News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (March 7, 2025) – Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for February, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray.

Students receiving recognition were Ellora Smith and Blake Downs from Emerson House, Mariya-Antoaneta Neykova and Samantha Blanco of Hawthorne House and Anjana Muraleedaran and Chloe Bentley from Whittier House.

Ellora Smith

Smith is currently enrolled in Civics, AP Literature and Composition, AP Spanish, Calculus, Appreciating the Arts, Studio 3 and AP Environmental Science.

Described as a standout student who is “personable and determined,” Smith has been inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS), National Spanish Honor Society (SHH), National English Honor Society (NEHS) and the National Art Honor Society.

A devoted member of the CHS community, Smith is active in the Mentoring Program and serves as the President of The Voice Newspaper Club, Co-President of the Art Club and Co-Founder and Co-Captain of the Irish Step Team.

Outside of academics and school activities, Smith spends time volunteering on the Chelmsford Friends of the Library Social Media Committee as a social media content creator.

After graduation, Smith plans to attend a four-year university to major in Environmental Engineering.

She is the daughter of Amy and Bob Smith.

Blake Downs

Downs is currently enrolled in AP Literature, Physics, International Relations, Mock Trial, AP Government and Politics, PreCalc, Nutrition and The Power of Choice.

In addition to being a member of NHS, Downs has been on the honor roll for his entire career at CHS.

He is active on the CHS Mock Trial team and competes on the Cross-Country and Rugby teams.

A “remarkably responsible, dedicated, and humble young man,” Downs achieved the Eagle Scout Award after completing his project – renovating Chelmsford Veterans Memorial Park.

After leaving CHS, Downs plans to attend a four-year college to study Political Science on a Prelaw Track.

He is the son of Michelle and Chad Downs.

Mariya-Antoaneta “M.A” Neykova

Neykova has been balancing a rigorous course load that includes Calculus, Modern World Literature, AP Psychology, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, AP Environmental Science, AP Statistics and Nutrition.

Her hard work has resulted in her becoming a member of NHS and World Language Honor Society.

Neykova is also an active participant in the Mentor Program and a committed Class Representative.

In addition to her academic and leadership roles at CHS, Neykova is a competitive athlete, playing varsity girls’ basketball and track and field. On the basketball court, she served as the team captain her senior year, and was awarded Most Improved Player and Second Team MVC All Conference as a junior.

This fall, Neykova will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where she plans to major in biology or biomedical engineering, while also playing on the women’s basketball team.

She is the daughter of Mariya and Hristo Neykova.

Samantha Blanco

Blanco is taking a diverse course load that includes Pre-Calculus, AP Literature, Studio 2, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Studies, Clay Studio and Reality Check.

Her dedication and achievements have earned Blanco induction into NHS, Science National Honor Society (SNHS), and SHH, as well as recognition as a recipient of the Massachusetts Math MCAS Award.

An active leader in the CHS community, Blanco serves as president of the GIVE Club and has played a key role in the Wings Initiative, holding positions as secretary and social media representative. Additionally, she is a dedicated member of Student Council, Unified Basketball, the Mentor Program, Best Buddies and the Interact Club.

This fall, Blanco plans to attend a four-year college to study psychology, with a focus on child development, as she works toward her long-term goal of becoming a child therapist.

She is the daughter of Nicole and Christopher Blanco.

Anjana Muraleedaran

Muraleedaran is currently enrolled in AP Psychology, Calculus, AP Government and Politics, Modern World Literature, Exploring Popular Music, Mock Trial Honors and AP Research.

Her hard work has earned Muraleedaran induction into NHS, SNHS and NEHS.

Muraleedaran has been an active member in the Human Rights Club (Co-President), Class Representatives, SASA, Interact Club and the Speech and Debate Club. She also competes on the Cross Country and Spring Track teams at CHS.

Described as someone who wants to make “a meaningful impact on her community,” Muraleedaran has raised money for Catie’s Closet and spends countless hours at CHS for fundraisers and community events.

After leaving CHS, Muraleedaran plans to study Political Science and eventually go to Law School to become a Corporate Lawyer.

She is the daughter of Muraleedaran Padmasundaravasu and Hemalatha Sankaran.

Chloe Bentley

Bentley is currently enrolled in AP Psychology, Modern World Literature, Calculus, Introduction to Statistics, Environmental Studies, Unified Physical Education and Senior Workplace Experience.

A dedicated student, Bentley has earned induction into NHS, NEHS, SNHS and the World Language Honor Society. She was also nominated to the MSFHCA Academic All-Star Team for her skills on the field and in the classroom.

Bentley is a four-year member of the CHS Field Hockey program, playing on the Varsity team the past two seasons. She has also been a member of the Ski Team and Outdoor Track Team.

While at CHS, she has also been a Freshman Mentor and a member of the Red Cross Club.

Outside of school, Bentley has spent time volunteering with TOPSoccer and as a Youth Field Hockey Coach with Chelmsford Youth Field Hockey.

In the future, Bentley plans to study medical imaging, specifically Radiology, at a College or University.

She is the daughter of Michele and Paul Bentley.

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.