October 26, 2023
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Every Robbinsville High School student must complete at least 30 hours of volunteerism in order to graduate. In working to complete this requirement, Adhviklal Thoppe found it difficult to keep track of the countless volunteer opportunities flooding his inbox.
About a year ago, he decided to do something about it: creating a handy website with all the volunteer information. Wingman (http://rville-wingman.com/) launched with the new school year.
“The idea struck me when I was looking for some volunteering events to do,” Adhviklal said. “It was difficult for me to find and keep track of multiple events along with all the other emails. I started working on the project once I realized that I could create an easy platform to help others stay organized with their volunteering events.”
The 17-year-old senior spent this summer creating his pet project.
“I had enough time to bring my idea to life,” said Adhviklal, who also works at a local Code Ninjas, which teaches computer coding to youth.
Connecting both teachers and students, the Wingman website aims to be a go-to platform for sharing educational events that offer volunteer opportunities. According to the website, “teachers create, students explore and together, we learn to make a difference.”
Instead of posting volunteer events through email, Wingman organizes every opportunity in one spot.
“Before, it was difficult to keep track of where the events were and how to find them – it wasn’t very organized,” the student said. “I saw it wasn’t really working – at least not for me. So, I created a website where all the events are consolidated. All you have to do is go there, and it’s all been listed out.”
In a way, Adhviklal created his own unofficial volunteer opportunity. It also supported his particular interests – and his soon-to-be alma mater. While the website may not benefit his specific needs for much longer, the senior knows it will help future students.
“I just enjoy computer science and I like to code,” he said. “When I saw that this problem was happening with volunteer events, I decided to take it up and create this project. I also wanted to give back to the school district because I’ve been here since fifth grade. I felt like it was a good way to give back.”
Anyone can go to the website, but only Robbinsville school administrators or those with knowledge of a security password can post volunteer opportunities.
Adhviklal said his school counselor, JoAnne Walker, and Robbinsville High School Assistant Principal Nicole Rossi-Mumpower have been very supportive. After showing the concept to Superintendent Brian J. Betze – who also was in favor – it was a go.
With the website up and running, administrators and teachers are in the process of loading events for the students to consider.
When not coding, Adhviklal can be found practicing Taekwondo, where he is a second-degree black belt. He also plays the guitar, creates 3D modeling and produces music for game development.
Next up for Adhviklal is finishing college applications. With plans for a major in computer science, he hopes to attend a great institution and also attain a graduate degree.
In order to make volunteering more accessible, Adhviklal Thoppe created Wingman.com, a website where volunteer opportunities for students are posted in one site.
Adhviklal Thoppe and Robbinsville Superintendent of Schools Brian J. Betze met to discuss Adhviklal’s pet project, a student volunteer website.
Photos and story provided.