Each week, US Lacrosse is proud to highlight our Impact Athletes — boys’ and girls’ high school lacrosse players who are supporting their communities with special efforts during these challenging days.

US Lacrosse reviews all submissions and selects exemplary high school athletes to recognize. These are their stories. This week, we highlight a young man in Virginia and a young lady in Arizona who are finding ways to contribute to those in need.

*US Lacrosse has created an easy-to-use online submission form so you can share your stories and photos with us. Submissions will be accepted through June 1.

JACK BRIXIUS, New York, N.Y.

It took some convincing, but Brixius’ parents allowed their son to work at a local bakery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brixius is doing everything possible to make a difference.

At the end of each day, he and his coworkers load boxes upon boxes of leftover pastries like cinnamon rolls and Danishes to donate to local soup kitchens. Homeless populations across the nation don’t have access to stable homes where people can shelter in place, so Brixius said he takes pride in being able to provide assistance with food.

“These people are left completely exposed to the virus and giving them leftover treats is the least my fellow employees and I can do,” he wrote.

Brixius isn’t sure if he’ll play in college after graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School, but he said lacrosse has taught him invaluable life lessons. It taught him confidence, self-esteem and how to help others.

GABRIELLA HENSON-VENDRELL, Haymarket, VA.

Henson-Vendrell and her twin sister, Isabella, have helped their father, an internal medicine doctor on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, stay safe during the pandemic.

“Because of all the games, practices and camps he has taken us to or been part of, we wanted to give back by making masks for other healthcare professionals like him,” Henson-Vendrell wrote.

A member of the Puerto Rico U19 women’s national team, Henson-Vendrell aspires to continue spreading the game throughout Puerto Rico, her parents’ native country.

She said lacrosse has helped her bring positivity to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, earthquakes and economic challenges have ravaged the island in recent years.