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CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (Oct. 1, 2024) – Six seniors were recently honored as Chelmsford High School named its Lions Pride/Rotary Student of the Month recipients for September, announced CHS Principal Stephen Murray.

Students receiving recognition were Jocelyn Pica and Joseph Evans from Emerson House, Akhil Dantam and Anisha Dantam of Hawthorne House and Salim Gadiri and Pranav Abburi from Whittier House.

Jocelyn Pica

Currently enrolled in AP English, AP Biology, AP Psychology, AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Research, Journalism and Reality Check, Ms. Pica is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), National English Honor Society (NEHS), National Spanish Honors Society (SHH).

She was the recipient of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute STEM Leadership Book Award her junior year and served as the 2024 Class Marshall for Emerson House.

Ms. Pica is a Freshman Mentor, a leader and shining star in the CHS Theatre Guild and co-president of The Crescendos acapella group.

“An exceptional student and an invaluable member of our school community,” Ms. Pica is also an active participant in Women in STEM and the LatinX Student Association.

Upon graduating from Chelmsford High School, Ms. Pica plans to attend a four-year university to study Biochemistry on the pre-med track to becoming a pediatrician.

She is the daughter of Yolanda and John Pica.

Joseph Evans

Mr. Evans is currently enrolled in AP Literature, AP Calculus, AP research, Honors International Relations, Nutrition, Digital Photography and Journalism.

Described as “an incredibly gifted individual,” Mr. Evans is a member of the NHS and NEHS, as well as a commended AP Scholar with Honors.

He is also the CHS nominee for the Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship.

Mr. Evans is an active member of the GIVE Club, through which he has participated in several service projects, as well as a key contributor to CHS TV.

In the future, Mr. Evans plans to attend a four-year college to study Sports Media Production.

He is the son of Theresa and Brad Evans.

Akhil Dantam

Currently enrolled in Intro to Engineering Design, AP Computer Science, AP Physics, AP Literature and Composition, AP US Government and Politics, AP Calculus and Reality Check, Mr. Dantam is a member of the NHS and NEHS.

Described as someone who “exemplifies leadership and collaboration,” Mr. Dantam is a member of the Math Team, Coding Club and Physics and Engineering Club, as well as a Class Representative and Student Mentor.

During his career at CHS, Mr. Dantam has earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in both bronze and silver categories, as well as the Yale Book Award. He also served as the 2024 Class Marshal for Hawthorne House.

Following high school, Mr. Dantam plans to study computer science, electrical engineering and physics at a four-year college.

He is the son of Radna and Krishnamohan Dantam.

Anisha Dantam

Taking a challenging course load that includes AP French, AP Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, AP Calculus, AP Physics I, AP Biology and Reality Check, Ms. Dantam “consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to academic excellence.”

In addition to memberships in NHS, NEHS and National French Honor Society (SHF), Ms. Dantam has gained recognition in the Science Olympiad, where she placed in the top 8 for the Science Quiz Bowl.

She is also a member of the Ecology Club, the Science Team, and is the president and cofounder of the CHS Chemical Sciences Association.

During her career at CHS, Ms. Dantam has earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in both bronze and silver, the Dartmouth College Book Award, and she served as the 2024 Class Marshall for Hawthorne House.

After graduation, Ms. Dantam plans to attend a four-year college to pursue chemistry or chemical engineering.

She is the daughter of Radna and Krishnamohan Dantam.

Salim Gadiri

Currently enrolled in AP Calculus, AP Literature and Composition, AP Physics, AP French, AP Computer Science, Money Smart and Robotics, Mr. Gadiri is described as “a wonderful student” who is “eager to engage” and “willing to challenge himself.”

A member of the NEHS and SHF, Mr. Gadiri earned a CHS Book Award and was named a 2024 Class Marshal for Whittier House.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Gadiri is very active in the CHS community as a member of the Math Team, Middle Eastern Culture Club, Coding Club and the Freshman Mentor Program. This year, he is serving as a Math Team Captain, as well as on the board for both the MESA and Coding Clubs.

Following graduation, Mr. Gadiri plans to attend a four-year university or college and study Physics or Astronomy.

He is the son of Abdelkarim and Meriem Gadiri.

Pranav Abburi

“An exceptional and highly well-rounded student,” Mr. Abburi is currently enrolled in AP Calculus, AP French, AP Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, Student Government, Nutrition and Economics.

He is a member of the NHS, NEHS and SHF, was the recipient of the Harvard University Book Award and served as a 2024 Class Marshal for Whittier House.

Mr. Abburi has been an active member of the Varsity Swim Team, Math Team, Class Representatives, the Investing Club (Co-President), DECA (Chapter Officer & President), and is the Treasurer for the Class of 2025.

Outside of CHS, Mr. Abburi is a Bank of America Student Leader, a Student Ambassador for the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and a Junior Volunteer at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington.

Upon graduating from CHS, Mr. Abburi plans to attend a four-year university and major in business, most likely focusing on Finance or Economics.

He is the son of Rajyalakshmi Tummala and Sudhakar Abburi.

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.