ehsnov2010 - East Penn School District

Congratulations To:Akshay Damany ReceivesAll-America Service AwardIn Washington D.C.“Akshay Damany is probably most well-known as one of the Lehigh Valley's top high school tennis talents.But his sudden brush with national fame has nothing to do with his singles play.Damany, a 17-year-old junior at Emmaus High School, is one of 15 teenagers being honored in the Sundayedition of PARADE magazine as one of the nation's most outstanding students. It's the first year the publication,known for honoring athletes annually, is selecting an All-America Service Team.Damany was selected to the Third Team in the health category for teaching his favorite sport to autistic childrenas part of a program he hopes to one day take to a national level.''I thought it was pretty cool,'' said Damany, the son of Kartik and Suparna Damany of Lower Macungie. ''Only15 kids in the country get selected. I'm proud to be one of them.''Damany has been working with autistic children for a little over a year now. He came up with the idea afterwatching a documentary on autism. After doing some research on the developmental disability, he figuredautistic children may be more inclined to participate and succeed in his sport rather than a team sport.He created ''Akshay's Tennis for Autism Program.''''I found out that they didn't have a lot of interaction,'' Damany said. ''And there are no sports programs forchildren with autism. They're not as good with team sports, so I decided individual sports might be better forthem.''He began teaching his first student, a referral from his mother, a physical therapist, in February. He's sinceadded three more students, including two who signed up during a Walk Now for Autism Speaks event.Damany, with the help of his Emmaus tennis team, raised $1,125 for the event.Lately, he's been giving a weekly clinic to four children at the West End Racquet Club in Allentown where hisbrother Krish, 15, helps out.''I'm still learning, but I've gotten the hang of it,'' Damany said. He said the program helps improve attentionspan, coordination and the ability to adapt to change.Damany wasn't aware he was in consideration for the PARADE honor until a few weeks ago. His mother'sco-worker nominated him and never made mention of it.PARADE partnered with The LEAGUE, a national youth-service organization, and asked PARADE readers tonominate students in five categories: economics, the environment, education, community and health.The 15 winners will attend a special ceremony in Washington D.C. later this month.Parents interested in enrolling autistic children in the tennis program can contact Damany atakdamany@aol.com.”Lester, Patrick. "Emmaus High Tennis Player Gets National Honor." The Morning Call [Allentown] 01 June 2010: n. pag. Print.Page 4