INDIA New England News Announces 20 Under 20 Stars List for 2026

BOSTON— INDIA New England News, one of the nation’s largest Indian-American news and video magazines serving the South Asian community, announced the winners of its 20-Under-20 Stars for 2026.

The 20-Under-20 Stars were selected based on their achievements, extracurricular activities, entrepreneurship, and participation in community service, as well as exceptional skills in writing, arts and music, among other factors. These winners will be celebrated with a breakfast award ceremony on August 2, 2026. To buy tickets, please click here.

Here are INDIA New England’s ’20 Under 20′ for 2026:

• Avani Athale
• Vishnu Bharath
• Rucha Daphal
• Ajay Devendran
• Rishika Garg
• Rajvir Kalra
• Reya Kennan
• Laiba Khan
• Aarav Khanna
• Rohita Krishnakumar
• Manasa Mahesh
• Shyani Patel
• Srivibhu Piratla
• Siddharth Revankar
• Praneal Rohatgi
• Reva Sankhla
• Aryan Sharma
• Sahej Singh
• Swara Sonchhatra
• Shreya Soni
• Diya Vedantham
• Rishab Vedantham
• Aditi Wadhwa

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Avani Athale
Westford Academy, 11th grade
Westford, MA

Avani Athale is a junior at Westford Academy who exemplifies academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and initiative. She consistently earns high honors while pursuing a rigorous curriculum, including AP Statistics, and has independently self-studied AP U.S. Government and Politics in the face of school budget limitations. Her academic interests lie at the intersection of business, data science, and biotechnology.
A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Athale plays an active leadership role in her cultural community by teaching and leading dhol-based exercises for diverse groups of participants spanning a wide range of ages, often engaging audiences of around 100 individuals. Through this, she demonstrates initiative, confidence, and the ability to bring people together through cultural expression. In addition, she works as a swim instructor, mentoring younger students, and creating a safe, encouraging environment that builds both skill and confidence.

Athale has demonstrated exceptional leadership in technology and entrepreneurship. As president of her school’s AI Visionaries Club, she introduces peers to real world applications of artificial intelligence and cultivates a spirit of innovation within the school community. Through her involvement in the TiE Boston Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program, she served as Chief Operating Officer of a startup focused on increasing visibility for small designers through a two-sided marketplace. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was invited back to serve in a leadership role as Co-Director for the next cohort. In this capacity, she facilitates weekly sessions, leads discussions on key entrepreneurial concepts, and supports program logistics to ensure smooth and effective operations. Committed to giving back, she actively shares her experiences and insights while guiding and inspiring the next generation of young entrepreneurs.

Her passion for science is further reflected in her internship supporting oncology research. In this role, she analyzes molecular and genetic data, contributes to experimental design, and assists in identifying potential advancements in cancer diagnostics and treatment experiences that align closely with her goal of pursuing a career in biotechnology. She is also deeply committed to community service, contributing through YUVA by helping organize large-scale events such as a 5K walk and entrepreneurship competitions, and volunteering with Shishu Bharati and a local senior center. In recognition of her sustained dedication, she is a two-time recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

What distinguishes Athale is her ability to balance rigorous academics, impactful leadership, and meaningful service while maintaining a clear sense of purpose. Whether leading teams, mentoring peers, or contributing to scientific research, she consistently seeks to make a positive impact and continues to grow as a thoughtful, driven, and well rounded individual.

Vishnu Bharath
New England Innovation Academy, 10th grade
Hopkinton, MA

Vishnu Bharath is a 10th-grade student at New England Innovation Academy (NEIA) who demonstrates strong leadership and an innovative spirit both in and out of school. He founded NEIA’s FIRST Robotics Competition team from scratch, building a fully student-led program in just 10 weeks. The team then qualified for the prestigious FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship in each of its first two years. Under his leadership as captain and lead of both the business and programming subteams, the team has ranked in the top 5% globally and qualified for the World Championship two seasons in a row. He has personally led fundraising efforts that have raised over $120,000 over three years and spearheaded outreach that has connected with more than 70,000 people.

Bharath also founded the Asian Student Association at his school, organized legislative visits to the MA State House for meetings with the AAPI caucus, and co-chairs the AI Ethics Advisory Board, helping shape the school’s approach to responsible AI. As CEO of the NEIA School Store, he scaled the business from zero to over $25,000 in revenue, achieving full profitability while leading a team of seven and expanding from a digital to a physical presence.

In addition to managing a demanding academic schedule while maintaining straight A grades, Bharath serves as the only high school research intern with the City Science Group at MIT, an interdisciplinary initiative that explores how data, design, and emerging technologies can improve urban environments. In this role, he contributes to projects focused on mobility, sustainability, and the future of cities, gaining hands-on experience applying innovative solutions to real-world challenges. He has implemented advanced robotic control methods on bipedal and quadruped robots, developed path-planning software in ROS, and contributed to a research paper on expressive robotic body language — currently submitted to ACM and IEEE for HRI ’26.

Rucha Daphal
Lexington High School, 11th grade
Lexington, MA

Rucha Daphal is a rising junior at Lexington High School whose work bridges mathematics, entrepreneurship, and fintech with meaningful community impact. In academics, she has challenged herself through advanced courses in school and beyond, including proof-based applied mathematics classes and fintech coursework at Bentley University, reflecting her strong interests in finance and quantitative analysis.
Her entrepreneurial interests are best exemplified by her role as Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer/VP Sales of Inventrack, a startup competing in TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Boston. She helped develop the team’s business model, financial strategy, and operations, sales planning, and operational initiatives along with her team, contributing to Inventrack winning Best Business Model at TYE Globals, representing the Boston chapter among top teams worldwide. Returning to TYE as a Co-Director, Daphal now mentors student teams, advises on business planning and market research, and helps cultivate the next generation of young entrepreneurs.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Daphal applies her skills to real-world challenges through her internship work in outreach and biotechnology, where she has contributed to financial analysis, data modeling, and operational strategy, applying learned concepts to practical business solutions. She also volunteers by mentoring students in math and standardized testing to help them achieve their personal academic goals, and supports sustainability initiatives through her local food pantry, helping reduce food waste while optimizing resource distribution.

This summer, Daphal will pursue research in quantitative analysis and finance, exploring advanced modeling and investment strategies, further combining her academic strengths with her passion for fintech. By combining rigorous coursework, leadership at Inventrack and TYE, and volunteer work in her community, Daphal has built a foundation to tackle challenges at the intersection of finance, technology, and social impact.

