IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 30, 2026--
Sophia Makhail, a senior at Chapman University’s Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, has been awarded a $2,500 community impact grant from a local Irvine based company along with their sponsors, chosen through a selective, merit-based review process.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260130249722/en/
The grant honors students who demonstrate leadership, community engagement, and commitment to human rights education. Sophia was recognized for her leadership in driving community engagement and dialogue around Armenian Genocide awareness.
In recognition of this honor, Sophia has chosen to donate the full grant award to the Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial, currently under development at the Great Park in Irvine and scheduled for completion in 2028. Titled A Vision of Memory and Hope, the memorial will provide a dedicated space for quiet reflection, remembrance, and connection for future generations.
“The statue of a mother holding her child, once it’s completed, represents how even through the hardest times, we were able to survive and continue moving forward. For me, it shows the strength that’s been passed down through generations and reminds me that we can keep going no matter what. I hope this donation encourages other young people to get involved in causes that matter to them and see the difference they can make,” said Sophia Makhail.
A corporate sponsor praised Sophia’s leadership and character, stating:
“Sophia distinguished herself among an exceptional group of applicants through her thoughtful advocacy, integrity, and dedication to community education. Her decision to donate the grant to a lasting memorial reflects the kind of leadership and service we are proud to support.”
“ The image of a mother and child at the heart of this memorial represents survival across generations. Sophia’s support is profoundly meaningful, powerfully mirroring that symbolism — a young person ensuring that the memory, meaning, and moral lessons of this history are protected and carried forward,” saidChair of OC AGM,Dr. Kevork Abazajian.
Upon graduation, Sophia plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies and is preparing to apply to leading PA programs, including continuing her education at Chapman University, as well as USC, UCSD and other top programs nationwide. She is committed to completing advanced clinical training with purpose, grounded in compassionate, patient-focused care.
Corporate Sponsor
MCA is a leading IT company delivering advanced hardware and software solutions to commercial, federal, and military clients worldwide. Through its corporate-sponsored Educational Merit Grant Program, MCA and its sponsors support future leaders in technology, innovation, and community impact by recognizing students who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and service.
About Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial
The OC AGMC is a coalition of community leaders dedicated to preserving the memory of the Armenian Genocide through the creation of this memorial. Working in partnership with the City of Irvine and cultural institutions, the Committee is committed to transparency, artistic integrity, and community engagement throughout the building process.
Sophia Makhail with Dr. Kevork Abazajian, UCI professor and Chair of the Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial, during the presentation of a $2,500 contribution supporting memorial education efforts.
Sophia Makhail, Chapman University Crean College student, recipient of the Irvine Community Impact Merit Award for her work in Armenian Genocide awareness.
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) — Lindsey Vonn crashed in her final downhill race before the Winter Olympics on Friday and was airlifted from the course for medical checks, a troubling turn for the 41-year-old U.S. ski star just a week before the Milan Cortina Games.
Vonn — the third skier to crash in the World Cup race in Crans-Montana — lost control when landing a jump and ended up tangled in the safety nets on the upper portion of the course.
She got up after receiving medical attention for about 5 minutes, seemingly in pain and using her poles to steady herself. Vonn then skied slowly to the finish line, stopping a couple of times on the way down and clutching her left knee.
The race, which was held in difficult conditions with low visibility, was canceled after Vonn's crash.
It wasn't immediately clear how the crash would impact Vonn's Olympic preparations. The American, who was expected to be one of the biggest stars of the Games, limped into a tent for medical attention before being airlifted away by helicopter, dangling from a hoist cable with two people attending her.
The U.S. Ski Team said on social media that she was being evaluated.
Before she entered the tent, Vonn had an anxious expression on her face and her eyes were closed during a long embrace with teammate Jacqueline Wiles, who was leading the race when it was canceled.
“I know she hurt her knee, I talked to her,” the International Ski and Snowboard Federation CEO Urs Lehmann told reporters in the finish area. “I don’t know if it’s really heavy and (if) she won’t miss the Olympics. Let’s wait for what the doctors are saying.”
Vonn made a stunning comeback last season at age 40 after nearly six years away from ski racing. Skiing with a partial titanium implant in her right knee, she has been the circuit’s leading downhiller this season with two victories and three other podium finishes in the five races.
Including super-G, Vonn had completed eight World Cup races this season and finished on the podium in seven of them. Her worst finish was fourth.
The crash occurred exactly a week before the Milan Cortina opening ceremony.
Vonn’s first Olympic race is the women’s downhill on Feb. 8. She was also planning on competing in the super-G and the new team combined event at the Games.
Women's skiing at the Olympics will be held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where Vonn holds the record of 12 World Cup wins.
Vonn was also planning on racing a super-G in Crans-Montana on Saturday in what would have been her final race before the Games.
Vonn was the sixth racer in Friday's downhill and had registered the fastest time at the first checkpoint before landing a jump off-balance. She lifted her left arm and pole high into the air in an attempt to regain her balance. As she tried to brake, she got spun around and ended up in the nets.
Two other skiers had also crashed before her: Nina Ortlieb of Austria and Marte Monsen of Norway.
Ortlieb crashed on top in the same area as Vonn and Monsen hit the nets just before the finish area and had to be taken away in a sled. The race was delayed after both of those crashes. But then two racers — Wiles and Corinne Suter, the Olympic champion, completed their runs.
Wiles barely could make the tight final left-hand turn that had tricked Monsen.
Romane Miradoli of France, who did complete her run as the second to start, said visibility was an issue, with snow falling.
“You can't see," Miradoli said, "and it's bumpy everywhere.”
Asked if it was dangerous, Miradoli added, "We just couldn’t see well.”
Vonn has had numerous crashes in her career. One of her worst was at the 2013 world championships in Schladming, Austria, during a super-G that was also held in difficult conditions. Vonn then had to be airlifted off the course and tore apart her right knee. She returned the following season, got hurt again and missed the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
The race started Friday in a subdued mood in Crans-Montana which is coping with the trauma of a devastating fire in bar in the early hours of New Year's Day that killed 40 people and injured more than 100. A minute's silence was observed before racing.
The finish area stripped of color and the usual sponsor adverts. Instead, it was dressed with white and black banners featuring a ribbon with the words “Our thoughts are with you” written in French, German, Italian and English.
AP Sports Writer Andrew Dampf contributed.
AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
United States' Lindsey Vonn approaches the finish area after crashing, during an alpine ski, women’s World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)
United States' Lindsey Vonn holds her left knee after crashing, during an alpine ski, women’s World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)
United States' Lindsey Vonn at the finish area after crashing, during an alpine ski, women’s World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana, Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (Alessandro Della Valle/Keystone via AP)
United States' Lindsey Vonn at the finish line after crashing, during an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana , Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
United States' Lindsey Vonn at the finish line after crashing, during an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana , Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Pier Marco Tacca)
United States' Lindsey Vonn at the finish line after crashing, during an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana , Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
United States' Lindsey Vonn at the finish line after crashing, during an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana , Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)
United States' Lindsey Vonn at the finish line after crashing, during an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana , Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Pier Marco Tacca)
United States' Lindsey Vonn ahead of an alpine ski, women's World Cup downhill, in Crans Montana , Switzerland, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Pier Marco Tacca)
