Bronxville Senior's Big Idea Earns Westchester Youth Service Award

BRONXVILLE, NY — A teenager who is helping his peers to overcome barriers to attending a college of their choice has been recognized by the community.

Bronxville High School senior Simos Dimas has been honored for his philanthropic efforts, earning the Westchester Youth Service Award. The award honors high school juniors and seniors for their leadership and service with an emphasis on social justice.

Dimas, who is described as a critical thinker, team player and self-starter, founded Granted USA, a nonprofit organization to sponsor no-cost college campus visitation to first-generation, low-income college-bound students. Since he founded the organization in his junior year, he has made nearly 350 student-campus visits to nine colleges.

"His work is absolutely phenomenal and inspiring," Bronxville High School guidance counselor Alyssa Levy, who nominated him for the award, said. "The fact that a young man has the organizational skills, business acumen and the perspective to have created this nonprofit organization speaks volumes to his incredibly bright future."

In addition to creating a nonprofit that has helped hundreds, Dimas has an enviable academic record of his own. He is a classical violinist, member of the Bronxville honors orchestra and on the varsity soccer team. He is also a dance therapy instructor for special needs students, and president of the Young Entrepreneur Club.

"Simos’ ability to balance his rigorous course load while operating at such a high level outside of the classroom is remarkable," Levy said. "He is a standup young man who consistently demonstrates maturity, compassion and dedication to all he does. The growth and unyielding work ethic that he has demonstrated in the classroom, and within the community, has stood out and is incredibly impressive."