News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (Dec. 20, 2024) – Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for December, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray.

Students receiving recognition were Sophia Miranda and Ishani Dave from Emerson House, James Owen Dowd and Alden Mondoth-Deepak of Hawthorne House and Matthew Kelliher and Valerie Ren from Whittier House.

Sophia Miranda

A standout student, Miranda is currently enrolled in Civics, AP Environmental Science, Honor’s Band, AP Literature and Composition, AP American Government and Politics, Pre-Calculus and AP Music Theory.

Her hard work in the classroom has earned Miranda membership in National Honor Society (NHS), Spanish National Honor Society (SHH) and Tri-M Music Honor Society (president).

She is also the Treasurer of Student Council, Secretary and Section Leader of the Marching band and a member of the All Town Wind Ensemble.

“An outstanding musician and an even better human being,” Miranda plans to attend a four-year university to study Music Education.

She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Tim Miranda.

Ishani Dave

Described as “a powerhouse in the classroom,” Dave is enrolled in AP Psychology, AP Literature and Composition, Reality Check, AP Calculus, Anatomy and Physiology, AP Statistics and AP Physics.

Her dedication has earned her membership in NHS and Science National Honor Society (SNHS).

In addition to her studies, Dave is an active member of the GIVE Club, Human Rights Club, and Melting Pot.

Beyond her school involvement, Dave volunteers her time at multiple hospitals, tutors underclassmen and actively participates in BAPS, a youth leadership group within her local religious organization.

After graduation in the spring, Dave plans to attend a four-year university on a pre-medical track with the ultimate goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.

She is the daughter of Hema and Jigar Dave.

James Owen Dowd

Always one to challenge himself, Dowd is taking a rigorous course load that includes AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP American Government and Politics, AP French Language and Culture, Honors Band, Modern World Literature and a Mentoring Internship in the PAVE classroom.

He is a Junior Book Award recipient, a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program and an AP Scholar.

Dowd is also a member of multiple honor societies, including NHS, SNHS, National Speech and Debate Association Honors Society, National English Honor Society (NEHS), Tri-M Music Honor Society; he also serves as president of French National Honor Society (SHF).

Described as “a kind and thoughtful individual,” Dowd had been an active participant in Marching Band throughout high school, serving as Band President this year.

He is also the team captain of the CHS Ski Team, where he qualified for the MIAA Alpine Ski State Tournament. Dowd helped the CHS Golf Team secure the Merrimack Valley Conference Championship and also competes on the Varsity Track Team.

After graduating from CHS, Dowd plans to major in either physics or political science while attending a four-year college.

He is the son of Rose and James Dowd.

Alden Mondoth-Deepak

A student who possesses a “razor-sharp intellect and relentless curiosity,” Mondoth-Deepak is currently enrolled in AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP US Government and Politics, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Computer Science and Honors Common Law and Trial Procedures.

He is a member of the NHS and SNHS, and is a commended student in the National Merit Scholarship program.

Also very involved in extracurriculars, Mondoth-Deepak is captain of the CHS Math Team, a member of the Science Team, the Coding Club, the Physics Club, Mock Trial and Speech and Debate.

Following high school, Mondoth-Deepak plans to attend a four-year college to pursue a major in Applied Mathematics and Statistics.

He is the son of Deepak Thomas Mondoth Augustine Thomas and Sherly Paulraj.

Matthew Kelliher

“An extremely bright young man,” Kelliher is currently enrolled in AP Literature and Composition, AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science Principles, Band and Civics.

His hard work and dedication has led to membership in NHS and SNHS.

Kelliher was the recipient of a College Book Award and has been recognized nationally in the National Merit Scholarship Program as a Commended Student.

Active in the CHS Marching Band, Kelliher serves as a Section Leader this year. He has also held membership in the All-Town Wind Ensemble and the CHS Pep Band.

Kelliher is a member of the Cross Country, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track teams, and also serves as a Freshman Mentor.

Outside of school, Kelliher continues to stay active and give back as a member of Scouts BSA – Troop 74/77 Chelmsford and as a Life Scout.

After completing high school, Kelliher plans to attend a four-year college and major in Computer Science.

He is the son of Amy and Patrick Kelliher.

Valerie Ren

A student with “determination and intelligence,” Ren is currently enrolled in AP Literature and Composition, AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Psychology, Honors Physics, Studio Art 2 and Journalism.

Her hard work has earned Ren membership in multiple honor societies, including NHS, NEHS, SHF and SNHS.

She was a recipient of a College Book Award last spring, titling her one of the top 14 students in the Class of 2025.

In addition to her studies, Ren offers her time to Give Club and the Door Painting Project.

Ren’s future plans include majoring in Biology or something else related to pre-med, with hopes of becoming a pediatric doctor.

She is the daughter of Shao Feng Ren and ShengHe Lu.

To view the most recent Lions Pride television show, which is produced by CHSTv and hosted by Principal Stephen Murray and Deans Christina Mitza, Erin MacNeil and John MacIsaac, 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.