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introducing LILAC's...
MEMBERS
Meet the dedicated and hardworking student team behind this entire organization!
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LILAC consists of high schoolers from all over the country! As a student-run organization, we depend on highly talented and rigorously committed students to execute our goals to help support our communities locally and around the US, and even the world!
The team is divided into eight separate committees, which carry out tasks and make sure the operation runs smoothly. These committees include the Fundraising Committee, Social Media Committee, Content Committee, Communications Committee / PR, Creative Works Committee (CWC), Membership/Recruitment Committee, Web & Tech Committee, and Film Production Committee.
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Click the member's image or their name to be redirected to a YouTube video bio of the team member!
Syosset High School, NY, 9th
My name is Verina Anis and I am a freshman at Syosset High School. In my free time, I watch Netflix, paint and play sports. Some sports I enjoy playing are basketball and volleyball. I also really enjoy listening to music because it helps me clear my mind and it can have so many different meanings to it. I have a pet dog and I love taking him out on walks whenever I have the chance. I admire the people working during this pandemic and I strive to be like that when I grow up. I also love helping people and fortunately, LILAC has given me a chance to do this!
Syosset High School, NY, 9th
Hi. My name is Elena Avni and I go to Syosset High School. I am a freshman and I am currently in Tri-M and KPOP club. I am a figure skater, a dancer, a violinist, and I do archery. I have earned the title good medalist for my freestyle and moves in the field tests for figure skating and I also help coach group lessons and volunteer as a judge at basic skills competitions. Quarantine has not helped my mental health and everyone is being affected by isolation. I would love to be a part of Lilac to help my community and encourage others so join so they won’t feel so alone as well. It is an honor to be a part of Lilac and I will do everything in my power to help during these tough times.
Syosset High School, NY, 9th
Hi, I am Rizwan! My favorite subject in school is Social Studies. In my opinion, I feel like I am a mix between an extrovert and an introvert. In my free time, I enjoy talking with my friends, reading, playing games, listening to music, etc; I personally like rap music the most. In LILAC, I am just a member as of now, meaning I help out with everything. Most importantly of all, if there is a job that needs to be done, I am there to do it.
Herricks High School, NY, 10th
My name is Chloe Chang, a sophomore at Herricks High School and I am excited to call myself a member of LILAC. I am deeply passionate about politics and international affairs which have driven me to become a member of my school’s Model UN team and an elected member of our student council. I am also deeply interested in the biomedical sciences and plan to intern this summer at a research lab! I am honored to be a member of LILAC and to have the ability to help give back to our medical staff through raising money and donating PPEs!
FAITH CHEN
Syosset High School, NY, 10th
Hi, my name is Faith Chen, and I am currently a sophomore at Syosset High School. I am an active member of the robotics team Syborgs and have recently released a #TYfromFIRST Initiative video with participation from hundreds of students. As a lover of music, I have been playing piano for nearly six years. Having witnessed the great work which LILAC has been conducting within our community, I am enthusiastic to join the team and continue helping front-liners to get access to much needed PPE.
TINA CHEN
Syosset High School, NY, 10th
Hi, my name is Tina Chen and I'm a sophomore at Syosset High school on Long Island, NY. My hobbies include practicing calligraphy, reading, cooking and art journaling. Art has always been something that has helped me destress and give a sense of peace. I'm excited to be working with LILAC to help communities and support first responders and healthcare workers who work tirelessly for the sake of others everywhere. I'm also looking forward to be a part of LILAC to provide inspiring artwork and calligraphy pieces that can bring hope and happiness to others.
Syosset High School, NY, 9th
My name is Leo Cheng, and I am currently a freshman at Syosset High School. I am part of Syosset’s Varsity swim team and I really enjoyed the experience with my classmates and seniors. Since my mom is a healthcare worker, I got to witness the tribulations she got to face like insomnia and constant fear due to the Corona-virus. I am happy to be a member of LILAC because not only do I get to help people in a similar situation as my mom, I get to be productive and feel more confident in myself.
Syosset High School, NY, 9th
My name is Willow Dunn. Since elementary school I have loved to read and write fantasy and science fiction, but when I don’t have my nose in a book, I am a passionate musician and actor, singing and playing clarinet and piano. I am honored to be a member of LILAC and thrilled to be able to use my talents as a writer to help those impacted the most by these unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought so much hardship to so many people and I am eager to be able to do whatever I can to alleviate this, especially for our health care workers through LILAC’s Thank You and We Care Letters and fundraisers to provide much needed PPE.
