A Star Student Who Is Building A Bright Future For Herself And Others

CHAPPAQUA, NY— 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 Dr. Swapna who nominated Netra of Chappaqua-Mount Kisco. Netra has excelled throughout her high school career, and earned prestigious recognition and there is every indication that she will continue this trend as she heads to Yale.

Star local student’s name

Netra

Star local student’s home state

New York

How do you know the star local student?

Family friend

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE: Netra is a vocal advocate for social justice. She is a member of the White Plains Community Youth Court, a juvenile diversion program that aims to deter youth delinquency by processing cases referred by the Westchester County Department of Probation. Within the program, she has served as Judge, Lead Defense Attorney, Lead Prosecutor, Youth Advocate, and Jury Member. Holding these leadership positions has enabled her to contribute over 120 hours in her pursuit to advance restorative justice and uplift the youth of marginalized communities.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Netra spearheaded a community initiative under the aegis of her internship with New York State Senator Peter Harckham. The campaign, titled Project Certify, aimed to certify nonprofit organizations for the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). Netra was inspired to lead this campaign after noticing a post-Covid decline in volunteer engagement in local organizations and used the PVSA recognition program to motivate volunteers to continually devote their time to social causes. Project Certify has successfully certified 20 organizations in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess County, including Fire/EMS departments, libraries, food pantries, cultural centers, and civic education groups, with a combined volunteer base of over 1530 individuals. Netra identified a tangible need within her community and pioneered a grassroots initiative in which gradual change transformed into sustainable growth.

ACADEMICS: Netra is a Class of 2023 Valedictorian at Horace Greeley High School and a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. She is the Captain and Director of Tournaments for the Speech & Debate Team, Co-President of the Chappaqua Schools Foundation Student Advisory Council, and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Greeley Voice.

Netra received the New York State Senate Youth Leadership Award in 2022 and the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award consecutively for 2021 and 2022. Netra is an Indian classical dancer and was a National YoungArts Merit Winner. She recently performed at the United Nations for International Yoga Day.

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

Netra will be attending Yale University in the fall and plans to major in Global Affairs.

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

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