during a period when I was eager to gain hands-on experience working with children and teaching. I learned that the program focused on closing learning gaps, and I felt that participating would help me move confidently in the right direction toward my career in education.
If a friend asked you about whether they should sign up to tutor for EduTutorVA, what would you tell them?
Absolutely. Through my experience with EduTutorVA, I was not only able to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, but I also gained valuable skills in lesson planning, delivering instruction, and collaborating effectively with peers. I’m grateful that EduTutor also connected me with great references who have guided my growth as an educator.
What are your future goals as a teacher?
I hope to create a classroom environment where all students feel welcomed, valued, and supported. Building strong, positive relationships with my students will be a priority. I also hope to create a more just and inclusive curriculum that represents and supports all learners.
Learn how you can get involved with EduTutorVA.
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