Star Student: Piya Scielzo Supports Neurodiversity In Chevy Chase

CHEVY CHASE, MD — 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 Asha Scielzo who nominated Piya Scielzo of Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Star local student’s name

Piya Scielzo

What grade is your star local student in?

12th

How do you know the star local student?

Family

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

Not only has she excelled in academics, Piya serves as Miss Montgomery County's Teen (in the Miss America Organization), through which she advocates to raise awareness and promote education around neurodiversity. She has spoken before the Montgomery County Board of Education and the Maryland State Board of Education to advocate for training of school teachers to create more inclusive classrooms where students can thrive.

Through her initiative, local libraries have created book displays to recognize Neurodiversity Celebration Month. She has created her own "Think Differently" stickers to distribute to kids in the community. In addition to her neurodiversity advocacy work, she is very active in Girl Scouts (having earned the highest honor — the Gold Award) and serving on the Girl Advisory Board (providing input to the CEO of the Girl Scouts Council of the Nation's Capital).

Further, she founded her own nonprofit business at age 12 and fosters hundreds of other kid entrepreneurs through children's business fairs.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

She believes deeply in community engagement and inclusion.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Piya Scielzo!

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Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.