Freehold, N.J.—Annika Raj of Holmdel, N.J., a senior at Biotechnology High School, has been named the Jersey Shore YMCA Youth Changemaker Award recipient for her work in youth leadership programs and the difference she has made in her community.
The YMCA Youth Changemaker Award recognizes a student who demonstrates leadership, service, and dedication to helping others. Raj was selected for her strong involvement in youth leadership programs and her continued efforts to uplift those around her.
“Being a Changemaker means doing whatever you can in your power to uplift others and problem-solve in your community,” Raj said. “I am honored to accept this award, and in the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I encourage everyone to be a changemaker in the spaces they are a part of.”
Raj has been actively involved in the YMCA’s Youth and Government program throughout high school. During her first year, she helped pass a student-led bill to lower the school board voting age to 16 and was elected as a Youth and Government state officer, a leadership role that supports student delegates across New Jersey. As a junior, she served as a state officer again and helped lead more than 400 student delegates through bill writing, committee leadership, and collaboration at the statewide level.
Raj also ran for governor within the Youth and Government program, leading a campaign that included outreach events, a statewide tour, and a live question and answer session in front of more than 400 students.
In addition, Raj was one of two students selected to represent the New Jersey YMCAs in Washington, D.C., where she spoke with lawmakers and helped advocate for funding to support YMCA programs. She also attended the Conference on National Affairs, where she earned the National Outstanding Statesman Award.
This year, Raj continues to serve as a state officer while helping lead the Jersey Shore Model United Nations and supporting Youth and Government delegations across New Jersey.
Outside of the YMCA, she is involved in Civic Leaders of America and student government at Biotechnology High School. She is also an actress and dancer and has been recognized by the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Montclair State University for her work in theater and dance.
Raj plans to study public policy in college on a pre-law track and hopes to work as an attorney, combining her interests in the arts and the law.
Raj was honored on Jan. 16 during the YMCA of the Jersey Shore’s 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Breakfast. The annual event honors individuals who reflect Dr. King’s values of service, leadership, and community involvement.
About Monmouth County Vocational School District
MCVSD operates six full-time Career Academies including the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Academy of Law and Public Safety, Biotechnology High School, Communications High School, High Technology High School and Marine Academy of Science and Technology. Each welcomes students as freshmen and retains those students through their senior year of high school, for a focused learning experience that helps them take meaningful steps toward their college and career goals.
MCVSD also operates more than 30 shared-time programs, a Career Center for students with special needs and adult programs. Questions about the admissions process for the MCVSD Career Academies or any other career and technical education program offered by MCVSD should be directed to applications@ctemc.org.