Ajay Devendran
The Roxbury Latin School, 11th grade
Needham, MA

Ajay Devendran is a junior at Roxbury Latin School in West Roxbury and a resident of Needham, MA. He is an exceptional young leader whose work blends environmental innovation, technology, policy, and artistic storytelling. What makes Devendran truly remarkable is his rare ability to excel across academics, athletics, creative pursuits, and meaningful community impact, all while carrying himself with humility, compassion, and genuine care for those around him.

Devendran’s drive to tackle real-world problems was sparked when his family moved to San Francisco and he experienced firsthand the devastation of multiple wildfires, even having to evacuate his home at age 12. That experience sparked a sense of urgency to address climate and sustainability through a uniquely multi-disciplinary lens. His signature project (an AI-powered drone litter detection system) integrates machine learning, photography, and environmental science to identify and classify waste for more efficient clean-up efforts on land and in water. Devendran submitted his project to the 2026 National Geographic Slingshot Challenge, and he was invited to present his work at the 2026 James Tufts Pener Environmental Conference.

Devendran’s commitment to his community is both deep and consistent. He has served for two years as a youth member of the Needham Climate Action Committee, where he volunteers regularly and co-founded an Electric Vehicle Working Group alongside adult community members, where he gained valuable firsthand experience in local government and environmental policy advocacy. He also participates in NOAA’s Ocean Guardian program on a national level. Last summer, he applied his advanced photography skills to assist researchers in Nantucket documenting changing biodiversity and ecosystems, and his photography and writing were directly used to support a nature foundation’s successful $1.5 million fundraising appeal.  Devendran genuinely enjoys giving his time to others. It is not something he does out of obligation, but because it matters to him. He volunteers with the Indian Family Network (IFNET) and is returning this summer as a camp counselor, helping lead activities and shape curriculum for younger kids. His school doesn’t require community service, but instead opens the door to a wide range of opportunities (for example, from Cradles to Crayons and soup kitchens to nursing homes), and Devendran consistently shows up, always coming home with a deeper sense of gratitude. One experience that stayed with him was volunteering last fall at a local cemetery to place wreaths honoring homeless and unidentified individuals.

Devendran’s love of photography has a great origin story. It started with a thoughtful birthday gift from his uncle, which was personal camera lessons at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, and it took off from there! That early spark led to an unforgettable experience photographing wildlife alongside a professional photographer in Tanzania and the Serengeti, where his eye for capturing the natural world came to life. Back home, he turned that passion into serious photojournalism. As part of The Boston Globe’s Student Photojournalism Program, his many published photographs have documented high school sports across the region, and his coverage of community meetings with local Boston political leaders has been featured in The Globe, MSN, and Yahoo News.

Devendran is a strong academic student in a rigorous high school. He serves as Vice President of the Environmental Club and is a leader in his school’s Model United Nations and Debate programs, demonstrating initiative and thoughtful engagement with both global and local issues. He also initiated a student wellness program providing healthier snack options for students in after-school activities. This idea earned a school-wide standing ovation and has continued into its second year! In school, he has particularly enjoyed his 5 years of advanced Spanish study, and last summer, he engaged in a full language-immersion, summer living experience with a host family in Cádiz, Spain.

Rishika Garg
Belmont High School, 10th grade
Belmont, MA

Rishika Garg’s journey is a beautiful reflection of what it means to grow into leadership with purpose, passion, and impact. What began as a young child learning tennis at the age of three and immersing herself in classical dance has today evolved into a powerful story of discipline, cultural pride, and community leadership. Over the past eight years of rigorous training in Kathak and Bollywood dance, Garg has not only mastered her art but transformed it into a platform to connect generations and cultures. Whether performing at the Hatch Memorial Shell for IAGB’s flagship Independence Day celebrations, at the Massachusetts State House, or at AAPI and community festivals across Massachusetts, she brings authenticity, grace, and a deep sense of identity to every stage she steps on.

But what truly sets Garg apart is not just her talent – it is her instinct to give back and bring others along. For over four years, she has been teaching Bollywood dance to children as young as five, choreographing routines, mentoring them, and most importantly, creating opportunities for them to perform. From Belmont Town Day to Diwali celebrations, she has ensured that young students experience the confidence of being on stage, helping them discover not just dance, but their own voice and connection to culture. Through her initiative, she has quietly built a pipeline of young cultural ambassadors, amplifying her impact far beyond herself.  Her leadership is equally evident in how she shows up within her school and community.

As the co-founder of the Art Therapy Club at her school, Garg recognized a need and created a safe, creative space for students to express themselves and support mental well-being. Her ability to combine creativity with empathy reflects a maturity far beyond her years. She has also demonstrated courage and confidence as a public speaker, delivering her graduation address and engaging with the Belmont School Committee, speaking not just for herself, but for her peers.

Behind the scenes, Garg has been a consistent force of service. Since 2021, she has contributed actively to IAGB’s large-scale cultural events, supporting stage setup, coordination, and execution – understanding that meaningful community impact is built as much backstage as it is in the spotlight. Her role as an emcee further highlights her ability to engage, connect, and create inclusive, welcoming spaces. Her calm temperament, quiet confidence and sorted demeanor exude in her work for IAGB.

Rajvir Kalra
Lexington High School, 11th grade
Lexington, MA

Rajvir Kalra, a seventeen-year-old junior at Lexington High School, demonstrates resilience, leadership, and a strong commitment to healthcare equity and civic engagement. His journey is marked by meaningful achievements that reflect his dedication to creating change and supporting underserved communities. After recovering from a liver transplant, Kalra founded Bridge to Health Equity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports students reintegrating into school after serious medical events. Through this initiative, he has raised over $100,000 in funding before formal incorporation, built partnerships with hospitals and school systems across Massachusetts, and met with state legislators to advocate for policy changes. This role highlights his ability to turn personal challenges into solutions that help others facing similar struggles.

As a Policy Intern at Health Care For All, Kalra researches healthcare legislation and analyzes amendments before lobbying efforts, with a focus on Medicaid expansion and healthcare access in Massachusetts. His work involves collaborating with healthcare advocates and policymakers, showing his understanding of how policy actually gets made. He also serves on the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Youth Council, where he contributes to developing a statewide anti-bullying initiative. These roles demonstrate his ability to work in professional government settings and translate community needs into real policy recommendations.

