The Optimist for the month of October, Aliyah Pillai, was nominated by Ms. Kerry Scholz.
Ms. Scholz comments, “Aliyah has been in my advisory for three years and was a student in my 9th grade Honors Physical Science class. Aliyah is one of the most optimistic, positive students I know. She is gifted not only with academic ability but also the attitude of a gracious servant. She is happy to help a student in need or even guide underclassmen on how to get involved in high school. She is very organized, hardworking, and never afraid to step up and help someone.” Ms. Scholz also states, “Aliyah is an exceptional student. As a senior, she has maintained a very high GPA while taking a rigorous class load of AP classes and college level English classes. In addition, she has made time for her love of music in Band and Choir. Beyond academics, she is also a varsity swimmer for MHS. Although she works hard in all her classes and never settles for less than her best, which is usually a 4.0, she always is one of my favorite people to see each day. She has a smile that is contagious and positive things to say to everyone around her. Aliyah truly deserves to be named Youth Optimist.
Activities that Aliyah is involved in include MHS Swim Team (Captain), National Honors Society (Secretary), LINK Crew, MHS Wind Ensemble (1st Chair), Tri-M Music Honors Society (Vice President), LEAD Club, Marching Band, Musical Productions, Junior Optimist Club, MHS Concert Choir, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and MHS Vocal Jayz.
In our community, Aliyah is active with Make a Difference Day, Special Olympics, 30 Hour Famine, Red Shed volunteering, teaching and volunteering for swim, Jefferson Santa’s Workshop, Pep Band, volunteering at Church; including Mission trips to Florida, Texas, New York and Cambodia, Christmas Caroling, and giving out Valentines at nursing homes.
Following graduation, Aliyah plans to attend UW LaCrosse to study biochemistry and criminal justice to eventually become a forensic chemist. Aliyah is the daughter of Susan and Keshav Pillai.