Evergreen Middle School student honored with Lovis Extraordinary Student Award

Evergreen Middle School eighth grader Ananya Nimmagadda has been selected to receive the Lovis Extraordinary Student Award from The Lovis Foundation, an honor that recognizes students in grades 5 through 8 who show exceptional compassion, leadership and community impact. The award highlights young people who demonstrate a meaningful commitment to serving others, and Ananya’s accomplishments reflect that spirit through her work uplifting creativity and community voices. The award also celebrates students who are often overlooked by traditional academic-based recognition programs. The goal of the Lovis Foundation aims to spread joy by supporting initiatives and non-profit partners for the under-supported and under-recognized with a focus on the disability community.

Ananya is the founder of A Slice of Art, a youth-led platform she created to spotlight artists, authors, community leaders and individuals making a positive difference in their communities. Through interviews, event coverage and original blog writing, she has helped share nearly 100 stories of people who inspire change and connection. Beyond her media work, Ananya also leads free, biweekly after-school art workshops for students at Redmond Elementary School. These sessions give younger students the opportunity to explore creative expression, build confidence and engage in hands-on learning. In recognition of her dedication to service, she is also a three-time Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold honoree.

Ananya’s selection for the Lovis Extraordinary Student Award reflects her deep commitment to community engagement and her passion for creating spaces where creativity and storytelling can thrive. Lake Washington School District celebrates her achievement and the positive impact she continues to make within and beyond our schools.