Kalra’s civic engagement extends beyond policy work. He served as a fellow on Congressman Moulton’s campaign for Senate, gaining hands-on experience in constituent services and campaign operations. He co-founded LexYouthCivics, bringing together 250 students with local and statewide elected officials to discuss civic participation and democratic engagement.

As a national fellow with the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), selected from students across the United States, Kalra participates in programs that connect him with professionals and leaders in civil rights advocacy. He is also beginning an internship with SALDEF’s outreach department, where he will work on initiatives focused on amplifying marginalized voices and combating discrimination against the Sikh American community.

Recently, Kalra was selected for the Dignity Project, a competitive fellowship at Hebrew College that trains high school students in inter-religious and cross-cultural leadership. Through this program, he is developing a community project focused on amplifying marginalized voices and building bridges across different faith and cultural communities. Beyond the Dignity Project, Kalra works alongside the Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association (LICA) and regularly participates in interfaith panels and events throughout the Greater Boston area. Through these experiences, he has been able to educate others about the Sikh community, a religious minority in Massachusetts, while building his public speaking skills by presenting in front of crowds of hundreds.

Kalra is an active member of All American Model UN, the top-ranked private Model UN team in the world. He has won over 15 awards while competing at conferences across the country, including stops in New York, Chicago, Tennessee, and Washington D.C. His success at prestigious conferences like MUNUC and GCMUN demonstrates his research skills, diplomatic abilities, and capacity to engage with complex global issues.

Kalra’s community involvement reflects his dedication to service and cultural connection. He has volunteered with organizations serving the Sikh American community and participated in initiatives promoting healthcare access and educational equity. His volunteer work shows his commitment to supporting those facing systemic barriers. Balancing these diverse roles and achievements while maintaining high academic performance and achieving strong standardized test scores requires immense dedication, hard work, and a proactive mindset, qualities that Kalra consistently demonstrates. His journey reflects his multifaceted commitment to excel in various domains, from rigorous academics and policy work to civic leadership and interfaith bridge-building. His accomplishments and roles thus far reveal a young individual who is not only dedicated to his own success but also deeply invested in making a meaningful impact on his community and beyond.

Reya Kennan
Chelmsford High School, 11th grade
Chelmsford, MA

Reya Kannan, a junior at Chelmsford High School, is a driven and accomplished student whose academic dedication and passion for innovation distinguish her as a leader among her peers. As an advanced mathematics student, Reya has consistently challenged herself through a rigorous academic track while actively contributing to her school community as a member of the Science Team and Vice President of Finance for DECA. Her strong academic foundation is further reflected in her academic honors, including recognition as an AP Scholar and her recent induction into the National Honor Society. Demonstrating intellectual initiative, Reya independently self-studied AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics to broaden her understanding of business and economic systems, while also tutoring students in SAT preparation, helping others achieve their academic goals.

Kannan’s commitment to innovation and business leadership is exemplified through her involvement in the TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program. As a sophomore, she served as the CEO of InvenTrack, an inventory management application designed for small businesses, which she personally coded. Leading her team through a year filled with challenges, Kannan navigated technical obstacles, coordinated with companies across Massachusetts, and guided her team through critical decision-making and pivots. Despite numerous roadblocks, her resilience and leadership ultimately led her team to success, earning $5,000 in funding, a trip to nationals, and the Best Business Model Award at the 2025 TYE Global Pitch Competition. Building on this experience, Reya returned the following year as a Co-Director, mentoring student teams and working closely with aspiring entrepreneurs to help them develop, refine, and launch their own business ideas.

Kannan’s dedication to mitigating food waste and advancing sustainability is further demonstrated through her long-term project, Yard2Yum. As the founder of this sustainability-focused application, she has developed an innovative solution to connect communities with excess food resources. Her work has earned $2,500 in funding, recognition from Congresswoman Lori Trahan, and an invitation to present at the House of Code in Washington, D.C., where she will showcase her app at the United States Capitol. Yard2Yum was also recognized by the University of Vermont through a highly selective pitch competition, further validating its impact and potential. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Kannan is deeply engaged in community service and environmental advocacy. As a chapter leader of Novasta Boston, a student-led nonprofit recognized by the Massachusetts State House, she has played a pivotal role in redistributing over 370 desserts and snacks to local shelters, directly addressing food insecurity in her community. Her dedication to service extends through her consistent volunteer work at a soup kitchen, where she dedicated time weekly throughout the previous summer. Reya also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Nashua Tough Techs FIRST Robotics Team, where she leads the business division in managing an annual budget of $32,000 alongside her co-COO. In this role, she oversees fundraising initiatives, coordinates with school administrators and organizational boards, and organizes events and outreach programs, including a summer STEM camp. Her leadership and impact within the team have been recognized through her nomination for the prestigious FIRST Dean’s List Award.

Looking ahead, Kannan will continue to expand her experience in business and innovation as a summer intern at Fidelity Investments and as a participant in the international round of a competitive business hackathon. Aspiring to study business, she envisions building and scaling ventures that create meaningful societal and environmental impact. Through her diverse experiences, Kannan has developed a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Her ability to translate ideas into tangible solutions, combined with her dedication to serving both people and the planet, sets her apart as an exceptional candidate. Kannan’s work reflects not only her ambition and resilience but also her unwavering commitment to creating lasting impact within her community and beyond.

Laiba Khan
Lexington High School, 11th grade
Lexington, MA

Laiba Khan is a rising senior at Lexington High School whose passion for medicine, neuroscience, and engineering has already led her to pursue research and service at an exceptional level. Deeply motivated by the impact of neurodegenerative disease on patients and families, she has dedicated much of her high school career to exploring how mathematics and artificial intelligence can be applied to real medical challenges.

One of Khan’s major research projects applied Riemannian geometry to EEG wave analysis in Alzheimer’s disease, investigating how geometry-based methods can better capture the complexity of brain activity and reveal patterns that traditional approaches may overlook. She later expanded this interest through VoxNeuro, a Parkinson’s screening project she developed while working in the surgical unit at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where she assisted with patient intake and transport, observed pre- and post-operative care, and supported clinical staff with workflow tasks. Inspired by these experiences, Khan designed a Grassmannian-based screening framework and a low-cost wearable gait-monitoring system to support more accessible neurological screening.

