Novi Times

Walled Lake Schools is proud to announce six students have been named semifinalists for the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship.

Three of the students are from Walled Lake Central and three students attend Walled Lake Western. All three of Western’s semifinalists also came from Hickory Woods Elementary School.

Anish Amin, Walled Lake Central, is the son of Tushar and Arti Amin. He plans to study business or engineering with a minor in computer science. Anish is president of Central’s Model UN. He’s also a member of National Honor Society and the Red Cross Club.

“Anish is so deserving of this recognition,” said Central counselor Amanda Swanson. “He will do amazing things in his future.”

Aditya Bodanapu, Walled Lake Central, is the son of Chandrasekhar and Rajeswari Bodanapu. He intends to pursue a degree in either business or engineering. Aditya is on the varsity tennis team, a member of National Honor Society, and president of HOSA – Future Health Professionals and the Indian American Student Association. During the 2021-22 school year, Aditya also started the SAT Club to offer guidance on studying for the exam.

“Aditya’s hard work shows through recognitions such as being named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist,” said Swanson. “I look forward to seeing the path ahead for him.”

Maya Deshmukh, Walled Lake Western, is the daughter of Prabodh Deshmukh and Loredana Cimpean. She plans to study integrative or conservation biology or genetic studies in college. Maya is extremely active in the Western community. She is a member of the school musical, varsity tennis team, forensics, GSA, and Serenade choir.

“Maya is a strong, kind, well rounded student who brings her best to Western every day,” said Western counselor Lindsey Aldridge. “She is hard working and driven, while being caring and a great asset to our student body.”

Siddharth Kotapati, Walled Lake Central, is the son of Sreenivas Kotapati and Aparna Lekireddy. He plans to study engineering at the University of Michigan. Siddharth is the co-founder of Central’s Investment Club and the vice president of Model UN. He’s also a member of the varsity tennis team and works at Fox Run.

“Siddharth is an exceptionally innovative student with a genuine sense of purpose and enthusiasm toward his future goals,” said Central counselor Pamela Wesley. “While naturally gifted in all academic areas, Siddharth also processes a strong sense of humility and character rarely seen in a student of his age.”

“His intelligence and drive toward self-improvement are evident though his choices to enroll in multiple college level courses, excelling in varsity and school athletic teams, heavily involved with school sponsored clubs, and maintaining a job throughout his high school years,” added Wesley. “It has been a true pleasure to work with him, and I wish him all the best in his very bright and exciting future!”

Raaghav Saxena, Walled Lake Western, is the son of Ayush Saxena and Divya Shrivastava. He plans on pursuing a degree in business and computer science. Raaghav has been a member of the varsity soccer team and was a state finalist for DECA. He’s also involved with research projects in conjunction with the Ross College of Business at the University of Michigan, as well as started his own marketing firm while still in high school.

“Raaghav is a motivated and exceptional student who gives his all to everything he does,” said Western counselor Lisa Kurowski. “Walled Lake Western is proud to have Raaghav as a student, and I am sure he will be successful in all of his future endeavors.”

Nandhini Shivaswamy, Walled Lake Western, is the daughter of Krishnamurthy and Mekhala Shivaswamy. She plans on earning a degree in genetics and biology in college. Nandhini is a part of jazz band and wind ensemble, as well as a member of National Honor Society. She also studies South Indian classical music and works as a student teacher for Balavihar on Saturdays.

“Nandhini excels academically and contributes to our student body with her kindness, character and gentile spirit,” said Kurowski. “She is a pleasure to know and have in class, and Walled Lake Western is excited for the future that Nandhini has ahead of her.”

The six semifinalist are the most from Walled Lake Schools in a single year since the District had seven semifinalists in 2016-17. There has been at least two semifinalists from the District every year since.

The National Merit Scholarship Finalists will be announced in the spring.

Original source can be found here.