Syosset High School, NY, 9th
My name is Russell Erfan and I am a freshman at Syosset High School. I enjoy playing sports like Volleyball and Soccer, as well as drawing, cooking, and playing video games. My parents both came to the US from Afghanistan, and learning about my culture is something I’m happy to do. I first heard of LILAC from a friend of mine who was a part of the organization. I joined LILAC, wanting to give back to the people who work so hard for us in the medical community. I’m excited for future opportunities I can get to help them!
The Calverton School, NY, 11th
My name is Peter Fu, and I’m an eleventh grader attending The Calverton School in Huntingtown, Maryland. I wanted to join the fight against Covid-19. After doing some research, I came across LILAC. I was very impressed with their efforts to give masks and other PPE to healthcare workers in areas of great need. I began talking to my dorm mates, classmates, friends, and family about LILAC’s work, and consequently, I was able to raise awareness and funds for the organization! I am very excited to be on the fundraising, web/tech, and social media committees for LILAC.
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Syosset High School, NY, 10th
Hello! My name is Natalie Kaplan. I’m going to be a sophomore at Syosset High School. I love to read and play video games. I run track and cross country year-round and I’m interested in learning computer programming. I’m looking forward to being a member of LILAC and doing my part in the fight against COVID-19. The committees I’ll be joining are the Fundraising committee, the Web and Tech committee, and the Creative Works committee.
Herricks High School, NY, 10th
I’m Brendon Lau, a sophomore at Herricks High School and I’m so grateful to be a member of LILAC. LILAC is doing such great work in raising money to buy PPE for those who are in need of it and it is an honor for me to be able to be a part of this. I have also had the opportunity to write letters in appreciation of medical professionals and in support of those who are suffering with COVID-19. Besides being a member of LILAC, I am also a member of the J.S.E, where I play numerous instruments.
Syosset High School, NY, 11th
My name is Jeff Min, and I’m a junior at Syosset High School. I enjoy listening to music, talking with friends, and drawing in my sketchbook. Growing up in a family where everyone had some art-related talent, I was bound to also develop one too from a young age. What started as a fun excuse for scribbling on the wall, became something I used to creatively express myself and relieve stress. In LILAC, I hope my work can help those fighting COVID-19 also relieve stress during these turbulent times, and bring some hope to those severely affected by the virus.
Enloe High School, NC, 12th
Hello, my name is Rohan Pasi and I’m a senior at Enloe High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. I’m super excited to be a member of LILAC and support the people fighting against COVID-19. I will be attending a 7-year medical program next year so I am super excited to be on the ground floor of such a great organization.
Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, NY, 9th
Hello! My name is Morgan Passolo and I am currently a freshman at POBJFK High School. I have been playing softball for seven years and am currently on a competitive softball team, Long Island Pride 05. Not only do I enjoy playing sports, I have an interest in art as well. Ever since this outbreak started, I was very concerned about how COVID-19 was affecting so many lives. Knowing how many people are struggling and how hard first responders are working, I would love to contribute. I am very excited to be part of LILAC and contribute in whatever way!
Bethpage High School, NY, 11th
Hello! My name is Umesh Krishna Ponugupati. I am in 10th grade in Bethpage High School. I enjoy coding and astronomy. I am very happy to be a part of Lilac. I am a hard and dedicated worker and enjoy helping people. I am part of the social media committee, membership recruitment committee, Web and Tech Committee and Film and Production Committee. I am very excited to help LILAC and the community in these tough times. I always wanted to do something to help people and now I am able to. I am homered in being able to join LILAC.
Amityville, NY
Jivan Xander Ramesh is 12 years old from Amityville, NY. At the age of 5, he became the youngest string player to play at Carnegie Hall. Jivan attends Julliard Precollege studying composition and cello. Besides being a musician, Jivan is an actor, karate black belt, programmer, and science enthusiast. Jivan spends many hours volunteering by playing music and nursing homes and hospitals, and helping with child literacy at the library. During his down time, he enjoys typical 12 year old activities like swimming, kayaking, and playing with his many pets. He hopes one day to be paleogeneticist and composer/cellist.
Syosset High School, NY, 9th
Hi, My name is Anoushka Rishi, and i'm currently a Freshman at Syosset High School. I am a member of the robotics team E.L.I.T.E. and have been delivering 3D printed Face Shields to multiple hospitals and Nursing Homes across Long Island. I enjoy making art, and am a member of OVA, and host Online Art Classes everyday for kids. I also enjoy participating in clubs such as SciOly and Math Fair. I am excited to help LILAC in any way possible and contribute to the progress being made.
