Student Profile: Hills East Salutatorian Karishma Sabhnani

So how did Hills East senior Karishma Sabhnani find out she'd be this year's salutatorian?

Announcement over the school's p.a. system? A letter to parents? Nope, this is the 21st century after all...

"I got a text message saying congratulations, I said why, what happened? I'm pretty sure they just named you salutatorian, I said oh, that's nice ... I was excited," Karishma said, recounting the digital conversation.

Karishma will stand before the Class of 2011, 435 strong, to address the graduates as salutatorian. She brings with her a 99.03 grade average, the culmination of a busy four years.

Karishma has been involved with the speech/debate club, which should serve her well when she gives her commencement address. She's been part of DECA, and has also helped tutor youngsters in the 'homework help' program. Karishma enjoyed forming bonds with those she mentored.

"We developed a relationship, it was really a nice feeling to have someone who looked up to you and waits for you to come," Karishma said of one particular youngster.

Karishma is especially proud of her work with Science Explorers. Specifically, her involvement raising money for Heifer International, which donates animals to impoverished families around the world, who in turn donate the offspring to others.

"I go to India every summer, and I see this increasing gap between the rich and the poor," she said. "I really wanted to do something to give back to the community."

Hills East assistant principal Michael Bongino has nothing but praise for one of the jewels of the graduating class.

"She's an extremely dedicated student, very committed to her work," Bongino said of Karishma. "She's an innovator, she's self motivated, she represents the best of Hills East."

Karishma is especially passionate about business and psychology, and plans to pursue that path next year, as she heads to the University of Pennsylvania. First comes graduation, and a fond look back at her days here at Hills East.

"One of the biggest things was opportunity and being able to knock on doors," Karishma said. "That's really why I'm here today, cause I took advantage of what was given."

And at the top of that list is the title of salutatorian, Hills East Class of '11.