Schools
Founder of Cedar Hill Preparatory School Honored with Prestigious Kerala Center Award
Award Recognizes Nandini Ambat Menon, Ed.D., for Decades of Educational Innovation and Community Impact
Somerset, NJ – October, 2025 The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center has selected Nandini Ambat Menon, Ed.D., Founder and Chief Education Officer of Cedar Hill Preparatory School, to receive its 2025 Award for Leadership in Education. Menon will be honored at the organization's 33rd Annual Awards Dinner on October 25, 2025, alongside six other distinguished Indian American leaders.
This recognition celebrates the transformative power of visionary educational leadership. Under Menon's guidance, Cedar Hill Preparatory School has earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award (2017), Middle States Association accreditation (2021), and is advancing toward International Baccalaureate World School designation. Cedar Hill Prep graduates consistently gain admission to highly selective private high schools and top-tier universities, equipped with both academic excellence and the character to lead with integrity.
Beyond Cedar Hill Prep, Menon serves on the Board of the New Jersey Academy of Sciences and the Indian American Women Entrepreneur Association, and as Co-Chair of TiE NJ Next Gen. Her leadership bridges education, innovation, and community—demonstrating how educators shape not just individual futures, but our collective future.
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The Kerala Center's annual awards recognize Indian American Malayalees who excel in their fields and contribute to social progress. This year's honorees span government service, nursing, law, literature, community service, engineering, and education.
"Menon's selection reflects not just one achievement, but many—founding Cedar Hill Prep, leading it to national recognition, and advancing educational opportunities through her work with multiple organizations. This breadth of impact in education is exceptional." — Alex K. Esthappan, President, Kerala Center
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For Indian American families, Menon's recognition carries particular significance. It affirms that excellence in education—rooted in cultural values of learning, service, and community—can flourish and be celebrated in America. It demonstrates that the commitment to nurturing young minds is among the highest forms of leadership.
The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Kerala Center, 1824 Fairfax Street, Elmont, New York.
About Cedar Hill Preparatory School
Cedar Hill Preparatory School in Somerset, New Jersey, is a nationally recognized independent school serving students from preschool through eighth grade. Under the leadership of Founder and Chief Education Officer Nandini Menon, Ed.D., the school has earned distinction as a National Blue Ribbon School and Middle States accredited institution, currently advancing toward IB World School status.
About The Kerala Center
The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, Inc. has honored outstanding Indian American Malayalees since 1992, recognizing excellence in professional achievement and community service.
