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CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (Oct. 31, 2025) – Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for October, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray.

Students receiving recognition were Claire Mulligan-Hoch and Pranav Ajmera from Emerson House, Joshua Wolman and Karen Khela of Hawthorne House and Riley Bridge and Samhitha Shreesha Pai from Whittier House.

Claire Mulligan-Hoch

“Curious, driven, and always eager to learn,” Mulligan-Hoch is currently enrolled in AP Biology, AP Literature, Writing for College, AP Calculus, Organic Chemistry, AP Research and AP Physics.

Described as an outstanding scholar, Mulligan-Hoch has been inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS), the Science National Honor Society (SNHS) and the National English Honor Society (NEHS). She has also been recognized with the prestigious Dartmouth Book Award and the College Board School Recognition Award.

Mulligan-Hoch is also very involved in the CHS community, serving as a member of the Math Team, Book Talk, Class Representatives and a Freshman Mentor.

When she isn’t studying, Mulligan-Hoch can be found giving back to her community as a town soccer assistant coach and referee or volunteering at the Chelmsford Public Library.

After leaving CHS, Mulligan-Hoch plans to attend a four-year university to major in math or game design and development.

She is the daughter of Erin Mulligan and Steve Hoch.

Pranav Ajmera

Ajmera is currently taking a robust courseload that includes AP Psychology, AP Calculus BC, AP Literature and Composition, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Physics, Nutrition and Intro to Criminal Justice.

A dedicated and accomplished student leader, Ajmera is a member of the National Spanish Honors Society (SHH) and the NHS, where he serves as treasurer.

Ajmera serves as president of DECA, for which he is a three-time State Qualifier and International Qualifier. He has also served as the treasurer of the South Asian Student Association and is the president and founder of the Economics Club.

A standout in speech and debate, Ajmera earned fifth place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate at the prestigious Harvard Tournament.

Outside of school, Ajmera volunteers his time at Lowell General Hospital and the Veteran Affairs Hospital of Bedford.

“A motivated human who is ready to make a real and positive difference in the world,” Ajmera plans on attending a four-year university to focus on biochemistry and economics. Ultimately, he wants to become a field surgeon for the U.S Army and then work with Doctors without Borders.

He is the son of Puja Periwal and Rakesh Ajmera.

Joshua Wolman

Wolman is currently taking an exceptionally rigorous course load that includes AP Literature and Composition, AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP French Language and Culture, AP Chemistry, Honors Band and Modern Topics in Health Sciences.

Wolman’s academic excellence and leadership have earned him membership in multiple honor societies, including the Tri-M Music Honor Society, NEHS, World Language Honor Society, SNHS and NHS. He has also been recognized with the Tulane University Junior Book Award.

“An incredible student and person,” Wolman has been an active member of the Boys Soccer and Alpine Ski teams, as well as Speech and Debate. He continues to be a vital part of the Marching Band, Pep Band and “Head Chop” (a cherished pep rally tradition), in addition to participating in Tri-M, Theatre Guild, the Chemical Science Association and the Mentor Board.

After graduation, Wolman plans to attend a four-year university and will likely pursue a career in healthcare.

He is the son of Kathryn and Daniel Wolman.

Karen Khela

“A truly exceptional student,” Khela is currently enrolled in AP Statistics, AP Literature and Composition, AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Psychology, Honors Anatomy and Physiology and Mentoring.

Her dedication to academic excellence has earned Khela recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and induction into several prestigious honor societies, including NHS, NSHS, Debate National Honor Society, and the National World Language Honor Society for Spanish.

Khela’s has earned the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish, placed second at the State Leadership Conference for Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) in Prepared Speaking and received the Lasell Junior Book Award.

Khela serves as president of The Door Painting Project, president of the Middle Eastern Student Association, co-president of Health Occupations Students of America, financial manager of Yearbook, social media representative for The Crescendos and an active member of Speech and Debate. She is also a respected and sought-after peer tutor, admired for her kindness and dedication to helping others succeed.

Outside of school, Khela teaches Coptic language classes to children at St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church, works as a research intern at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and serves as a student page at the Chelmsford Public Library.

After graduating from CHS, Khela plans to attend a four-year university to study biochemistry on a pre-med track, with the goal of becoming an oncologist.

She is the daughter of Hala Takla and Emil Gendi.

Riley Bridge

“A great student and an even better person,” Bridge is currently enrolled in AP Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology, Pre-Calculus, Modern World Literature, Studio Art 3, Clay Studio I and Mentoring.

Her hard work has earned Bridge membership in the NHS, SNHS and the American Sign Language Honor Society (ASLHS). She has also been recognized with the STAMP, bilingual certification in English and American Sign Language.

Bridge has served as a Project 351 Ambassador for Chelmsford, and is a member of Student Council, co-president of the Pickleball Club and president of the American Sign Language Club. She is also vice president of the ASLHS and president of the Mentor Program.

Outside of school, Bridge can be found volunteering with one of several CHS groups, teaching dance and stocking shelves at the Merrimack Valley Food Bank and Catie’s Closet.

After leaving CHS, Bridge plans on attending a four-year college and majoring in communication science and disorders with a minor or double major in ASL interpreting. Following that, she is hoping to earn a master’s degree in speech pathology.

She is the daughter of Abbie and Craig Bridge.

Samhitha Shreesha Pai

Described as “a remarkable young woman,” Pai is currently enrolled in AP Psychology, AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Biology, AP Computer Science Principles, Nutrition and Modern World Literature.

Pai has earned membership in the NHS, SNHS, NEHS and SHH. She has also been recognized as an AP Scholar with Honors.

An active member of the school community, Pai is a member of the Science Team and Class Reps, president of Interact Club, vice president of Crochet Club, vice president of Chemical Sciences Association and a captain within the Freshman Mentor Program.

Outside of school, Pai serves as a volunteer at the Chelmsford Public Library and the Chelmsford Food Pantry, as well as a program director at the All Bodies Coalition. She has also been conducting an independent chemistry research project regarding water quality and pipe stagnation.

After leaving CHS, Pai plans on attending a four-year college to major in either biochemistry or biomedical engineering.

She is the daughter of Kamakshi Pai and Shreesha Pai Manoor.

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.