Bricks for Good is proud to announce the first-ever recipient of the Elyse Martell Community Honor Award, a scholarship established in memory of the founder’s late mother, Elyse Martell, who passed away just two months ago. This award recognizes a student whose character, creativity, perseverance, and leadership embody the values that Elyse inspired and that Bricks for Good strives to uphold.
The inaugural recipient is Isaiah Houssou, a graduate of Camp Hill High School who has distinguished himself as a scholar, innovator, and leader. Throughout high school, he achieved remarkable accomplishments in science, technology, and music. He was a finalist at the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and a multiple-time champion at the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair. He also served as president of the school robotics club and participated in programs such as Junior Leadership Cumberland and the Penn State EnvironMentors program. Beyond his academic and extracurricular achievements, he has been deeply committed to personal growth, demonstrating resilience and dedication to pursuing his passions.
Isaiah’s science fair project, titled “A RF-CNN Approach for Classifying Tree Species Using Multispectral and LiDAR Data,” applied advanced machine learning techniques to environmental conservation. By combining Random Forest and convolutional neural network models, he achieved a 97% accuracy rate in classifying tree species in local parks and waterways. His work highlights not only technical skill and creativity but also a commitment to exploring solutions that can benefit society.
In addition to his accomplishments in computer science and AI, Isaiah has been a devoted classical pianist since the age of five. His musical journey, which has included private study and scholarship-based competitions, continues at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he is enrolled in the Emerson/Harris Program for Private Study. At MIT, he will continue to pursue both his academic and musical passions, balancing rigorous study with the joy of artistic expression.
Isaiah’s journey has also been marked by personal resilience. Diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder in 2024, he navigated significant challenges with the support of his family, school, and medical professionals. His perseverance and dedication to completing his senior year successfully, despite these difficulties, reflect the inner strength and maturity that the Elyse Martell Community Honor Award seeks to recognize. Isaiah also identifies his faith in Jesus Christ as a core part of his identity, describing it as a guiding influence in his decision-making, resilience, and approach to life’s challenges. This aspect of his character complements the dedication, integrity, and compassion that the award celebrates.
The award was made possible through the generous support of Faithward Advisors, whose contribution ensures that Bricks for Good can honor exceptional students who embody excellence, creativity, and leadership. Their support reflects a shared commitment to encouraging young people who inspire others through their passion, dedication, and resilience.
The Elyse Martell Community Honor Award celebrates students whose character, creativity, and commitment to personal and intellectual growth align with the mission of Bricks for Good. Isaiah exemplifies these ideals and serves as a remarkable first honoree for this new scholarship. Bricks for Good is pleased to support him as he begins his studies at MIT, and we are proud that the inaugural award not only celebrates an exceptional young person but also preserves the legacy of Elyse Martell, whose values of compassion, integrity, and dedication to others continue to guide our organization.
