Sonal Shahani has been named Becton’s March Student of the Month!
Shahani has worked toward this achievement since before she even entered high school, often passing by the screen in front of the school and imagining her name being displayed. Now, that vision has become a reality, “It is truly an honor to be recognized this way. My dad would always say, “One day your name will be up there!”
Shahani’s schedule is packed full of challenging classes including Chemistry Honors, Italian 4 Honors, AP World History, AP US History 1 & 2, AP Physics, AP Precalculus, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Statistics and AP US Government. She explains that, “Sometimes my grades go down due to the challenges they provide, but I still strive to stay in those classes. I have always tried to be a high-achieving student, so I try my best with AP and Honors classes.”
Shahani’s friends describe her as kind, respectful, intelligent and dedicated to both her academics and various commitments. Senior Kristen Dearborn elaborates, “Sonal never gives up on anything she doesn’t understand. She always pushes herself and is always successful.”
Another close friend, Kaylee Dearborn, highlights Shahani’s natural leadership qualities, remarking, “Taking on many leadership roles has played an important part in her life.” She also remarks Shahani’s admirable time management skills.
Mrs. Paolo Bonanno, who has taught Shahani in Italian for three years, shares, “Sonal’s strong work ethic is evident in everything she does.” She adds, “Sonal is a wonderful student and an even better person. Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of watching her grow both academically and personally. She is incredibly kind, always treating her peers and teachers with respect.”
Mr. Bill Carr, who has taught Shahani in history classes for much of her high school career, agrees—attesting that Shahani is both a terrific student and person with a strong work ethic and enthusiastic approach to school.
Among her many achievements, Shahani is actively involved in several Becton clubs, holding multiple officer positions. She serves as the Reporter for the National Honor Society and Co-President of the Images Magazine. Additionally, she is a member of the Math Honor Society, English Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, Multicultural Club, Yearbook Club, and Peer Leadership. Since last year, she has also worked at the Becton school store, sharing, ‘It feels great to be able to contribute to Becton.”
Outside of school, Shahani still feels a strong commitment to serving her community. She has taken part for the past three years in a youth-based non-profit titled Konnekt Global, which focuses on food insecurity, senior welfare and education equality within New Jersey.
Shahani also exercises her leadership skills in her role as a Junior Commissioner for the Status of Women in Bergen County, an organization that works to fight for women’s equality.
Shahani speaks fondly of her experiences with these organizations, crediting them with teaching her valuable life skills. ‘They have shown me the importance of teamwork and volunteering. It feels great to have made an impact.” Reflecting on her role as a Junior Commissioner, she adds, “Being part of the commission has allowed me to make new friends and has taught me so much about society.”
Shahani’s work ethic was inspired by her biggest role model, her grandfather. She explains, “My grandfather came to America at a really young age and earned his Master’s Degree in Engineering. He created a very fruitful life out of it. It showed me that one can be extremely successful, even when you have nothing.” Shahani adds that her grandfather has always valued her education, saving up for her future throughout her life. She hopes to pass the generosity on to future generations of her family.
In regards to the future, Shahani plans to study marketing in college and get an MBA afterward, preparing her for a career in PR and marketing. Her top three colleges that she would love to attend are Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Fordham University, or Wake Forest University.
She stresses the importance of effective communication in the corporate world, “I want to become the best I can be in that field of business, and what I’ve learned is that good marketing makes the company look smart, but great marketing makes the customer feel smart.”
Mrs. Bonanno concludes by sharing uplifting regards, “Sonal, I have no doubt that your future will be filled with incredible achievements and success. Your kindness, dedication, and leadership will take you far in whatever path you choose. Keep striving for excellence, believing in yourself, and embracing new opportunities with the same passion and determination that have brought you this far. Wishing you all the best in your journey ahead. Buona fortuna!”
Reflecting on her time at Becton, Shahani expresses deep gratitude for the experiences and connections she has made through her daily endeavors and school-spirited events like games and plays with friends. “Being a student at Becton has opened so many doors for me in different ways. I have learned so much from the amazing teachers and lessons Becton has provided. The opportunities to grow have been endless, and it truly has felt like a family here. I’m really going to miss Becton when I have to leave,” she shares.
We will miss you too, Sonal, and we cannot wait to see all the incredible things you accomplish!
