Three Eagan High School Students Receive Rotary Student of the Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:

Andy Schmitz, Club President: president@eaganrotary.org or 651-371-9191

Brent Cory, Public Image: pr@eaganrotary.org or 651-675-5544

Three Eagan High School Students Receive

Winter 2024-25 Student of the Month Awards

Three Eagan High School students, Param Thakkar, Aishwarya Pillai and Neo Manavalan, were honored during a recent Eagan Rotary meeting as Students of the Month for December (2024), January and February, 2025. They were selected by counselors and teachers for their leadership, service and community volunteer efforts.

“During each meeting, Rotarians recite the club’s basic tenets of truth, fairness and acting for the greater good,” said Mimi Palen-Clare, president of Executive Growth Advisors and chair of Student of the Month committee. “We recognize these students as outstanding examples of those values.”

About the Students:

December 2024 honoree: Param Thakkar

Param is a distinguished student leader at Eagan High School, excelling in academics, service and extracurriculars. As co-founder and co-president of Eagan UNICEF, he has supported over 160 mentors and raised $10,000 for children in need. He captains the speech, debate, and math teams, earning titles such as state champion in Policy Debate and Academic All-American. A Commended National Merit Scholar and recipient of the Eagan High School Triple A Award, he also pursues dual enrollment at the University of Minnesota. Beyond academics, he is a varsity tennis player, religious youth leader and Director of Academy 37, a global public speaking camp. He plans to study Applied Mathematics.

January 2025 honoree: Aishwarya Pillai

Aishwarya is a dedicated student and leader with a passion for academics, service and the arts. She is the captain of the varsity tennis team and an active volunteer with the UNICEF club. She currently serves as a finance intern for Congresswoman Angie Craig and as the social media/outreach director for Connexions Tutoring. On Sundays, she teaches Hindi to children from 1st to 9th grade. A talented pianist, singer and dancer, Aishwarya is also a member of the Foreign Language Club, an organizer for Youth Values Camp and previously served as director and scriptwriter for a cultural play. She plans to study Business and Computer Science at the University of Minnesota.

February 2025 honoree: Neo Manavalan

Neo played a key role in starting a middle school science olympiad team at Dakota Hills Middle School which recently placed third at regionals. In addition to his passion for STEM, he has been actively involved in robotics, Encore, the school musical and multiple choir groups, including chamber singers and VOX (a cappella). Beyond school, Neo has worked as a soccer referee and volunteers at his church, contributing to youth group activities, fundraising and choir. He plans to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison upon graduation.

The Rotary Club of Eagan was founded in 1987 and is affiliated with Rotary International. The current Rotary President, Andy Schmitz, is a co-owner of Mulberry Business Solutions which is dedicated to empowering small businesses with tailored financial and insurance services. The Rotary motto is “Service above Self” and guided by the Rotary Four Way Test. Details may be found at eaganrotary.org.

# # #

Cutline: The Rotary Club of Eagan recently distributed the winter Student of the Month Awards to Eagan High School Students. From left to right, Rotarian Mimi Palen-Clare, program chair, December honoree Param Thakkar, January honoree Aishwarya Pillai and February honoree Neo Manavalan. Students were recognized for successes in academics, sports and the arts along with their Rotary character traits of honesty and respect for others through their volunteer activities.