Khan’s dedication to science has been recognized at the highest levels. This year, she competed at the Massachusetts State Science Fair, where she earned first place, received the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award, and was selected as an ISEF delegate to represent Massachusetts at the 2026 International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona. As a high school student, she has presented her work at MIT’s Undergraduate Research Technology Conference (URTC), a recognition of both the sophistication of her research and her ability to communicate advanced scientific ideas. Her academic excellence extends beyond research as well, as she is a member of the National Honor Society and a deeply committed tutor. Through Schoolhouse, she has taught more than 100 students across over 20 countries in subjects ranging from biology to calculus, combining strong subject mastery with a genuine desire to make education more accessible.

Beyond science, debate has been one of the most important parts of Khan’s high school experience. As a Massachusetts state semifinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate, she has developed a strong ability to think critically, speak persuasively, and engage thoughtfully with complex issues. She also serves as co-president of LNAD, where she mentors younger students and helps expand access to debate for students across the country. Through both competition and mentorship, Khan has used debate not only as a way to strengthen her own voice but also as a way to empower others to find theirs. Her love of learning also extends across cultures and languages. Fluent in both Urdu and English, she has studied Mandarin for over six years and Spanish for five, reflecting both intellectual curiosity and a deep appreciation for global perspectives. She has further strengthened these values through volunteering at Chinese cultural festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival, participating in Hindi Manch events, and contributing to programs at her local mosque.

Aarav Khanna
The Rivers School, 7th grade
Weston, MA

Aarav Khanna is an exceptional rising leader who distinguishes himself through a rare balance of academic dedication, athletic involvement, and profound civic duty. His character is defined by a genuine kindness and a proactive commitment to his community, evidenced by his successful fundraising efforts and a recent act of kindness that reached national headlines. Beyond his altruism, Khanna is a gifted artist who recently showcased immense discipline and maturity in his debut performance as a lead child actor in a theater production. Well-liked by his peers and deeply respected for his multifaceted achievements, he embodies the leadership and heart worthy of this prestigious nomination.

What truly sets Khanna apart is his habitual initiative to lead through optional, self-directed scholarship. He frequently prepares additional presentations on complex geopolitical topics simply to enrich the classroom experience for his peers. For instance, Khanna independently researched and developed a comprehensive presentation on Afrikaner refugee policy in the U.S. This optional project did more than just display his research skills; it sparked a vibrant, high-level discussion during a guest speaker’s visit, demonstrating his ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue on challenging contemporary issues.

Khanna’s passion for justice is not confined to his studies; it is a call to action. When his local Walgreens in Weston announced its closure, Aarav recognized the devastating impact this would have on elderly residents who rely on the pharmacy for essential medications. He led a successful community fundraiser for “Pharmacist Bob,” a beloved local figure, which was featured on CBS News Boston. This effort, alongside his research-driven advocacy on the dangers of processed foods and his empathetic oral history projects, demonstrates a young leader who uses his voice and his platform to effect tangible change.   

Rohita Krishnakumar
University of Maryland, College freshman
Westford, MA

Rohita Krishnakumar is a student leader and aspiring legal professional who has demonstrated exceptional impact across campus leadership, academic excellence, and national-level extracurricular achievement. As President of Student Entertainment Events (SEE) at the University of Maryland, Krishnakumar leads a 40+ member executive board and oversees a $500K+ annual budget to deliver large-scale programming for a campus of over 40,000 students. Under her leadership, SEE has significantly expanded both its reach and impact: Increased annual flagship concert attendance from 1,500 to over 7,500 students — a 400% increase, transforming it into one of the largest student events on campus. Events consistently sold out major campus venues for comedy shows, lectures, and performances by bringing in high-demand and diverse talent, including John Mulaney, Marcello Hernndez, Gian Carlo Espacito, Fetty Wap, and more. Krishnakumar led programming that reflects a wide range of student identities and interests, ensuring inclusivity and broad campus appeal. She created intentional spaces for students to build community, reduce stress, and engage meaningfully, directly contributing to improved student well-being and mental health.

Beyond programming, Krishnakumar strengthened the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the organization by streamlining internal operations and event execution processes. She lead a full revision of the organization’s constitution to reflect evolving student needs, and expanded the SEE Collaboration Fund to support partnerships with other student organizations, empowering diverse groups across campus Driving increased student engagement and attendance across 80+ annual events.

She is a Maryland Medallion Society Honoree (Top 20 student leaders, Class of 2026) Senior Marshal, University of Maryland Class of 2026 Member, STAMP Student Union Advisory Board VP Student Affairs Student Advisory Council Representative Resource Specialist, Student Organization Resource Center (supporting 800+ student organizations) and a teaching Assistant for Business Statistics, Legal Writing, and Public Policy Courses Member of UMD Parliamentary Debate Team.

Manasa Mahesh
St. Mark’s School, 11th grade
Belmont, MA

Throughout high school, Manasa Mahesh has sought to combine leadership, service, and academic rigor in ways that create meaningful impact both within my community and beyond.  For over a decade, she have been deeply committed to figure skating, earning the Gold Medal designation in “Moves in the Field” skating curriculum after passing eight tests in four years, along with advanced levels in other programs such as freestyle and ice dance. Skating taught her discipline and resilience, but more importantly, it has given Mahesh the opportunity to mentor others. As an assistant coach at the New England Sports Center, Mahesh works with children ages three to eight in their Learn to Skate program, often helping new skaters build confidence as they step onto the ice for the first time.

Service has been a central part of Mahesh’s high school experience. As a counselor at Brantwood Camp in New Hampshire, she worked with underprivileged children to help create a meaningful and supportive sleepaway camp experience. Mahesh was one of three students selected from my school through a competitive partnership, and this experience strengthened my commitment to working with underserved communities. She has also taken on a leadership role with Educate Lanka, an NGO focused on expanding access to education, mentorship, and employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth. As the head of her school’s chapter, she organizes initiatives and am currently leading an Empty Bowls fundraiser to support relief efforts following Cyclone Dawah in November 2025.

Through a school grant, Mahesh had the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka, where I worked directly with the organization for two weeks. While there, she also participated in Tamil Carnatic music and Tamil folk dance workshops, which deepened cultural understanding and connection to the communities she served.

