News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (June 12, 2026) – Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for June, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray.

Students receiving recognition were Ellen Griswold and Ishani Senthilkumar from Emerson House, Alyson Roark and Ryan Higgins of Hawthorne House, and Ava Sak and Cody DiStasi from Whittier House.

Ellen Griswold

Consistently challenging herself with rigorous coursework, Griswold was most recently enrolled in Pre-Calculus, AP Psychology, Nutrition, Public Speaking, Honors Physics, AP Environmental Science, AP Research and AP Literature.

“A great kid who is confident in who she is, talented and hardworking,” Griswold is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), the Spanish World Language Honor Society and the National English Honor Society.

In addition to her academics, Griswold was deeply involved in the CHS community as a member of the CHS Mentor Program and the girls varsity volleyball team; she also served as the boys varsity volleyball team manager during her junior year.

In the fall, Griswold will be attending Lafayette College to study psychology or law.

She is the daughter of Angela and David Griswold.

Ishani Senthilkumar

During her final term at CHS, Senthilkumar was enrolled in AP Calculus, AP Statistics, Modern World Literature, Physics Honors, AP Environmental Science, Workplace Experience and AP Research.

An exceptional student, Senthilkumar is a member of both NHS and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

“A dedicated and well-rounded individual,” Senthilkumar has been an active member of the Science Club, CHS Mentor Program, cross country team and tennis team.

Beyond the classroom, Senthilkumar actively seeks opportunities to help and support others, volunteering at the Chelmsford Public Library, working as a tutor and serving as a referee for the Chelmsford Youth Basketball League.

Looking ahead, Senthilkumar plans to attend UMass Amherst to major in Biomedical Engineering.

She is the daughter of Lavanya Mani and Senthilkumar Chinnappiyan.

Alyson Roark

Throughout her senior year, Roark took on a diverse and rigorous course load that included Unified Gym, Career Exploration, Introduction to Statistics, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, Education Practicum and Seminar, Modern Word Literature, Nutrition and Forensics Science.

Described as having a “fierce, kind and empathic personality,” Roark actively contributed to the CHS community through her involvement in Dean’s Council, Class Representatives and as a leader of the Tundra.

She also served as the captain of the girls varsity ice hockey team and was a valuable member of the varsity lacrosse team.

This fall, Roark will be attending Roger William’s University to double major in cybersecurity and networking.

She is the daughter of Alexandra and John Roark.

Ryan Higgins

During his senior year, Higgins was enrolled in Career Exploration, Unified Physical Education, AP Psychology, American History through Film, Pre-Calculus, Honors Anatomy and Physiology and Modern World Literature.

His commitment to his studies earned Higgins induction into NHS.

“A standout both in and out of the classroom,” Higgins has been an active and influential member of the Chelmsford High School community.

He was an active member in the Investing Club, Economics Club and Class Reps, and excelled as a member of CHS baseball team.

This fall, Higgins plans to attend Westfield State University, where he will pursue a degree in nursing.

He is the son of Kevin and Erin Higgins.

Ava Sak

“A smiling face in every classroom and space she is in at CHS,” Sak was most recently enrolled in AP Psychology, Quantitative Reasoning, Modern World Literature, Environmental Studies, Intro to Programming, American History Through Film and Student Government.

Outside the classroom, Sak has been a member of Class Representatives, Dean’s Council, winter varsity cheerleading and fall varsity cheerleading; she also served as the secretary of the Class of 2026.

In the fall, Sak will be attending the UMass-Lowell Honors College to study business administration with a concentration in finance and marketing.

She is the daughter of Sit Sak and Leann Pich-Sak.

Cody DiStasi

“A welcome addition to any classroom,” DiStasi was most recently enrolled in Architecture, TV and Broadcasting, Modern World Literature, American History Through Film, Pre-Calculus, Woodworking and Student Government.

His had work in the classroom earned DiStasi membership in the NHS and World Language Honor Society for ASL; he also earned the Seal of Biliteracy in English and ASL.

In addition to his studies, DiStasi was a member of Class Representatives, student ambassador to the CHS Alumni Association, leader in the Freshman Mentor Program, a member of the varsity baseball and swim and dive teams, Tundra Leader and president of the Class of 2026.

Looking ahead, DiStasi will be attending Sacred Heart University to study nursing.

He is the son of Rebecca and Lou DiStasi.

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.