H.M. Jackson High School Celebrates Excellence Through Superintendent’s Scholar Award
At Henry M. Jackson High School, academic excellence is not defined by grades alone. It is reflected in leadership, service, creativity, resilience, and the willingness to use one’s talents to make a meaningful impact on others.
This year, senior Soumya Chauhan was selected as Jackson’s recipient of the Everett Public Schools Foundation Superintendent’s Scholarship Award for Excellence, a prestigious $1,000 scholarship made possible through the generosity of Drs. Gary and Sue Cohn. The award honors top graduating seniors from across the district and recognizes not only exceptional academic achievement, but also leadership, character, and community involvement. Recipients are chosen from the top five percent of their class.
Alongside Chauhan, finalists Nadia Bollinger and Varshini Siripireddy were also recognized for their extraordinary accomplishments, each representing the depth of talent, dedication, and future potential found within Jackson High School’s graduating class. We extend a huge congratulations to them all!
Soumya Chauhan (Superintendent’s Scholar Award Recipient)
Soumya Chauhan has distinguished herself through a powerful combination of academic rigor, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to serving others. Throughout high school she has pursued a demanding course load that includes Advanced Placement and Running Start classes, building a strong academic foundation while consistently challenging herself. Her passion for healthcare has been shaped through meaningful, real-world experiences. Through internships at Providence Hospital and Hanger Clinic, Soumya gained firsthand exposure to both large hospital systems and specialized clinical care. These opportunities allowed her to connect with patients and better understand the complexities of treatment, inspiring her interest in orthopedics and vascular medicine.
In addition to her academic and career-focused pursuits, Soumya has demonstrated strong leadership across multiple organizations. As a CTE Ambassador, she has worked to expand access to career-connected learning opportunities for students throughout the district. She is also actively involved in HOSA, FBLA, and Key Club, contributing significant service hours while mentoring peers and organizing impactful initiatives.
Her dedication extends beyond academics and service. Earning a black belt in Taekwondo and serving as an instructor, Soumya has developed discipline, leadership, and a commitment to supporting others in their growth. Recognized for her outstanding achievements and contributions, Soumya has been selected as this year’s Superintendent’s Scholar Award recipient. She plans to attend the University of Washington.
Nadia Bollinger has built her high school experience around creativity, leadership, and meaningful storytelling. A valedictorian candidate with a 4.0 GPA and an extensive list of Advanced Placement courses, she has paired academic excellence with a deep commitment to the arts and community engagement. Her work in film and writing has been a defining part of her journey. As co-director and co-editor of the short documentary, To Henry: The Heart of Two Worlds, Nadia helped bring forward a story centered on cultural identity and preservation, earning the Audience Award for Best Short Documentary at the Seattle Film Festival.
Beyond filmmaking, she serves as Head Writer for an international youth literary magazine and as a fiction editor for another publication, mentoring writers and helping shape emerging voices. At school, she co-founded the cinema club and participates in photography club and National Honor Society. Through each of these experiences, Nadia has focused on using storytelling to foster connection and understanding. She plans to attend Scripps College.
Varshini Siripireddy
Varshini Siripireddy has distinguished herself through innovation, leadership, and a passion for expanding access to STEM education. With a strong academic record that includes Advanced Placement and Running Start coursework, she has consistently sought opportunities to deepen her knowledge while applying it in meaningful ways. As the founder and president of the Cascadia College chapter of Project Redesign, Varshini has led efforts to bring STEM education to younger students, developing curriculum and helping reach over 100 children. She has also contributed to CodeBridge, designing and teaching programming lessons to students across multiple schools.
Her leadership extends across organizations including Computer Science Honor Society, Key Club, Girls Who Code, and the CTE Ambassador program, where she has focused on mentorship and increasing access to opportunities for others. With a strong interest in computer science and innovation, Varshini hopes to contribute to advancements in technology, including areas such as artificial intelligence or space exploration. She plans to attend the University of Washington.