Discus Award Winner
Winners Gallery
PHOTOS
Payal Hirpara
12th Grade, NJ
ATTRIBUTES
Academics
My grades and the classes I take in school mean the world to me. I have always pushed myself to take the hardest classes possible in every situation. I have taken numerous honors classes from pre-calculus to physics to biology to English and more, as well as many AP classes (Chemistry, Literature & Composition, Spanish, Calculus AB). I have achieved A's in all of my classes, with a few high B's here and there as I made a transition between two high schools in my junior year. I have been inducted into three honor societies from my academics achievements (National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society). I have also received awards in Science Achievement, Mock Trial Achievement, FBLA State Finalist two times, High Honors, Principal's Award, and more
Community Service
Community service is a passion I have found as I have progressed through middle school and high school. I began by volunteering at blood drives my school would host and volunteering at the UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital on the weekends and weekdays as well during summer vacation. As high school has progressed I have found myself fully indulged in my school's volunteer club (Interact Club) in which I am currently Secretary/Treasurer. I volunteer with my town's recreation committee and assist the committee in all town events such as the Christmas Party. I also help coordinate an annual Gift of Life Dance Benefit in which we raise money to bring a child from Africa to the U.S. for a life-saving heart surgery. Volunteering is something I will continue as I become older.
Athletics
While academics and community service are very important to me, athletics is an area where I can actively compete with students from nearby towns in a sport I truly enjoy for entertainment. I have been playing softball since I was in the 3rd grade and it plays a huge role in my life. I played on local town teams up until middle school, where I played on the school's junior high team. As I entered high school, I have played on the school's varsity team and earned varsity letters. Track and field is another sport I have actively participated in from a young age. I love to run as it keeps me in shape for softball and helps me release any negative energy or stress I may have. I have competed on varsity track and field teams and cross country teams during high school as well.
