LAWRENCE — Two members of Central Catholic High School’s Class of 2024 — and Lowell area residents — earned their way to the top. Navin Ramesh (N. Chelmsford) was named valedictorian, and Arnav Lele (Chelmsford) was named salutatorian.
Navin Ramesh
This fall, Navin will be attending Brown University, where he plans to major in environmental studies and economics.
Navin earned several prestigious academic scholarships including being named a Coca-Cola Scholar, Coolidge Senator, National Merit Scholar, Presidential Scholar Semifinalist, Bryan Impact Scholar Finalist, Northeastern University Stamps Scholar, Boston College Gabelli Scholar, and Boston University Trustee Scholar.
Navin aspires to enter the field of medicine, practicing either surgery or anesthesia where it is needed the most, in rural America and abroad. “I’m hoping to research sustainable healthcare practices and better pain management solutions and use what I learn to make change through policy.”
Navin successfully completed 15 Advanced Placement courses and the AP Capstone Diploma Program, and he is also a National Merit Scholarship winner.
Outside of the classroom, he participated in a variety of activities including Student Council (Executive Board), Student Council (class president), Student Alumni Association (co-president), Student Ambassadors (leadership), DECA (president/four-time national finalist and state champion), IYNA Neuroscience Club (president), Campus Ministry, ice hockey, cross country, lacrosse, National Honor Society (president), Visions Literary & Arts Magazine, Gavel Club.
Beyond CCHS, Navin made time to serve on the Federal Emergency Management Agency Youth Preparedness Council, Red Cross Disaster Services, congressional intern, Upper Merrimack Valley Medical Reserve Corps, Sudanese American Medical Association, and volunteer with New England hospitals.
When Navin learned of being named valedictorian, he was “humbled and overwhelmed by the affection and joy my family, friends, and teachers shared. I am happy I was able to make them proud!”
“I’ve been academically challenged since my freshman year at CCHS,” said Navin. “Ms. Burns (Jeanne Burns, CCHS academic dean) does an amazing job of creating an academic path for every student, ensuring that they are pushed beyond their comfort zone and reach their potential. Also, the support of my friends and the multitude of ways I was able to engage on campus, through student council, Campus Ministry, and clubs, ensured that I was well-rounded and had a safety net for any challenges I took on.”
Navin’s sister, Ranjana Ramesh, was a co-valedictorian for the CCHS Class of 2023. Navin will be joining Ranjana at Brown University in the fall.
Arnav Lele
This fall, Arnav will be attending the University of Southern California, where he plans to major in aerospace engineering.
Arnav has earned several academic distinctions including being named a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar With Distinction, and he’s the recipient of a generous USC academic scholarship.
Arnav — who aspires to enter the aerospace industry as an engineer for SpaceX, and eventually develop a start-up company in the field — successfully completed 11 Advanced Placement courses throughout his four years at CCHS.
Outside of the classroom, he participated in a variety of activities including varsity tennis (captain), Student Ambassadors, National Honor Society, DECA, and Intramural Sports League (co-founder).
Beyond CCHS, Arnav makes time to volunteer for Serving Stars and ReStore: Habitat for Humanity.
When Arnav learned of being named salutatorian, he “felt this honor had been the product of four years of my hard work and dedication to my academics, as well as the support and care of my teachers and fellow classmates.”
“Central Catholic is special because it is more than a school community … It truly is a family,” said Arnav. “I will always remember how Central became a second home for me. I felt welcome and appreciated by all of the faculty, and staff and they have been patient, diligent, and thoughtful in their teaching, guiding me to succeed in the classroom. My teachers put in a lot of time and effort towards their material, and they were always willing to review a concept or topic I was struggling with. My favorite part of the CCHS community was definitely my fellow classmates — everyone brings something special to Central. I was able to meet and connect with students from so many different towns and backgrounds. Some of these people have become my closest friends, and I am forever grateful for CCHS bringing us together.”