After frequently eyeing the Senior of the Month portraits and doubting that she would ever gain the title, Jiya Thomas ‘25 has proven herself wrong by earning Rotary’s December Senior of the Month.

Thomas; who is grateful for God, her family, teachers, friends, and most specifically, LEGO sets, or what she refers to as “the biggest stress reliever;” has been quite involved during her time at EHS.

Thomas is the Secretary of the French National Honor Society and a DEI Student Leadership team member. She is also part of NHS, National English Honor Society, DECA, and is a backstage member for Edison’s Theater Department.

Outside of school, Thomas is a youth speaker at Immanuel Church and plays Left and Right Midfield and Winger for EUSA. Thomas has also earned the AP Scholar award and is a National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist.

Following her graduation, Thomas plans to attend a four-year college and major in Biology, hoping to become an anesthesiologist or combat medic for the military.

Throughout her years at EHS, Thomas highlights the guidance she received from her teachers, notably Ms. Deana Loria and Mr. Matthew Zapoticzny. She is especially grateful for their support and advice throughout the past four years. Thomas also recognizes the diversity at EHS: How one can go from participating in Dumpling Eating Contests on a Tuesday to spiking volleyballs at Volleyball for Charity on a Friday?

“There’s always something happening for anyone and everyone to be a part of,” said Thomas.

She highlights that it is important to be friends with people who not only support you, but also share similar morals and push you to be the best version of yourself.

“You become a reflection of the people you associate most with,” Thomas says to the current and future underclassmen.