Community Corner
Star Student Shows 'Leadership, Initiative,' 'Social Responsibility'
Mira, a Lake Forest 12th grader, launched a blood drive at her high school and provided menstrual supplies to over 3,700 girls in India.

LAKE FOREST, IL — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.
Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.
This submission comes from Indira Saladi, who nominated Mira, a Lake Forest 12th grader.
Star local student’s name
Mira
How do you know the star local student?
Community Member
Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?
Mira's actions in response to the national blood shortage and the scarcity of menstrual supplies in India demonstrate her remarkable dedication to social responsibility and her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Upon learning of the national blood shortage, Mira took swift action to organize a blood drive at Beacon Academy, partnering with Vitalant and working closely with her school administration to ensure the event's success. She took the initiative to create communications that raised awareness about blood-giving eligibility, actively engaging young and healthy volunteers in her school and the wider community. Undeterred, Mira is already planning another blood drive this Spring and hopes to establish a regular, ongoing schedule of biannual blood drives at her high school, Beacon Academy after she graduates.
Mira's passion for making a difference extends beyond the US, as she was deeply affected by the scarcity of menstrual supplies in India, which impacted girls' education. She recognized the challenge of girls in rural India who are forced to halt their education during menstruation due to the lack of necessary supplies, and decided to take action by raising funds to provide menstrual hygiene products to over 3,700 girls through America India Foundation's Circle of Hope. Through her compassionate efforts, Mira is playing a critical role in breaking down the stigma associated with periods in rural India and is empowering girls to continue their education without interruption. Mira's empathy and dedication to supporting this cause is evident as she actively took on a communications role to promote the initiative and raise awareness of the issue.
Overall, Mira's proactive efforts to improve the lives of others and address critical social issues through direct action, advocacy, and fundraising exemplify her deep commitment to social responsibility and her exceptional leadership skills. Mira's work is an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps and make a positive difference in the world.
What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?
One thing to know about Mira is that she is a compassionate and driven individual who actively seeks to make a positive difference in the world. Through her efforts to organize blood drives and raise funds for menstrual hygiene products in rural India, she demonstrates her exceptional leadership skills, initiative, and dedication to social responsibility. Mira's actions serve as an inspiration for others to take action and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Mira!
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