Exemplary Eagle: High School Senior Bruno G.

High school senior Bruno G. was walking the corridors of Hospital de Amor de Barretos—a place he knew well from organizing toy drives—when he stopped in his tracks. Through the toy room window, he spotted a child clutching something familiar. It was a toy from his childhood, once forgotten in a corner of his bedroom. A simple donation, now in the hands of a child facing cancer, had become something far more significant. Helping wasn’t just about giving; it was about connection. 

He turned to his project partner, fellow Graded student Henrique H., and said, “We need to do more. We have to find a way to make an impact beyond occasional donations.” That realization led to Yellow Connect, a social media platform connecting children undergoing cancer treatment at Brazilian public hospitals and their families with others who have already successfully completed treatment.

Bruno has always been committed to service. At Graded, he mentors younger Model United Nations (MUN) delegates as part of its leadership team. Outside of school, he cofounded Yellow, a nonprofit that runs initiatives ranging from reforestation (Yellow Geographic) to hospital donations and, most recently, Yellow Connect.

With the help of two classmates, Bruno developed Yellow Connect using the programming skills he has honed in his Graded computer science classes. Unlike traditional messaging apps, the platform provides specialized tools and resources for navigating difficult conversations. Doctors and psychologists monitor discussions to offer crucial support.

They launched the app in July 2024 at Hospital de Amor, a leading Latin American cancer treatment center. Through the hospital's network, spanning São Paulo to the Amazon and Mato Grosso, Yellow Connect brings together people from across the country. The initial pilot of 250 users has grown to serve more than 10,000 patients. 

“It goes back to a saying in Portuguese, juntos somos mais fortes (together we are stronger),” said Bruno. “We want to create a community where people at their lowest can lean on those who have been through similar experiences. If we’re able to make just a little bit of a difference, that’s enough for us.”

Looking ahead, Bruno and his team have big ambitions for Yellow Connect, named after the color associated with happiness. With a new team of Graded students in other grades led by junior Felipe L., they are aiming for their platform to reach 1.5 million users—the estimated number of people impacted by cancer in Brazil. As Bruno prepares for college, where he plans to study business or political science, his focus is on ensuring the project’s long-term success with a seamless succession process for new members, inspiring more Graded students to get involved, and guiding its continued growth.

“Bruno exemplifies the best of what we hope to see in our students,” said Trevor Rusert, Bruno’s college counselor. “His genuine desire to help others combined with his ability to turn ideas into action make him stand out as a student leader. Bruno doesn't just talk about making a difference—he actually does it.”