House recognizes teen founders of Waves for Change and designates April Pools Day

Annapolis — On Feb. 20, 2026, a delegate from Montgomery County introduced Edward Maximus Deini, 17, and J.C. Devini, 15, students at Winston Churchill High School and founders of the nonprofit Waves for Change. The delegate said the group has collected more than 10,000 pieces of donated swim gear, built partnerships nationwide, and works to make swimming accessible and safe in underserved communities.

The clerk read a House resolution congratulating Waves for Change in recognition of April Pools Day and commending the organization’s education and drowning-prevention work. The resolution notes the group has nearly 2,000 supporters, partnerships with swim schools in nine states and two swim schools in Africa, and directs that the resolution be presented on Feb. 27, 2026.

Members applauded as the students and their parents — identified on the floor as Captain Edward Deini and Janet Deini — were acknowledged in the gallery.