North Royalton High School sophomore Naisha Chopra has been named the winner of the 'Community Standout' category in the 2024 cleveland.com High School Standouts Awards. From an impressive pool of nominees, Chopra's remarkable impact through her Share a Smile organization set her apart, as chosen by a distinguished voting board from cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
On June 9, Northeast Ohio's High School Standouts Recipients, including Chopra, will be honored in a special section published in The Plain Dealer and on cleveland.com, highlighting their exceptional achievements. Each winner will receive an award package with a certificate and recognition.
Chopra founded Share a Smile Initiative, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides birthday boxes and organizes parties for low-income families. "We aim to spread the joy of celebration to low-income children and families who would not have been able to celebrate otherwise," said Chopra. "From homeless shelters to youth centers, our events reach countless families, regardless of racial or economic status."
The organization's primary goal is promoting economic equality by ensuring every child feels special on their birthday, regardless of their family's financial situation. Through in-person celebrations and "party-in-a-box" kits, Share a Smile volunteers meticulously plan events, prepare decorations, arrange activities, and provide gifts and treats to make each child's day truly memorable.
Chopra's inspiration stemmed from personal experience when her uncle lost his job during the pandemic, and her family sent a birthday kit to bring joy to her cousins. "With that small effort, a little joy was brought into their family. This inspired me to create Share a Smile - and share that joy in my community with other families facing hardship," she explained.
Beyond her remarkable nonprofit work, Chopra excels in various school clubs, including Mock Trial/Debate, Model UN, Student Council, Spanish Club, and Key Club. She also interns at organizations like Red Equity and Goodwin & Bryan LLP and volunteers with Youth Challenge, Girls on the Run, Safety Town, Cleveland Clinic, and Girls with Impact.
Chopra's dedication to uplifting her community has earned her recognition from organizations like T-mobile, Ashoka, Hershey's Foundation, The Awesome Foundation, and Youth Service America. As she prepares for college, where she plans to study business or education, her commitment to creating joyful moments for underprivileged children continues to inspire those around her.