Whippany Park High School April Student of the Month: Ashley Lai

Whippany Park High School has selected senior Ashley Lai as the April Student of the Month. With an impressive academic record comprised of Honors and Advanced Placement classes, Ashley has earned multiple designations on the Distinguished Honor Roll. While her academic success marks her as an exceptional student, her dedication to music, leadership, and extra-curricular involvement truly showcases the qualities that make Ashley a deserving recipient of the Student of the Month honor.

Ashley’s love of music has been evidenced by her four years of participation in the Whippany Park Marching Band for which she is flute section leader. She has also been involved in the Jazz Band and has lent her vocal talents to four years of involvement with WPHS’s Madrigal singers. Additionally, Ashley has been instrumental in developing and carrying out Unplugged, Whippany Park’s night of acoustic music. First held in 2012, Unplugged has quickly grown into a popular annual tradition thanks in large part to Ashley’s efforts.

A natural leader, Ashley holds several important positions in various school organizations. Ashley is president of the E.R.A.S.E. (End Racism and Sexism Everywhere) Club in which students promote cultural awareness and acceptance of diversity within the school community. Other positions she holds include editor-in-chief of Etcetera, WPHS’s literary and arts magazine; secretary of Interact, the service organization working closely with the Whippany Rotary Club; and Newsletter Editor of S.E.E.K. (Science Environmental Education Klub), WP’s environmental club aimed at preserving the earth’s natural resources.

Ashley has also been a four year participant in the cross country program and a multi-year participant in Future Business Leaders of America, the Asian Awareness Club, the Wildcats Roar school paper, and National Honors Society. She is involved in the Red Cross Youth Council and Habitat for Humanity as well. Having been described by one faculty member as a “generous and compassionate person who is always willing to lend a hand,” Ashley has been recognized for her advocacy for S.T.A.N.D., a student-led movement to prevent and stop genocide, and as a Caring Student of the Year nominee by the Morris County Professional Counselors Association.

From her academic success to her involvement in her school community, Ashley Lai, April Student of the Month, is a model of the well-rounded student.