Mahesh was selected as one of eight students out of sixty applicants for the Lions Roam Program, an interdisciplinary global studies initiative. As part of this program, she will travel to Japan in Spring 2027 on a fully funded trip after completing coursework on Buddhism to further study this fascinating religion in a local context.  At school, I have been fortunate to take on a variety of leadership roles.

As a Dorm Prefect, Mahesh is one of ten selected from nearly forty students, where she mentors incoming freshmen and helps build a supportive dorm community through organized events. She also serves in other roles, including Model UN, Global Ambassador, Admissions Ambassador, Library Ambassador, Advancement Ambassador, Peer Tutor, and incoming Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper.

As Head of the South Asian Society, Mahesh grew the group from five to over twenty members and organized events such as Diwali celebrations and film nights. She also planned and led her school’s first Holi celebration earlier this year, which brought together over forty attendees and created an opportunity to share Indian culture with the broader community.

Shyani Patel
Windham High School, 12th grade
Windham, NH

Shyani Patel is a driven student leader, entrepreneur, and changemaker from Windham, New Hampshire, dedicated to creating meaningful impact through business, leadership, communication, and service. With a strong passion for international business and social entrepreneurship, she has consistently combined her academics with real-world experience to uplift communities both locally and globally.

Academically, Patel has pursued a rigorous curriculum, completed numerous AP courses while maintaining a consistent honor roll and taking primarily honors-level coursework. A member of the National Honor Society and multiple academic honor societies, she demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence. Patel’s leadership is deeply embedded within her school community. She serves as President of FBLA, where she led her 60+ school team to gold victory at the state leadership competition, and as Vice President of Marketing and the Career development conference for DECA. A dedicated member of student council since freshman year, following her role as middle school president, she has continued her impact and contributed significantly to shaping school culture, participation, and engagement. As Prom Committee Chair, she led the planning and execution of major school-wide events, bringing together student communities through strong leadership and organization.

A defining pillar of Patel’s journey is her role as Co-Director of TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE), where she now mentors and supports student entrepreneurs. Having progressed through the program herself, she brings firsthand experience to guide students through ideation, business planning, pitching, and leadership development. She actively supports teams as they build ventures, and helps foster confidence in young innovators, empowering them to turn ideas into actionable solutions.

Her entrepreneurial experience is further demonstrated through her work as COO of Grocify, a startup focused on addressing food insecurity. In this role, she has helped lead strategy, communications, and strategic planning for an initiative supporting underserved communities in maximizing SNAP benefits. She and her group are currently pursuing seed funding to expand the platform’s capabilities to drive scalable, data-informed solutions that support government and healthcare stakeholders and address a deeply human problem.

Patel has also gained extensive professional experience through multiple internships throughout high school, where she has worked alongside leadership teams on global communications and projects, marketing programs and large-scale initiatives. These experiences have allowed her to operate in professional environments early, strengthening her ability to lead, collaborate, and deliver results.

Beyond academics and business, Patel is deeply committed to service. She helps organize and host monthly birthday celebrations at a local children’s home, ensuring everychild feels valued and celebrated. She has mentored students in an Indian village, supported efforts to secure computer donations for underserved communities, and regularly volunteers at a local soup kitchen. Culturally, she has dedicated over 13 years to Bharatanatyam and Bollywood dance.

Along the way, Patel has intentionally developed her voice as a leader and communicator through public speaking and business mentorship programs, including her early involvement with the Nousquest Speakers Club. She believes that leadership is not only about generating ideas but about communicating them in a way that inspires action and builds inclusive opportunities. Shyani stands out as a globally minded leader who leverages business, communication, and service to drive meaningful change. She aspires to use her skills to build scalable solutions that improve lives and expand opportunity across communities worldwide.

Srivibhu Piratla
Sharon High School, 10th grade
Sharon, MA

Srivibhu Piratla, a resident of Sharon, Massachusetts, is an inventor and entrepreneur driven by a focus on engineering and global service. Currently a student at Sharon High School, he has balanced a rigorous technical background with a commitment to developing practical solutions for community and global challenges. Piratla’s work is defined by a blend of leadership and hands-on research and development. As the CEO and Co-Founder of HEXAER, he manages a team of five and works closely with municipal governments to bring new projects to fruition. His focus on technology for social good led him to serve as Lead Engineer for Tech for Good Inc, where he directed a20-person team to develop cost-effective neonatal care devices for impoverished areas and oversaw the installation of an internet tower in Songea to provide free access for local schools and hospitals.

In addition to his executive roles, Piratla serves as a Co-Director at TYE Boston. In this position, he helps lead the entrepreneurship academy, mentoring high school students as they transition from initial concepts to building viable startup models and pitch decks.

His recent technical projects showcase a versatile approach to problem-solving. Piratla developed a patent-pending method for generating electricity through precipitation and is currently collaborating with contractors to install this technology in residential homes. His work in health tech includes the development of W.A.T.C.H., a wearable that uses non-invasive lactate detection to identify early signs of heart failure, and the N.O.V.A. Incubator, a portable, power-efficient device that can detect various neonatal diseases using camera vision.

Beyond his professional work, Piratla is a constant presence in competitive academic circles. He is a varsity member of the Sharon High School debate team and a Model UN delegate, recently earning a commendation at BosMUN 2025. His interest in robotics and aerospace led him to found the school’s rocketry club, where he is currently designing an autonomous rocket that can reach an altitude of 750 feet. Most notably, he contributed to the mechanical team of the world-qualifying FRC robot, Hydra. Now, he serves as the mechanical captain on Team Unlimited.

Piratla’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Lifetime Presidential Award and several first-place finishes at the state level for the Invention Convention. He has also earned top placements at both the national and global levels for his inventions and has been a consistent high-achiever in the Massachusetts state science fairs.

Siddharth Revankar
Lexington High School, 11th grade
Lexington, MA

At just 16 years old, Siddharth Revankar has already established himself as a dynamic community leader. A student at Lexington High School, Revankar’s journey is defined not only by national-level achievement but by a sustained commitment to using his skills to uplift others. Revankar is among the top-ranked Varsity Public Forum debaters in the nation, currently sitting in the Top 15. He recently received the National Speech and Debate Association’s Degree of Premier Distinction, the organization’s highest honor.

In the past three years, Revankar has been to numerous tournaments and has received numerous accolades. Most notably, Revankar finalled the National Debate Coaches Association National Championship, placing second in the nation. He also finished 5th Place at the Princeton Invitational, and he has earned numerous speaker awards at prestigious tournaments such as Emory’s Barkley Forum, where he placed 1st out of 232 of the nation’s best debaters.

