Westfield senior recognized at Youth Service Awards

Asha Adhikari awarded $1,000 scholarship

Westfield High School senior Asha Adhikari was awarded the 32^nd annual Hamilton County Youth Service Award Monday afternoon.

The ceremony was sponsored by the Hamilton County Commissioners and the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs (HCCOAOD). Adhikari was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

As founder of the Westfield High School Project Hope, Adhikari has led efforts to support the homeless while educating peers on the link between addiction, job loss, and housing insecurity. Her advocacy through Speech and Debate and personal experiences have deepened her understanding of addiction’s impact, reinforcing her dedication to sobriety and service.

(From left) Evan Lawhead (Hamilton Southeastern), Monica Greer (HCCOAOD), Josh Cale (Carmel High School), Asha Adhikari (Westfield High School), Commissioner Christine Altman, Sloan Ferguson (Fishers High School), Commissioner Steve Dillinger, Madison Bowman (Hamilton Heights High School), Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, and Ryan Vetor (Noblesville High School). Not pictured: Zachary Phillips (Sheridan High School). (Photo provided)

Six other students were nominated for the Youth Service Award by their schools’ counseling departments. The other nominees include Josh Cale from Carmel High School, Sloan Ferguson from Fishers High School, Madison Bowman from Hamilton Heights High School, Evan Lawhead from Hamilton Southeastern High School, Ryan Vetor from Noblesville High School, and Zachary Phillips from Sheridan High School. They will each receive a $300 scholarship.

Greer

“We are continually inspired by the passion and dedication of these students,” HCCOAOD Executive Director Monica Greer said. “Each of the finalists has made a meaningful impact in their community, and their commitment to service and living drug-free is impressive. We’re honored to recognize such outstanding young leaders.”