The Best and The Brightest of 2024
Abhiraj
Gedela
Age 17
Senior
Paradise Valley High School
Phoenix
He’s an entrepreneur and inventor with a
mission to positively change the world. Abhiraj eventually hopes to begin work
on neural implants to monitor brain activity patterns related to autism, ADHD,
and other neurodivergent conditions. His motivation stems from his younger
brother who has autism. He’s currently working research and development on
medical devices monitoring diabetes with Labelle Labs at Grand Canyon
University. The project won first place at the Paradise Valley Science and
Engineering Fair, and he will soon be competing at the Arizona Science and
Engineering Fair.
Abhiraj is an avid sneakerhead, and in January
2023, he launched a sneaker business called APMsells. Since starting his
business, he’s learned and mastered new skills like social media marketing,
e-commerce and meetups. His business has generated upwards of $27,000 in
revenue and $6,000 in profits in the last 13 months, and beyond finding his
favorite Jordans, he’s learned the importance of giving back to the community.
He often collects shoes and clothing and distributes them to homeless people in
Arizona.
“I love seeing the smiles we bring to people’s
faces,” said Abhiraj. “It’s made me realize I need to keep my passions and
entrepreneurial endeavors aligned and support my community whenever possible.”
In his spare time, he enjoys Karate and
basketball. He’s a Karate State champion and earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt.
He is also a teacher and loves instructing people of all ages on the physical
and mental aspects of Karate. Abhiraj is also captain of the Varsity Basketball
team.
Community service is important to Abhiraj too, so he volunteers monthly with his dad at St. Vincent de Paul, packing sandwiches
for the less fortunate, something they have done since middle school. He also
founded his school’s local Science National Honor Society Chapter.
“I think my brother’s experience with autism
has made me more compassionate, empathic, kind, and curious,” said Abhiraj. “I
help my family with him as much as possible. It’s also motivated me to study
biomedical engineering and help people everyday moving forward.”