Q. Who are the members of your family: parents, siblings and pets?

A. The members of my family include my mother Viraj, my father Niketu, my older brother Millan and my younger sister Julena.

Q. What did you most enjoy about being a senior at Emmaus High School?

A. I enjoyed seeing how my peers and I have transformed into fine young men and women throughout the years. For many of my peers, I have known them ever since our days of elementary school. To see how we have all grown, not only literally, but also as people is a very satisfying experience.

Q. What was your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject was math. I have always had a strong interest in the subject as I loved to “crunch numbers” from an early age. By taking challenging classes such as Multivariable Calculus with Mr. Burkhardt and Advanced Placement Statistics with Mrs. Brashear, I learned how to apply my passions in math to real-life situations, which made me more captivated in the field of applied mathematics.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I have been selected in each of the last four years into the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10 Chorus. Additionally, the past two years, I have successfully auditioned into the PMEA Region 5 Chorus, including this year, where I placed first at Districts for my voice part. I have also been selected into the PMEA District 10 Orchestra as a junior and senior and the PMEA Northeast Region Orchestra this year. In terms of academic recognition, I have received the academic excellence award every year for maintaining a GPA above a 4.0. Also, I have been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction by the College Board for my success on my AP exams. Furthermore, as a sophomore, I was chosen to represent the high school at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership seminar which was held at Villanova University for three days.

Q. What are your favorite extracurricular activities?

A. The bulk of my extracurricular involvements have been in music and service. In terms of music, one of my favorite activities throughout high school was singing. I was the president of Chorale and Select Choir, in addition to secretary of the all-male a capella group, Fermata Nowhere. Additionally, I was the principal chair violist of the high school’s orchestra, Sinfonia Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. I was also the co-president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Recently, I became involved in the drama department’s musical productions, as I was in the pit orchestra for “Miss Saigon” as a sophomore and a member of the cast the past two years in “West Side Story” and “Les Misérables.” These different musical experiences have given me so many incredible memories that I will remember when reminiscing on my high school career. In terms of my involvement in service, I was the president of the American Red Cross Club. Also, I was the secretary of the Student Government Association, in which I was tasked with speaking at school district board meetings once a month throughout the school year. I took great pleasure in giving back to the school community and helping others. Additionally, some other organizations I have enjoyed being a part of throughout high school include National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Pennsylvania Math League and Hornet Ambassadors.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. This fall, I will be attending Case Western Reserve University as part of their eight year combined Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine program. This program grants me undergraduate admission to the university as well as direct admission to the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. My biggest challenge to date occurred at the beginning of my sophomore year, where I had a tough time adjusting to the growing demands of my activities and my coursework. At that time, I was starting to get more involved in my extracurricular activities, while also taking three AP classes and I found myself overwhelmed. However, through redirecting my focus by changing my study habits, time management and not being afraid to ask my teachers for help, I was able to solve my problems that I had once faced.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered for being a student leader at EHS. Whether leading a discussion in the classroom or conducting a choral rehearsal, I have showcased my talents to lead groups of individuals to achieve a task in a variety of settings. By being personable and sincere, I have demonstrated qualities that have made me an effective leader and a dynamic member of the school community.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I admire my parents the most. They both grew up in less than optimal circumstances, but through hard work and determination, they achieved great levels of success in their professions. I strive to exhibit these same qualities that my parents possess in order to become as successful as them.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Hard work does pay off in the end. I have found through my high school career that if you are willing to put in the work and dedication into something, whether its academics, athletics, music, etc., your efforts will ultimately be rewarded in some capacity. Although you may not reap the benefits of your work immediately, hard work always finds its way to be recognized.