April Rising Star of the Month: Saardhat Nagaram

The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce awarded April’s Rising Star Award to Saardhat Nagaram (12) for demonstrating leadership, integrity and general excellence in school.

The Rising Star Award recognizes Nagaram’s positive impact on the community, especially his “respect and courtesy,” according to Nagaram.

“I [am] very involved, whether [it’s] working, volunteering or sports,” Nagaram said.

Nagaram is a varsity football player and competed in throwing events for track and field before sustaining an injury. He is also a member of Falcons Rugby. Despite his athletic achievements, Nagaram said his “excellence comes from helping [his] peers.”

“Being involved every single day, it sheds a bright light on everyone that you’re around,” Nagaram said.

In the community, Nagaram has dedicated himself to multiple forms of volunteer service. He has volunteered with the American Red Cross and the STUDY BUDDY Program, and has tutored many of his classmates.

Overall, the Rising Star Award acknowledges Nagaram’s daily commitment to helping others.

“I think that I’m doing something on a very small scale that goes unnoticed, but it was very nice to see it’s being noticed,” Nagaram said.

Nagaram’s dedication and passion stems from his everyday mindset.

“Go into every day with an intention and everything you do with some sort of intention,” Nagaram said. “I think that’s a big word for me, because no matter what it is, if you have an intention behind something that’s pure, and something that’s actually close to your mind, it will turn out good for you.”

Nagaram’s overall intention is to “leave something better than [he] found it,” a concept he says he learned from football.

“It’s a great reaffirmation that what I’m doing is the right thing,” Nagaram said.