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CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (May 22, 2026) – Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for May, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray.

Students receiving recognition were Haasini Vemparala and Logan Kowalik from Emerson House, Joshua King and Catherine Craig of Hawthorne House, and Gautham Vijay and Ella Fazio from Whittier House.

Haasini Vemparala

An exceptional student, Vemparala is currently enrolled in AP Literature, AP Psychology, AP Government, AP Statistics, Calculus and Honors Physics.

Described as “an intelligent, kind-hearted young woman,” Vemparala is a member of both the National Honor Society (NHS) and the National World Language Honor Society.

Beyond the classroom, Vemparala earned a Global Fundraising Award for her work raising awareness and funds to support Nigerian communities affected by sexual harassment.

Vemparala has been an active member of the Speech and Debate Club, Mock Trial Team, Human Rights Club and The Voice, the CHS newspaper; she is also the Massachusetts Director of the Youth Legislative Action Center.

When not focused on her studies or extracurriculars, Vemparala can often be found volunteering at the Nashua Soup Kitchen.

After leaving CHS, Vemparala plans to attend George Washington University to major in political science and finance.

She is the daughter of Ram and Supriya Vemparala.

Logan Kowalik

Kowalik is currently taking a challenging courseload that includes AP Statistics, AP Literature, Honors Pre-Calculus, AP Psychology, Nutrition, Creative Writing, AP Research and AP American Government and Politics.

He is a member of the National Honor Society, has earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Honors, and received the Orange Award from Syracuse University.

Described as “the kind of student who can succeed in the classroom, compete on the field, and still make everyone around him laugh,” Kowalik is a varsity athlete and an integral member of both the CHS hockey and lacrosse teams.

In addition, Kowalik serves as a class representative, helping to foster school spirit, organize events and encourage student involvement.

Outside of CHS, Kowalik can be found serving as a USA Hockey referee, strengthening his leadership, confidence and decision-making skills.

After graduation, Kowalik plans on attending Syracuse University to study finance and political science.

He is the son of Jessica and Sean Kowalik.

Joshua King

As a senior, King has challenged himself academically, taking AP Statistics, Honors Physics, Modern World Literature, AP Environmental Science, Creative Coding, Economics and AP Computer Science.

All of King’s hard work has led to his induction into NHS.

“A dynamic and dedicated student,” King has been heavily involved in volunteerism and athletics, as a valuable member on the CHS hockey and lacrosse teams.

King selflessly gives his time to many organizations including Officer Tim Bourke Memorial Scholarship Fund, CHS Athletics and Temple Shalom.

After leaving CHS, King will be attending Virginia Tech majoring in National Security and Foreign Affairs. He also plans to attend the Corps of Cadets as a member of the Army ROTC program.

He is the son of Danielle and Jeffery King.

Catherine Craig

“An extremely kind, dedicated, positive leader,” Craig is currently enrolled in AP Psychology, AP Environmental Studies, Pre-Calculus, Modern World Literature, Workplace Experience, Athletic Training and Career Exploration.

Her dedication to learning has earned Craig membership in NHS and the Academic All-Star Team; she is also a recipient of the Joan Paquette Academic Award.

Over the past four years, Craig has dedicated a substantial amount of time to CHS clubs, activities and athletics.

She is active in Class Reps and the Mentor Program and has been a member of the track, field hockey and lacrosse teams, earning numerous awards for her athletic abilities.

In the fall, Craig plans to continue her educational and athletic careers at Siena College majoring in health studies.

She is the daughter of Anne and Robert Craig.

Gautham Vijay

“A truly exceptional student,” Vijay is currently enrolled in Modern World Literature, AP Calculus, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, AP Chemistry, AP American Government and Politics.

His academic production has yielded Vijay membership in the NHS (vice president), Science National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society.

Outside of the classroom, Vijay is an active member of the school community as a member of LIME Club, the CHS Concert & Marching Band, CHSTv, South Asian Student Association, HOSA (treasurer) and a captain of the varsity tennis team.

When he’s not working hard in the classrooms or with activities, Vijay can be found volunteering his time at Lawrence General Hospital, The Wish Project, Chelmsford Food Pantry, Chelmsford Public Library, American Red Cross Association and the Love All Serve All Foundation.

This fall, Vijay will be attending the University of Michigan to study kinesiology.

He is the son of Vijay Arjunan and Bhavani Duraipandi.

Ella Fazio

“An asset in all of her classrooms,” Fazio is currently enrolled in Calculus, AP Psychology, Modern World Literature, AP Environmental Science, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to Criminal Justice and Workplace Experience.

Fazio’s academic success has earned her membership to NHS and the Spanish World Language Honor Society (treasurer).

Outside of the classroom, Fazio has been very involved in the CHS community as a member of Best Buddies, Class Representatives and the Freshman Mentor Program. She has also been a four-year member of the girls varsity lacrosse and indoor track and field teams.

When she’s not working hard in the classroom or running around a track or field, Fazio can often be found and volunteering for the Chelmsford Youth Lacrosse program, promoting the sport at camps, clinics and games.

After graduating, Fazio will be attending the University of Connecticut to major in allied health sciences on a pre-physician assistant track with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician assistant in dermatology.

She is the daughter of Rita and James Fazio.

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.