Driving Excellence and Making an Impact!

  • Aarushi Bhagat

    Aarushi Bhagat

    Aarushi was among the top 2,500 students nationwide to receive the prestigious National Merit Scholarship in 2025. She was chosen from more than 15000 finalists - representing less than one percent of graduating seniors in Class of 2025 across the U.S.

    Her stellar academics, scores in qualifying tests and leadership and community activities stood her well apart from her peers earning her this prestigious merit!

  • Sanaa Wagle

    Sanaa Wagle

    During the summer of 2025, Sanaa worked with the Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH) in Gadchiroli, India, a region where pioneering efforts have reduced infant mortality by 70%. Despite facing a personal setback from a motorcycle accident, Sanaa pushed forward and immersed in research and frontline healthcare. The work included data collection in villages, assisting with rapid malaria diagnostics, and observing hospital operations in a resource-limited setting. This experience highlighted global disparities in healthcare and inspired a commitment to pursuing solutions that bridge these gaps. We are proud of your contribution Sanaa!

  • Neel Shanbhag

    Neel Shanbhag

    Neel was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout-the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve after nearly five years of dedication. The requirements for this rank include camping at least 20 nights in the wilderness, earning 28 merit badges across a wide range of skills, demonstrating leadership, and completing a community service project. His project involved raising funds, recruiting volunteers, supporting a beneficiary, and overseeing execution to create a lasting social impact. Specifically, he planned and led a Sunday school remodeling effort at Sai Samsthan USA, showcasing both independence and the ability to inspire and motivate others. Congratulations Neel!

  • Kundan Baliga

    Kundan Baliga

    Currently a senior at Neuqua Valley High School, Kundan is selected as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship. He represents less than 1% of students across the United States.

    The process involves stellar performance in preliminary SAT, qualifying test, other academic records, participation in school and community activities and leadership. We wish him all the very best to win the finals!

  • Anika Shenoy

    Anika Shenoy

    Anika represented Illinois state in 2024 Rhythmic Gymnastics Regional Championships. She is currently training at Level 7 in Elite Sports Complex under head coach Maria Barakova and will be participating in several meets this year while also maintaining academic excellence. She is also a dedicated music enthusiast, currently pursuing training in violin and vocal performance. Make AMKA proud Anika!

  • Vikram Pai

    Vikram Pai

    Vikram Pai is an accomplished student debater, earning first place in Public Forum Debate at the state level and second place at the internationally renowned MUNUC Model UN conference in Chicago, which brought together over 3,000 delegates from around the world.

    With a passion for public speaking and international affairs, he strives to use debate and diplomacy as tools for leadership and impact. Way to go Vikram!

  • Aarush Virginkar

    Aarush Virginkar

    Aarush Virginkar was named in the Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, a premier 18 & Under STEM competition for the middle school students. Their project was titled: “Can AI predict future water quality better than traditional methods”. Way to go Aarush and can’t wait to see more innovations in future!

  • Anushka Shenoy

    Anushka Shenoy

    A 10 year old Artistic Gymnast from Legacy Elite gymnastics club, Anushka represented Illinois state in 2024 Regional Championship at Excel Gold level and secured top place among all the participating gymnasts from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio. In addition, she is a skilled striker in her park district soccer team and also pursuing her violin training. Go get’em Anushka!