Beyond competition, Revankar has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding access to debate education. As Director of Marketing for Debater Flow, he has played a key role in developing initiatives to provide free, high-quality resources to students across the national circuit, including spearheading fundraising efforts to enhance accessibility. His leadership extends locally as the leader of the William Diamond Middle School Debate Club, where he organizes and teaches middle school students the fundamentals of debate and research. By collaborating with other youth organizations and creating multiple program tracks, Revankar has broadened the club’s reach and impact, helping younger students build confidence in argumentation and critical thinking.

Revankar’s intellectual interests also extend into academic research. As a member of the Lexington Student Research Paper Collaborative, he co-authored a qualitative study examining how high school pressures influence student attitudes toward generative AI. Serving as Methods Director and Paper Structure Coordinator, he led a team in designing the study’s methodology and synthesizing individual contributions into a cohesive, publication-ready manuscript. The paper has been submitted to The Qualitative Report and selected for presentation at its academic conference, reflecting both the rigor of the research and Revankar’s ability to navigate complex, interdisciplinary questions. In the field of healthcare, Revankar gained hands-on exposure through an internship at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, where he shadowed radiologists across multiple specialties, including Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. His experience culminated in an in-depth case study on abdominal Desmoid Type Fibromatosis, which he presented at a radiology conference, analyzing clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatment pathways. He has also volunteered extensively in hospital settings, helping bridge language barriers for patients and contributing to a more inclusive care environment.

Praneal Rohatgi
Buckingham Browne and Nichols School, 11th grade
Wellesley, MA

Praneal Rohatgi is a Junior at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he has built a reputation not only as a rigorous student but as someone who shows up for his community. His instinct to contribute began early. He started by participating in the Wellesley South Asian community town celebrations, be it singing the Indian National Anthem to playing the violin. He enjoyed mentoring younger children and volunteered at Indian Family Network (IF NET), annual day camps, helping facilitate programs for young children in a space expressly designed to celebrate Indian heritage and foster belonging among Indian-American families. He played cricket and shared the joy of Holi colors with young children at the camp. He has also volunteered at many events in the town to promote biking, good health, and bike safety.   Praneal cares deeply about politics and the community. As a young middle schooler, he wrote directly to President Biden on matters of gun violence. In the summer of 2024, Praneal volunteered at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, escorting patients through some of their most vulnerable moments, at the day surgery center. Be it a ten-year old or a hundred year old patient, Praneal chatted with each one making them feel more comfortable and less anxious enroute to the surgical suite. He also volunteered at the hospital gift shop, helping organize the shelves and patients and families on some of their hardest days. His healthcare exposure deepened the following summer, when he joined Massachusetts General Hospital as a research intern at the Webster Center for Radiology. Working alongside radiologists, postdoctoral fellows, and international medical students, Praneal led an independent project validating AI models for pneumonia detection on CT imaging.

Reva Sankhla
Sharon High School, 11th grade
Sharon, MA

Reva Sankhla, who will soon be a senior at Sharon High School, is a dedicated, well-rounded student with exceptional achievements. Over the past couple of years, she has created a positive impact, excelling in athletics, academics, and community service.

As an avid tennis player, Sankhla has been a part of her school’s varsity tennis team since her freshman year. She contributed to back-to-back league championships in 9th and 10^th grade and helped lead the team to the Division II State Tournament. Sankhla demonstrates mentorship skills by coaching a tennis clinic organized by the team captains each fall, and also dedicates time every summer to coaching local kids, promoting a love for the sport in younger players. She has also competed in several USTA junior tournaments. Her individual achievements include earning a top 125 ranking in New England and a top 75 ranking in Eastern Massachusetts in the Girls 14s division.

Beyond athletics, Sankhla is very passionate about STEM. She is the co-founder of STEAM Innovators, a program in which high school students volunteer by visiting elementary schools to teach hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) lessons to the students. Sankhla helped grow the program into an official club at Sharon High School, significantly expanding membership. Her club has provided high school students with volunteering opportunities and has also cultivated a love for STEAM among elementary students. She views STEAM Innovators as a meaningful way to give back to the schools that shaped her into who she is today. Sankhla is also an active member of both the National Honor Society and the World Language National Honor Society, where she tutors underclassmen and helps coordinate events.

Sankhla’s entrepreneurial skills were sparked through the TiE Boston’s Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program. As a participant during the 2024-2025 school year, she was the Chief Marketing Officer of InvenTrack, a startup that helped businesses efficiently manage their inventory. Sankhla and her team won first place at the 2025 TYE Boston Final Pitch Competition, earning them a spot at the TiE Globals competition in Washington DC. There, her team won the award of Best Business Model. This year, Sankhla returned to the program as a Co-director, allowing her to mentor current participants by advising their startup ideas and sharing the knowledge she learned through her time as a participant. She aims to inspire the participants to reach their full potential and support them in gaining the confidence needed to successfully pitch their business ideas.

Sankhla has developed coding skills through participating in a data science internship where she worked directly with a company founder on a data analysis project using the R Programming Language. As a volunteer at Newton Wellesley Hospital, Reva worked alongside other highschoolers to help patients have a comfortable experience in the hospital cafeteria and the breast imaging center.

Aryan Sharma
Xaverian Brothers High School, 12th grade
Walpole, MA

Aryan Sharma is a 17-year-old upcoming senior at Xaverian Brothers High School whose work reflects a rare combination of academic excellence, leadership, and purpose. A member of the National Honor Society, he is a top student in his class, consistently earning his name on the honor roll. In his three years, Sharma has taken all honors classes as well as 9 AP courses, pursuing a rigorous schedule and coursework while maintaining a high GPA. Additionally, throughout high school, he has developed a strong interest in law and politics through sustained involvement in debate, entrepreneurship, and service. Across these areas, he consistently demonstrates advanced, clear communication and mature problem-solving, approaching challenges with focus, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to growth.

