When I first greet Alex Fell, I’m struck by his voice. Yes, it’s a deep baritone — but it’s more about the maturity in his timbre and especially in his demeanor. He’s self-assured, deeply polite, humble, and gracious. And then I am reminded that he’s only a senior at San Marcos High School. That makes him the youngest person I’ve had the honor of featuring in the Santa Barbara Questionnaire, which is now officially beginning its sixth year.
Alex is the director of advancement for Kids Helping Kids. The organization was founded 15 years ago by the high school’s AP Economics teacher, Jamie DeVries, who wanted to bring traditional financial curriculum to life while simultaneously teaching students the duty of service and empathy.
“I always wanted to be part of Kids Helping Kids,” Alex tells me enthusiastically. “I couldn’t believe that San Marcos High School students were effecting change, and I needed to be on that stage.”