Since she was young, Sneha Mathews has had the desire and passion to help others. Over the years, she’s been able to join an organization called Kerala Samajan Youth (KSY) of South Florida. This active youth council has allowed her to connect with over 200 South Indian families and serve as President for the 2025-2026 year. Through her service mission to connect people, she has earned a Silver Knight nomination for Vocational Technical.
The Silver Knight nomination is an award given to seniors for their academic achievements and community service. Aware of the nominations, Mathews had hoped to get one under the Science category, but the unexpected choice for Vocational Technical opened her eyes.
“This shift helped me see that knowledge and service can be applied in multiple fields, and also taught me to keep going even if things don’t go exactly as planned,” Mathews affirmed, glad for the change in perspective.
Mathews was able to get the ball rolling with her nomination application by making sure she wasn’t procrastinating, and with the help of the Silver Knights coordinator, Mrs. Carbone, she made sure she stayed on top of her work.
Her service allows her to connect families with a focus on using cultural events as a means to bond. As President of KSY, Mathews arranges service projects to help donate to her organization and other charities.
Mathews and her youth council focus on preserving Kerala’s culture by promoting media, sports, and leadership amongst kids.
“I think I am someone who excels in application matters and can connect with other people really well.” Mathews expresses, reminiscing on her nomination.
As a dedicated student, Mathews plans to pursue a career in the medical field and become a doctor. As proof of that, she’s already committed to the University of Florida (UF). During this time, Mathew plans on traveling to explore the world and immerse herself in different cultures. Between her plans to visit at least three countries in the next five years and working diligently for school, Mathews has her whole life waiting for her when she graduates in just a month.
“I hope to always give back to my community while also staying grounded and learning new lessons,” Mathews says, knowing that no matter where she is, she hopes to do good for those around her.
As Mathews spends her last few weeks at PPCHS, she knows that she’s leaving with passion, a new outlook on life, and an understanding that there’s a whole world out there waiting for her.
