EPISD Senior Spotlight: Srilakshmi Muthyala, Coronado High
(CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL -- Sept. 16, 2020) — Coronado’s Srilakshmi Muthyala is one of only five EPISD seniors to earn National Merit Semifinalist status. Srilakshmi’s list of academic accolades is long: National AP Scholar, Bank of America Student Leader, a state medalist in the Academic Decathlon and a competitor in the National Academic Quiz Tournament’s National Quiz Bowl Championship. Srilakshmi is our next student highlighted in Senior Spotlight. Here’s her take on her success as a National Merit Semifinalist and her senior year amid the pandemic.
EPISD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: What does it mean to you to be named a National Merit Semifinalist?
SRILAKSHMI MUTHYALA: This is such a great honor and I am extremely happy to be named as one. It gives me more motivation to pursue my interests in the future.
CE: What kind of advice would you give juniors who will be taking the PSAT this fall?
SM: I would definitely suggest all juniors study for this test. Go through Khan Academy questions, review math topics, and especially for the reading section, I would recommend reading articles on your own. Reviewing missed questions and practicing them again is a vital step for score improvement.
CE: How have you adapted to virtual learning?
SM: Virtual learning has been a great experience. All of my teachers are very diligent and trying their best to help us in this safe environment.
CE: What are your hopes for your senior year?
SM: I really hope everyone in our community stays safe this year and that by the end of the school year, the pandemic will have been over. I hope to be able to meet my friends and teachers again in person by the end of the school year.
CE: What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
SM: I am a part of my school’s QuizBowl team, founder of SOAP club, National Honor Society, and was a part of Academic Decathlon and varsity choir.
CE: What advice would you give incoming freshman?
SM: High school can be challenging at times but working diligently while maintaining a good balance is important. Start preparing early for the PSAT by doing Khan Academy practices.
CE: What have you been doing outside of academics to get through the pandemic?
SM: I have been learning classical Indian vocal music for seven years, so I really enjoy singing and I also have been writing poetry in my free time. I also really enjoy gardening and growing vegetables.
CE: What is the first thing you plan to do when the pandemic is over?
SM: I would love to volunteer at the local Salvation Army again in a safe environment once the pandemic is over. I would also like to have a face to face graduation.