He is especially distinguished for his leadership in TiE Boston’s Young Entrepreneurs program, where his initial idea was selected among the top 20% to advance to the Boston competition. As CEO, he led his team in developing FlyWise, an app-based startup to make the airport experience easier. Through his collaboration with his team and his hard work in leading the team and developing the venture, they earned an endorsement from Boston Logan International Airport. He guided the project from early ideation to a refined and competitive venture concept over eight months. Building on this success, Sharma served as an alumni co-director for both the middle school bootcamp (2025) and the high school program (2025-2026), where he mentored student teams, advised on business strategy and team dynamics, and assisted in the planning and execution of program sessions. His ability to lead with clarity, adapt in complex situations, and turn ideas into meaningful outcomes reflects both initiative and a high level of maturity.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Sharma has made a lasting impact within his school and community through leadership, service, and civic engagement. As captain of the Xaverian Speech and Debate Team, he has helped organize large-scale initiatives, including the first- ever school-sponsored summer camp for middle school students and the school’s first-ever regular-season tournament. In addition to his organizing, Sharma has earned a champion-level reputation among competitors, earning a plethora of awards in statewide tournaments. He further expanded student engagement as co-founder and vice president of the PolitiX Club, where he has led bi-weekly meetings informing students on current political and international affairs topics, and then moderates a group-wide discussion-debate period. His actions bring together students with diverse perspectives to engage in thoughtful dialogue.

His commitment to service is evident in his work with Blood Cancer United, a charitable organization responsible for generating money for blood cancer research and delivering relief to families affected by it. As a member of the SVOY competition, he individually raised over $3,500 and helped the team reach a total of $30,000 through coordinated fundraising efforts. In order to get this done, Sharma brainstormed strategies, researched potential sponsors, and contacted local businesses and companies to explore sponsorship opportunities. As a Peer Minister in his school, he mentors underclassmen through organized events, but also on an unofficial, one-on-one level. He lead summer orientations for middle schoolers and freshmen. During the school year, lead small group talks and discussions on various topics such as how to grow in relationships with their faiths and those in their lives, or day-to-day life as a new high-schooler. Furthermore, Sharma consistently assists in orgnaizing and volunteering at his local Indian community’s annual 4-day Ganesh Chaturti event. Outside of his academic and leadership pursuits, Sharma maintains balance by dedicating time to the gym, following sports such as football, basketball, and cricket, and spending time with family and friends. Across each of these roles, Sharma stands out for his initiative, integrity, and ability to create meaningful impact, positioning him as a driven and promising leader for the future.

Sahej Singh
Shrewsbury High School, 11th grade
Shrewsbury, MA

Sahej Singh is a junior at Shrewsbury High School with a strong passion for technology, entrepreneurship, and community service. From leading his team to first runner-up at TYE Boston for an original invention, contributing to the production of a professional documentary, to building essential software used regularly by his community, Singh thrives on new challenges and experiences. Singh was a co-inventor of SleepInform, a smart pillow, leading his team from an initial concept to a fully functional prototype. He and his team pitched their innovation at the TYE Boston Regional Competition, where they earned first runner-up among top student ventures. Building on this work, they pursued a provisional patent, gaining valuable experience navigating the patent process.

Singh now serves as Co-Director for TYE Boston, where he mentors and guides future entrepreneurs through the startup process. Singh was a key member of the production team for Baywatana, a documentary that explores the forced migration of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs who fled Afghanistan due to religious persecution. As part of a small, dedicated crew, he traveled internationally, including to the United Kingdom, Canada, and across the United States to film and support production. He played a direct role in capturing over 100 hours of first-hand interview footage, documenting powerful personal stories of the displaced refugees. Baywatana debuted at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, where Sahej participated in a panel discussion about the team’s filmmaking experience. Through this work, he gained real-world exposure to professional filmmaking and storytelling while contributing to a project with global impact. More importantly, the experience gave him deeper insight and empathy into the plight of displaced communities who faced religious persecution in their homeland.

Singh is a member of Team 467, Shrewsbury High School’s FRC Robotics Team, where he has spent the past two years as a key member of the electrical team. He has played an important role in designing and refining the robot’s wiring systems, improving reliability, efficiency, and overall performance. His work has helped create cleaner electrical layouts that make the robot easier to maintain and troubleshoot during competitions. Through close collaboration with the mechanical and programming teams, Singh has strengthened his skills in engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork while contributing to a high-performing, competitive robotics program. Notably, his team qualified for the 2025 FIRST Robotics World Championship, competing among the top teams globally. Sahej completed an internship at SALDEF, where he engaged in leadership development, advocacy, and civil rights awareness. His involvement allowed him to collaborate with peers and mentors across the country while developing skills in public speaking, teamwork, and social impact.

Through these experiences, Singh has strengthened his commitment to service and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of representation and advocacy. Singh’s latest efforts include serving as the Assistant Youth Representative for NESSC, where he identified a key pain point in an outdated, manual spreadsheet-based membership system.Taking initiative, he independently transformed this process into a fully functional full-stack application that now supports and manages membership data for hundreds of users.Through this project, he gained hands-on experience in software development, system design, and deploying real-world solutions that create meaningful impact for his community.

Outside of his academic and technical pursuits, Singh is deeply passionate about music. He has been playing the tabla for over 10 years and also plays the dhol, developing strong rhythm, discipline, and performance skills through years of practice. Music allows him to stay connected to his culture while expressing creativity and energy.

Swara Sonchhatra
Walpole High School, 11th grade
Walpole, MA

Swara Sonchhatra exemplifies sustained, meaningful community service through her dedicated work with Project 351. She has played a central role in organizing and executing clothing and food drives that directly support families in need, demonstrating both initiative and follow-through at every stage. What sets Sonchhatra apart is her humility and persistence. She understands that real impact is not created through one-time efforts, but through consistent, thoughtful engagement. Her leadership is grounded in compassion and strong organizational skills, paired with a genuine commitment to uplifting others. Sonchhatra is fully invested in every initiative she undertakes, from planning and promoting drives to sorting donations and ensuring they reach the intended recipients. She approaches each step with care, always prioritizing dignity and meaningful impact for those she serves.

Shreya Soni
Andover High School, 11th grade
Andover, MA

Shreya Soni founded a nonprofit called Global Medical Initiative that has reached over 10,000 students across multiple countries. Locally, she runs weekly sessions where high schoolers learn actual medical skills like suturing and wound care. Her team is writing a children’s picture book on skin conditions and building a board game to teach kids about hygiene, both set to pilot in local schools and libraries this summer. Soni also won a state-level business competition for My BillAuditor, a concept she created to help people fight back against confusing medical bills, and qualified for the international finals. On top of all of this, she has a published research paper, a paid research internship at Boston University, a 3.9 GPA with four AP classes, and a synchronized swimming platform with 284 athletes following her across the country. She has coached over 50 kids in swimming, tutored 40+ students academically, and has been doing both since middle school.

