High school is one of the most difficult and important times of your life, with grueling amounts of homework, responsibilities, and high expectations for students. However, some rise above the rest, showcasing their talents, drive, and determination. One such example is Trinav Banerjee, an 11th grader at Henry M. Jackson High School. Trinav is not only set on succeeding academically, but he’s also involved in many extracurricular community activities that are beneficial to others around him.

 

Since he was a child, Trinav has been involved with music, whether it be singing into a spoon at breakfast or performing on a stage for hundreds of people. Trinav specializes in singing and vocals and is the president of his school’s choir. He is also a longstanding member of the Seattle Youth Opera, the most prestigious youth opera in the state. He has even been awarded the lead role in this year’s production – a huge accomplishment!

 

Trinav has also competed in the All-State competition twice so far! As a freshman, he was able to outperform many older competitors, ranking in the top 5. In 2024 he went back as a sophomore and ranked in 3rd place. After doing so well at the state level, Trinav took a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee to take part in the NATS National Convention. After multiple rounds of dominating his competition, he won second place in the High School Classical Singing category, proving himself to be one of the best vocalists in the country!

 

However, Trinav is not a one-trick horse as he has practiced in all music styles, including pop and jazz, and even has training in traditional Indian music. He also dabbles in guitar and piano. The number of talents Trinav possesses is incredible and is a direct reflection of the content of his character, due to his sheer dedication. Trinav is an extremely talented person, which shines through in all aspects of his life.

 

In the long run, Trinav hopes to major in an IT-related field, another area he’s passionate about, so he has taken many measures to achieve that goal. He is part of the FBLA club at school, which is a club for students who are interested in STEM. They also organize many opportunities for their members to compete. Trinav has competed and excelled in several of these competitions, placing in the top 5 in the state on multiple occasions. The FBLA club also offers STEM lessons, and Trinav gives back by teaching computer science topics at FBLA meetings and using his vast knowledge and experience to help tutor others.

 

Trinav also has a job at the local Mighty Coders establishment and can comfortably teach at all skill levels, although he especially enjoys working with beginners. In an interview, he was reminiscent of his early days, saying, “I was just like them. Young, driven, but extremely confused.” Trinav also worked at the Columbia Athletic Club in the swimming department for many years.

 

Trinav also participates in the South Asian Student Association (SASA) at Jackson High School. This club focuses on South Asian culture, heritage, and more. However, it has lost some of its momentum in recent years, almost rendering it obsolete. This was soon realized by Trinav, as he noticed there were many clubs for other cultures, but none for his. So, he gathered some friends and set out on a mission: to revive SASA. So far, this venture has proven successful, with regular members attending every meeting. He hopes to bring SASA back to its original glory as one of the most popular clubs in school. He is planning many social events throughout the year to focus attention on the largely overlooked South Asian culture. Many students at Jackson are thankful for his efforts to bring their cultures to light.

 

Trinav is also on the Mill Creek Youth Advisory Board, which is a group that promotes community service for the youth of Mill Creek. He has shown his unwavering commitment to our community by volunteering for numerous community events. His favorite was Trunk-or-Treat, because he has always loved Halloween. “It was so fun to see the kids’ faces light up when they got candy,” Trinav said in an interview.

 

He has volunteered at the food bank to help people obtain a much-needed meal and at his local cultural group, Bhindeshi. Bhindeshi aims to celebrate and embrace Indian culture through community events and services. Trinav has given them countless hours, whether running the busy registration desk or setting up chairs for the audience. He has also been an emcee for one of their events, showing his superior presentation skills and his biliteracy, as he was able to switch between his mother tongue, Bengali, and English.

 

Trinav Banerjee is a rare breed of human, as he can impress in everything he touches. Not only is he uber-talented, but he is also willing to put in hard work to produce results, all while making time to give back to the community that has served him with these opportunities.

 

In the words of the great Michael Jordan, “Heart is what separates the good from the great.” And heart is something Trinav does not lack! There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Trinav is going places, and only time will tell how far!