Earlier this year, we requested information about 8th grade students who are doing amazing things this year. This week, we wanted to give a shout out to Aarushi Kuppa. 

Aarushi was first nominated by Aundrea Johnson in 2023 to attend LEAD STL's Camp Cultural Leadership. This led to her acceptance into LEAD STL's Emerging Changemakers Program, a 10-month curriculum, which included field trips to key cultural and historic sites across St. Louis and Chicago. 

According to Aarushi's father, Ravi Kuppa: "This year taught her that leadership starts with knowing yourself, staying rooted in your values, and using your voice to build understanding and change. She now sees community leadership as something real and lasting, and she knows she has a place in it."

If you'd like us to recognize a notable 8th grader, please don't hesitate to email Jami Brinton at: jamipalmerbrinton@gmail.com.