News

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

Students receiving recognition were Shalini Manchi and Justin Buckley from Emerson House, Abigail LoPresti and Lana Freije of Hawthorne House and Elizabeth Kelliher and Klara Vaskova from Whittier House.

Shalini Manchi

Described as “a wonderful young person” who is “a force for good in the classroom,” Manchi is currently enrolled in Precalculus, AP Environmental Science, Studio 2- 2D and 3D, Angels, Demons, Heaven, Hell, and Last Things, AP Literature and Composition, Orchestra, Nutrition, Creative Writing and French 2 Honors.

Her hard work in the classroom has earned Manchi induction into National Honor Society (NHS).

In addition, Manchi is a member of the Student Council, where she currently serves as Vice President, the Interact Club, the Door Painting Project, the Voice Newspaper and the Melting Pot Community.

After leaving Chelmsford High School, Manchi plans to attend a four-year university to major in Journalism.

She is the daughter of Jayashree and Rajanikanth Manchi.

Justin Buckley

Currently enrolled in AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, Pre Calculus, Dual Enrollment Modern World Language, Money Smart, Woodworking and Yearbook, Buckley is a member of NHS.

“A wonderful young man, who is always willing to help others,” Buckley is a member of the Yearbook Club, where he serves as Head Editor.

An integral part of the CHS Volleyball team since his freshman year, Buckley also plays Club Volleyball and volunteers as a coach for the middle school volleyball clinics.

After graduation, Buckley plans to attend Curry College to major in Criminal Justice with aspirations of becoming a Massachusetts State Trooper. He will also be playing college volleyball.

He is the son of Jennifer and Jeff Buckley.

Abigail LoPresti

LoPresti is currently enrolled in AP Psychology,  AP Literature and Composition, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology Honors, Pre-Calculus, American History Through Film and Techniques and Principles in Athletic Training.

Her dedication in the classroom has resulted in LoPresti being inducted into NHS, Science National Honor Society (SNHS) and the National English Honor Society (NEHS).

Described as “charismatic, humble, affable, diligent and well-respected by her peers,” LoPresti has participated in LIME Club and Tech Crew, as well as various community service projects.

After graduating from CHS, LoPresti plans to attend a four-year college and pursue a degree in nursing.

She is the daughter of Sarah and Robert LoPresti.

Lana Freije

Freije is currently enrolled in several challenging subjects such as Calculus, Modern World Literature, Physics Honors, AP Government, AP Statistics, AP Research, Nutrition and Economics.

Described as an “articulate, compassionate, highly intelligent” individual, Freije has been inducted into NHS, World Language Honor Society, NEHS and SNHS.

A four-year member of Student Council and Class Representatives, Freije is the current Student Council president.

As for extracurriculars, Freije has actively participated in speech and debate, while also playing field hockey and participating in spring track.

Following graduation, Freije plans to attend a four-year college to major in economics.

She is the daughter of Zena and Amin Freije.

Elizabeth Kelliher

Taking a rigorous courseload that includes AP Literature and Composition, AP, Statistics, AP Environmental Science, Honors Physics, Honors Precalculus, Honors Band and Science Lab Technician Internship, Kelliher is a member of NHS, SNHS and the Tri-M Honor Society.

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

“A mature, organized, proactive leader who garners respect from faculty and peers alike,”

Kelliher volunteers with NHS, LIME Club, Chelmsford Friends of Music, SNHS and the Rotary with “Rise Against Hunger.”

Kelliher’s future plans include attending a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree in a subject within Biology.

She is the daughter of Amy and Patrick Kelliher.

Klara Vaskova

Currently enrolled in AP Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, AP French Language and Culture, AP Government and Politics, AP Research and Calculus 1, Vaskova is a member of NHS and French National Honor Society.

A multi-year member of Student Representatives, Ted Ed Club, and the Speech and Debate Team, Vaskova is described as having an “unwavering determination, intellectual curiosity, and an innate ability to connect with others.”

She has taken on leadership roles as the Secretary of the French NHS and Co-Captain of the Speech and Debate Team, and has also been on the Volleyball, Gymnastics and Tennis teams.

In the future, Vaskova is hoping to pair her love for Bulgaria and government, studying International Relations and Global Studies on a pre-law track with the intention of becoming an International and Criminal Lawyer.

She is the daughter of Mariya Andreeva and Tihomir Danov.

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.