News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (October 9, 2026) – Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for September, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray.

Students receiving recognition were Deepika Bollu and Isabel Coulsey from Emerson House, Eilis Dowd and Pranav Sambasivan of Hawthorne House, and Evelyn Hart and Nora Williamson from Whittier House.

Deepika Bollu

Described as “a driven, well-rounded student,” Bollu is currently enrolled in AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Literature, Economics, Creative Coding, Nutrition, Workplace Internship/Capstone, Engineering Design and Psychology.

Bollu is a member of both the National Honor Society (NHS) and National English Honor Society (NEHS), an AP Scholar with Distinction, and has been recognized as Tennis Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Throughout her time at CHS, Bollu has been involved in The Voice, Student Council, Class Representatives, South Asian Student Association (SASA), Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad, Women in STEM, Speech and Debate and DECA. She is also the founder of Girls Who Code at CHS, which she has led since freshman year.

A dedicated student-athlete, Bollu has participated on the CHS cross country and tennis teams throughout all four years of high school.

After high school, Bollu plans to attend a four-year university to major in computer engineering with a minor in artificial intelligence.

She is the daughter of Rani Kutuva and Madhukannan Bollu.

Isabel Coulsey

“A driven, mature, and kind young woman who consistently makes thoughtful and responsible choices,” Coulsey is currently enrolled in AP Literature, AP Spanish, Honors Chorus, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, Studio 3, Nutrition, Pre Calculus and Sociology.

An exceptional scholar, Coulsey has been inducted into the NHS, NEHS, Tri-M Music Honor Society and World Language Honor Society.

Since her freshman year, Coulsey has been an active and valued member of the CHS Theatre Guild.

After graduating from CHS, Coulsey plans to attend a four-year university to major in occupational therapy with a minor in art.

She is the daughter of Kelley and Josh Coulsey.

Eilis Dowd

Dowd is currently enrolled in a rigorous course load including AP Calculus, AP Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, AP French Language and Culture, AP Biology, Honors Band and Modern Topics in Health Sciences.

Her commitment to academic excellence and perseverance in overcoming challenges has led to Dowd’s membership in numerous honor societies including the NHS, NEHS, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

She has also been honored as the recipient of the Harvard Book Award, a Rotary Youth Leadership Award recipient and Hawthorne House Class Marshal.

No stranger to leadership roles, Dowd has served as drum major in the CHS Marching Band, group facilitator for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, vice president of Student Council, section leader for the All-Town Wind Ensemble, president of CHS Book Talk, an active member of the CHS dance team and captain of the CHS varsity ski team. She also serves as a freshmen mentor and secretary of the Mentor Board.

Looking ahead, Dowd plans to attend a four-year college and has many majors she may choose to pursue.

She is the daughter of Rosemary and James Dowd.

Pranav Sambasivan

Sambasivan’s current courseload is a challenging one that includes AP English Literature & Composition, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics: Mechanics, AP Physics: Electricity & Magnetism, AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP Calculus, Economics and Creative Coding.

Sambasivan’s academic excellence and leadership have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Dartmouth College Book Award, the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and Hawthorne House Class Marshal. He was also named a Rensselaer (RPI) Medalist and boasts an impressive second place finish in the prestigious Hackathon Competition.

Beyond academics, Sambasivan is heavily involved in extracurriculars as the founding member and president of the CHS AI Club, social media and written project developer for DECA and president of Model UN, as well as an active contributor to both the Science Team and Freshman Mentor Program.

Through these activities, Sambasivan has earned multiple awards and achievements including two-time state qualifier and state finalist for CHS DECA, and best delegate gavel winner and outstanding delegate for Model UN.

In the future, Sambasivan plans to attend a four year university to study electrical/electronics and computer engineering.

He is the son of Ramya Sambasivan.

Evelyn Hart

Described as “a force” in the classroom, Hart is currently enrolled in AP Literature and Composition, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Psychology, Orchestra, Nutrition and Writing for College.

Hart is a member of the NHS, NEHS, and the Science National Honor Society; she was also the recipient of a College Book Award, an AP Scholar and named a Whittier Class Marshal.

Outside the classroom, Hart is an active member of the girls soccer and indoor and outdoor track teams at CHS. She is also an active member of Student Council, Freshman Mentor Program, Dean’s Council and plays double bass in the CHS Orchestra.

When she’s not representing CHS in the classroom, on the field, or on the track, Hart can be found volunteering her time at the Chelmsford Food Pantry.

After leaving CHS, Hart plans to attend a four-year college or university to study math and finance.

She is the daughter of Maria and Daniel Hart.

Nora Williamson

Williamson is currently enrolled in AP Calculus, AP Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology Honors, Unified PE, Modern World Literature and Nutrition.

She is a member of the NHS and was the recipient of the Yale University Book Award and named a Whittier Class Marshal. Additionally, Williamson is co-president of the Freshman Mentor Program.

“An incredible student-athlete,” Williamson is an active member of the varsity swim and dive team and was selected as the girls team captain this year. Her primary event is the Freestyle, for which she won the Division II State Championship in 2025.

For her swimming excellence, Williamson has been recognized as a three-time team MVP, First Team All MVC, Lowell Sun All-Star, and a Boston Globe and Boston Herald All Scholastic Athlete.

When she’s not competing in the pool, Williamson spends time volunteering for New England Swimming Committees Athlete Representative, the CHS All Boosters Snack Shack and Household Goods.

Williamson has verbally committed to attend Ithaca College in the fall where she will continue her academic and athletic career. She plans to study physical therapy and pursue a doctorate degree in that field.

She is the daughter of Kristin Williamson and Scott Williamson.

To view the most recent Lions Pride television show, which is produced by CHSTv and hosted by Principal Stephen Murray and Deans Erin MacNeil, John MacIsaac and Jaclyn Vitale, please visit https://www.chelmsfordtv.org/shows/lions-pride.

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.