Top of Her Class: Ishwarya Ananthabhotla

Ishwarya Ananthabhotla, has earned top honors in her studies and is ranked the second highest in Kings Park’s class of 2011 earning the distinction of Salutatorian and the honor of giving the welcoming address at graduation Thursday evening.

Ananthabhotla is an Intel Semi-finalist who has competed with top students from around the world at the International Science and Engineering Fair. Her research project, a robotic assistant for the visually impaired, earned her third place in the world in the Engineering-Electrical and Mechanical category. She will graduate with a weighted average of 103.5.

 Besides excelling in her studies, Ananthabhotla is also a modest and caring individual according to her teacher, Jane Schoch

"It’s her humbleness that makes you want her to win. The success she has achieved couldn’t happen to a better student," said Schoch.

She is an active member of the research science program, varsity trivia team member and is captain of the math team.

Ananthabhotla interests outside of school include singing Carnatic Indian classical music.

Ananthabhotla will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall and hopes to continue with her work in robotics. “I like the interface between the theoretical and the practical,” said Ananthabholta who would like to eventually teach and continue research.