Not all heroes wear capes. You might not notice them, but they’re sitting right in your class, on the sports team you coach, chilling at the lunch table you walk past during your rounds.

Look hard enough, and you’ll find hearts of gold – those who bleed respect, integrity, maturity, selflessness. Those who’ll be a friend to that shy new student;  who you can always count on to give you only positive vibes in class – who have made Bernards High just a bit more of a vibrant community from their presence and deeds, seen and unseen. The list and descriptions can go on, but truth is – you know a hero when you see one.

So help us out and tell us one you know.

Once nominated, they’ll go under review and selected by the Everyday Hero committee (one for every month), and announced school-wide. Their profile and blurb will be displayed in the glass case by the Athletic Office, and given a generous gift card from Yella’s! In the case your nominee is not selected for this month, they may very well be considered for a future month. 

It may not seem like you’re doing much, but to honor those who serve an example to others makes more waves than you think – not only to remind this community of the stuff heroes are made of – but to give us all something to strive for.

October’s “Everyday Hero” title has been given to Anakh Sawhney ‘27, an “extremely selfless student.” She is actively involved in the theater program at BHS, where she consistently attends rehearsals with a kind smile and an enthusiastic mindset. She is always there to help a student and doesn’t mind taking the time to help out younger individuals. 

Sawhney was also recognized for starting her non-profit organization, “Rice Kids.” This organization aims to help children in poverty gain access to opportunities that every other child deserves. When asked what pushed her to start this initiative, Sawhney ‘27 said, “What motivated me [was] seeing the less fortunate on the streets and firmly believing that everyone has the right to go to bed on a full stomach, and get the same educational opportunities as everyone else.”

Sawhney started her passion project when she was only nine years old. She has stayed committed to it and put in the work to get the organization to where it is today. She is “very passionate about [her] non-profit” and “[wants] to focus on [it] and its expansion.”

As Sawhney focuses on the expansion of her non-profit organization, she has set some goals. These goals include trying to reach other areas where there is a high number of people who are living in poverty. Another goal is to increase the amount of money the organization earns in a couple of years, which would help with assisting other underprivileged people. 

Other accomplishments that underline why Sawhney was given the title of “Everyday Hero” are that she has provided numerous kids in India with meals, which prevents these children from having to work to get their food, and allows them to focus on their studies. Another noteworthy achievement is her winning the NJ Biz 40 under 40 award, due to the success of her non-profit. The award is something she is very proud of.  

Winning “Everyday Hero” can mean different things to each recipient. When Sawhney ‘27 was asked what it meant to her, she stated, “Winning everyday hero means to me that my efforts to make a change are working,” and that “[she] has a huge support system around [her], recognizing [her] efforts.” She then goes on to explain how she felt about winning the award, “It felt amazing to get recognition at a place I care so much about, and for a cause I care so much about.” 

Sawhney’s achievements are commendable and speak volumes about her character. When asked about Sawhney as a person, Jocelin Gonzalez ‘27 stated, “Anakh is very sweet and kind,” going on to say that “[she] is very social, welcoming, and just a positive person to be around.”

The October “Everyday Hero”, Anakh Sawhney, has worked very hard to accomplish all of her goals and is passionate about helping others. Her work for the “Rice Kids” organization is outstanding, and her efforts for the establishment help make the world a better place.