Diya Vedantham
Acton Boxborough Regional High School, 12th grade
Acton, MA

Diya Vedantham is a rising senior at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School who leads with discipline, curiosity, and a genuine care for others. She shows up in small ways that matter, whether helping a new student settle in or taking the time to listen when it counts. She has earned an honor roll every quarter through middle and high school while taking a rigorous mix of AP and Honors classes. Through HOSA, she has attended state conferences and engaged directly with medical professionals, building both knowledge and confidence in real-world settings.

The summer before junior year, Diya studied Marketing at Georgetown University, where she worked on a mock campaign that strengthened her understanding of branding and consumer behavior. She also took a law class in school that exposed her to criminal and corporate cases, including a visit to the Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Shirley. That experience left a lasting impact, giving her a deeper perspective on the justice system and the people within it. At school, Diya plays an active role in building community. Through DESA, she helped organize cultural events like Diwali and Holi and contributed to World Cultures Week. As a Student Ambassador, she supports freshmen and exchange students as they adjust to a new environment.

Her commitment to service extends beyond school. She volunteered with the WISH Project, supports her local elementary school events, and co-led arts workshops at her school for her peers. She also has assisted teaching a journalism workshop for younger students at her former summer camp Dance has been a defining part of her life for over thirteen years. Trained in Bollywood Fusion, she competes with DFD Academy’s travel team on the collegiate circuit. She has performed at major stages including Bhangra Blowout at George Washington University. In 2025, she represented the South Asian community at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Diwali Parade and Diwali Dance Fest. In 2026, she competed at South Asian Showdown in Boston and placed third with her team, then went on to perform at the National Desi Dance League Junior Nationals in Las Vegas. Over the years, she has also competed in IAGB and NEMA circuits, building a consistent record of performance and growth. Behind these achievements is quiet resilience. For four years, Diya wore a brace to treat scoliosis, often balancing treatment with school and dance. She now supports younger girls facing similar challenges, sharing her experience openly and offering encouragement.

Rishab Vedantham
Action Boxborough Regional High School, 12th grade
Acton, MA

Rishab Vedantham is a rising senior at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School who approaches learning with focus, curiosity, and a steady sense of purpose. He gravitates toward complex problems and looks for ways to turn what he learns into something practical and useful for others. From an early age, Rishab showed a strong instinct for numbers and patterns. That interest deepened through rigorous AP math coursework in high school, where he built a foundation in analytical thinking. He expanded into Microeconomics and Macroeconomics to understand how those principles apply in real-world systems. A summer finance program at Georgetown University strengthened this interest, exposing him to market dynamics and investment strategy in a college setting. He continued that path through dual enrollment at Middlesex Community College. Along the way, he began leading “Finance 101” workshops for younger students and is now developing a gamified app that teaches investing through real-world scenarios. That same analytical mindset drives his work in technology and research, where he has leaned into artificial intelligence and machine learning. Rishab developed a machine learning model to analyze and predict deforestation patterns in the Amazon, applying data modeling techniques to a real-world environmental challenge. He also contributed to research on brain tumor characterization, working with datasets to identify meaningful patterns in medical imaging.

Beyond research, he built a full website for Hindi Manch, improving its digital reach and usability, and assembled his own high-performance computer to better understand hardware and optimization. Across these efforts, he does more than explore ideas. He builds, tests, and applies them.  Outside the classroom, Rishab balances that analytical focus with creativity and community involvement. He plays both piano and guitar and shares simplified tutorials online to make music more accessible for beginners. He has organized and emceed cultural events, including Diwali programs, bringing people together through shared experiences. As a Student Ambassador, he supports freshmen and international students, offering practical guidance and helping them adjust with confidence.  Tennis has been a constant in his life since childhood, and underscores his journey of quiet resilience. Born with a congenital heart disease, Rishab worked his way up to Varsity level through discipline and persistence. The learnings shaped Rishab’s approach to mentor younger athletes. He coaches elementary school students, runs structured practices, and focuses on building both skill and confidence. He also serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for a local tennis academy, where he built its social media presence from the ground up, led outreach efforts, and helped expand the program’s visibility and enrollment.  Across academics, technology, athletics, and the arts, Rishab stands out for his calm determination and practical mindset. He learns with intention, builds with care, and looks for ways to make his work matter beyond himself.

Aditi Wadhwa
Lexington High School, 11th grade
Lexington, MA

Aditi Wadhwa began her training in Bharatanatyam at the age of six at the Triveni School of Dance, under the guidance of Smt. Neena Gulati, and is currently preparing for her upcoming arangetram. In addition to her commitment to dance, Wadhwa is deeply involved in community service. She volunteers at F.U.S.E. School, a nonprofit organization that supports neurodivergent children with social and emotional needs not always met in traditional school settings. She also participates in the Vision-Aid VA English Speaking Program, where she dedicates 45 minutes each week to assisting visually impaired students and is now in her second session. Wadhwa is passionate about giving back and has contributed to a variety of nonprofit initiatives. She has supported events organized by Hindi Manch and the Lexington Parents Association through her work in event decoration.

At the Bhakti Center, she helps prepare sandwiches for homeless families and was honored with the Presidential Gold Award in 2023 for her service. She also enjoys teaching children between the ages of 3 and 15 and has been involved with the Shishubharti School of Language for the past two years, earning the Presidential Bronze Award in 2024. Her additional volunteer efforts include participation in her school’s Best Buddies program and contributing 32 hours of service at Lexploration Camp in Lexington in 2024. Aditi is CPR-certified through the American Red Cross, provides babysitting services, and has earned a black belt in karate. Wadhwa has also demonstrated strong leadership skills through tutoring middle school students in Spanish in 2023, working at a Kumon center in 2024, and leading a watercolor workshop for seniors in 2025 through Volunteering for Seniors (VFS). She further showcased her artistic talent by performing at Vision-Aid’s annual event in July 2025 and looks forward to continuing her dance journey with this important milestone. Academically, Aditi challenges herself with rigorous coursework. She completed AP Computer Principles in her sophomore year and is currently taking AP U.S. History and AP Statistics as a junior. She also completed the SPARK Spring HSSP course offered by MIT’s Educational Studies Program in 2024.