JESSICA SALAMA
Syosset High School, NY, 10th
My name is Jessica Salama, and I am about to be a sophomore in Syosset High School. I really enjoy playing basketball and tennis. I have a passion for sports and activity. In addition, I also like cooking because it gives me a chance to try many new things and learn about different cultures. My parents are both healthcare workers so I have seen how horrible the coronavirus has been to the patients and to the healthcare workers, and therefore, I want to be able to help them . I am excited to be a part of lilac because there are so many healthcare workers and first responders who put their lives in danger so they can help others. I want to be able to help spread Lilac’s message and spread materials to hospitals and many other places.
Stephen Perse Foundation School, England, 11th
I'm a student and poet living in Cambridge, England, and I will be entering Y12 (for the Americans in the room, 11th grade) this fall. Although it’s the world of poetry I’ve engaged in most (publishing several poems and placing in competitions), visual art is also something I enjoy greatly. In a global pandemic, the necessity of art is being thrown into question and it is being painted – mistakenly, I believe – as a luxury. An organisation like LILAC dedicated to using art to enact change during this time is sorely needed, and something I feel very privileged to be a part of in the Creative Works committee.
OLIVIA TIN
Syosset High School, NY, 10th
My name is Olivia Tin, and I will be a sophomore at Syosset High School. I enjoy reading, playing video games, and playing music. I am joining the Fundraising Committee as well as the Web and Tech Committee. I am excited to be apart of LILAC because I want to help others out during this pandemic.
Syosset High School, NY, 9th
My name is Abigail Wu, and I’m a freshman at Syosset High School. Since seventh grade, I have been running a non profit organization called Vision Competition, a musical competition that raises money for the NYU Winthrop Cancer Center for Kids. I have been studying the piano for nine years, and I am currently studying at Manhattan School of Music Precollege. I believe that no matter our differences, the core sufferings of any person are the same (1 Peter 5:9). I believe that as a result of COVID-19, there is no better time than now to put aside our differences and join together to battle this tremendous hardship. LILAC is doing amazing work helping to provide PPE for those who need it, and I’m honored to be able to help out in any way I can.
Jericho High School, NY, 9th
My name is Amy and I am a freshman at Jericho High School. I am Chinese, I am very concerned about this outbreak. Since the Spring Festival, I have received a succession of bad news. My parents are calling my grandparents in China every day. At that time, even though the virus had not yet spread in the United States, all Chinese have a deep fear of coronavirus. We are all very worried about this outbreak. We pray and bless our fellow citizens. And then it started to spread, and it spread all over the world, and it's not just a problem for China, it's a problem for the world. So, I joined this wonderful team LILAC, doctors, and hospitals in New York that needed our help. They need not only material help but also encouragement from more people. I hope everyone can offer their help and wish New York be well. Good health to all.
TEVIN ZHUO
Great Neck South High School, NY, 12th
My name is Tevin Zhuo and I am currently heading on to my senior year at Great Neck South High School on Long Island, NY. I’ve always enjoyed sports like basketball and tennis, but within a recent couple of years, I got into coding and web design. I took advantage of Codecademy’s 3 months free due to the pandemic and I have been tackling a course for around an hour every night. As a part of the web & tech committee at LILAC, I vow to use my technological strengths to support those fighting against COVID-19 through these tough times.
Singapore, 13-year-old
I am Thee Sim Ling, a 13-year-old writer in Singapore who is the youngest finalist in New Zealand’s NFFD Youth Competition 2020 and has been published in several publications. I am currently addicted to puzzle-solving and website building. I am in the Content Committee and Web & Tech Committee and I'm excited to be in LILAC because I can play my part to uplift our frontliners.
Syosset High School, NY, 10th
My name is Joanne Kim. I am a sophomore at Syosset High School, NY. I am going to be a part of social media and creative work committees and subcommittees. During this summer, I taught myself how to paint and I still enjoy the painting. Until this summer, I lived in Michigan and experienced impacts of Covid-19 towards our community. I felt helpless and wished to help others. With LILAC, I hope we can spread the message of hope.
Ward Melville High School, NY, 10th
Hello! My name is Gabriella Azab, and I am a 10th-grade student at Ward Melville High School in Long Island, New York. In middle school, I joined the National Junior Art Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and Murphy JHS World Language Honor Society. Currently, I am a member of Student Government, Spanish Honor Society, Art Honor Society, and Key Club. I earned a gold award in the President’s Volunteer Service Award. I am beyond thankful to become a member of this prestigious organization. The Coronavirus has taught me the importance of helping others as it has enabled me to realize the critical role of front-line workers, one of whom is my father. LILAC has given me the opportunity to give back and dedicate my time to help those in need. I hope my skills and efforts will re-instill confidence in front-line workers as well as those affected by COVID-19.