News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (April 8, 2026) – Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for March, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray.

Students receiving recognition were Sai Bezawada and Haarika Mandava from Emerson House, Andre Brown and Urja Sharma of Hawthorne House, and Agastya Bhatlapenumarthy and Mai Pho from Whittier House.

Sai Bezawada

An “exceptional student,” Bezawada is currently enrolled in AP Literature, AP Psychology, AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Research, Student Government and Guitar.

Bezawada has earned membership to the National Honor Society (NHS) and the World Language Honor Society and was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction for his outstanding performance on AP exams.

In addition, he received the College Board National School Recognition Award and was honored with the India New England 20-under-20 Award, highlighting his excellence both in and outside the classroom.

Beyond academics, Bezawada serves as class treasurer and president of the South Asian Student Association (SASA) and has been involved in soccer, volleyball and swimming during his time at CHS.

After graduating, Bezawada plans on attending a four-year college to study biomedical engineering with a pre-med focus; he also plans on owning his own real estate company.

He is the son of Vijayalakshmi Gottipati and Naresh Bezawada.

Haarika Mandava

Mandava is currently enrolled in AP Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, Public Speaking, AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Research and Honors Anatomy and Physiology.

Described as “a student of exceptional caliber,” Mandava has been inducted into NHS, the Science National Honor Society (SNHS), the National English Honor Society (NEHS) and the Spanish Honor Society.

In addition to earning the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, Mandava is a National Merit Commended Scholar, a recipient of the St. Lawrence University Book Award and a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

She is an integral member of the GIVE Club, Class Representatives, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Club and SASA.

Mandava’s commitment to service is reflected in her volunteer work with The WISH Project, Lawrence General Hospital and the Chelmsford Food Pantry.

After leaving CHS, Mandava plans to attend a four-year university to major in biology or neuroscience.

She is the daughter of Srinivasa Mandava and Usha Guntu.

Andre Brown

Brown is currently enrolled in Modern Topics in Health Sciences, Quantitative Reasoning & Problem Solving, Modern World Literature, Pre-Calculus, AP Spanish Language & Culture, Work Place Experience and AP Psychology.

Described as someone with “a determined, positive attitude,” Brown is a standout athlete, having been a member of the CHS football, basketball and baseball teams. He is also the co-founder of the Sports Management Club.

When he’s not focused on his studies or sports, Brown can be found volunteering his time with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or assisting elderly and disabled residents in town with yard maintenance and seasonal yard clean ups.

This fall, Brown plans to begin pursuing a degree in business and participate in a 3 +1 master’s program at Quinnipiac University.

He is the son of Gary and Sarah Brown.

Urja Sharma

Described as “a dedicated student with a sense of adventure,” Sharma is currently enrolled in a rigorous courseload including AP Calculus, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Literature & Composition, AP Psychology, Nutrition, Forensic Science and Appreciating the Arts.

Sharma’s academic excellence has afforded her acceptance into multiple honor societies including NHS, NEHS and World Language Honor Society.

Additionally, Sharma is a National Merit Commended Scholar, an AP Scholar, was awarded the School Recognition Award through the National Recognition Program and has earned the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Sharma is deeply involved in the school community and was a contributing member to the Melting Pot and Interact Club.

Outside of CHS, Sharma is co-founder of Helping Hands Tech, which seeks to bridge the digital divide among senior citizens, and a youth mentor for the FIRST LEGO League, guiding middle school students in exploring engineering and technology.

Although her next education adventure is yet to be determined, Sharma plans to attend a four-year university in the future.

She is the daughter of Ruchi Dwivedi and Sumit Sharma.

Agastya Bhatlapenumarthy

“A tremendous student,” Bhatlapenumarthy is currently enrolled in AP Statistics, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Research, Modern World Literature, Guitar, Nutrition and Life Science Workplace Experience.

Bhatlapenumarthy has been inducted into NHS and the World Language Honor Society; he is also the recipient of the Abigail Adams Scholarship for his score on the MCAS exam.

Outside the classroom, Bhatlapenumarthy is a member of the indoor and outdoor track and field teams, HOSA Club, Interact Club (vice president) and Red Cross Club (president).

Beyond the walls of CHS, Bhatlapenumarthy is dedicated to serving the community and has been the recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

This fall, Bhatlapenumarthy plans on attending a four-year university to major in chemistry, before moving on to medical school to become an internal medicine doctor.

He is the son of Raghav Bhatlapenumarthy and Supraja Kotharu.

Mai Pho

“An outstanding leader,” Pho is currently enrolled in AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, Physics Honors, Modern World Literature, Pre-Calculus, Introduction to Statistics and the Senior Internship course.

Her hard work and dedication to her studies have led to membership in NHS and French National Honor Society.

An incredible swimmer, Pho has been a four-year member of the CHS girls varsity swim team, serving as captain this past season.

Beyond the pool, Pho is involved with the Freshman Mentor Program and served as a PLUS Block captain this past school year.

After graduating from CHS, Pho plans on attending Babson College where she will pursue a degree in business and entrepreneurship while continuing her swimming career at the collegiate level.

She is the daughter of Son Pho and Ngoc Nguyen.

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.