Page 32 - CLS Winter 2021 draft

MEHR KHANDELWAL
Mehr is a Latin lifer who in addition to swimming, plays the clarinet in the
CLS wind ensemble and for the Char- lotte Youth Symphony, earning her membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Mehr is also the vice president of communication for Model UN, a member of the National French Honors Society and devotes volunteer hours
to the non profit organizations Running Works and Athenas Path. In the pool, Mehr‘s preferred stroke is breaststroke and her favorite aspect of Latin swim- ming is when the team comes together and cheers for one another. She leads by example in this area. Last year, when Mehr was sidelined from competition, she came to the meet with a hand- made poster and spent the entire time cheering. Mehr is thoughtful and kind and well respected by her teammates.
STEPHEN KIM
Stephen kicked off his varsity swim- ming career with a double win at the state championship, earning him the Performance Award as a freshman. He’s been performing for the Hawks ever since. He’s known as a breast- stroke specialist, but he is danger- ous in the individual medley and an impressive sprint freestyler. Stephen has an uncanny ability to switch from lighthearted joking around with team- mates to laser-focused competitive intensity. He is a fierce competitor with his name on three Latin record plaques, including the 100 breast- stroke and two relays. At the 2019 state championship, the unthinkable happened. Stephen was disqualified on a technicality after completing a one-two sweep of the 200 IM with Andy. Although it felt devastating at the time, Stephen rallied and pow- ered through a blazing 100 breast- stroke to defend his 2018 title. In the very next event, he helped his fellow Hawks claim another victory in the 400 free relay. Stephen’s love for his teammates, his strength of character, and his determination will serve him well as he goes on to swim and study at Georgetown University next year.
ABHINAV KRISHNAN
Abhinav came to Latin in upper school and now serves as a Latin Admissions Ambassador. He is also a member of the Asian Affinity Club, and serves as a Starmount tutor. On the weekends, you will find Abhinav volunteering at the hospital and at Sunday School. He was named a 2020 Congressional Award Gold Medalist, which requires com- pleting and documenting 400 service hours, 200 physical fitness hours, 200 personal development hours and a 5-day expedition. His generous spirit and hard work have endeared Abhinav to his teammates and his coaches. At practice he brings a warm smile and a positive attitude, and you can always hear him cheering on his teammates at meets. Abhinav earned the Heart of the Hawk award as a sophomore, and was selected as a junior to represent swim- ming on the Student Athlete Leadership Team. He is a testament to the contri- bution one can make to a team beyond the scoreboard.
FLY
HIGH!
30 CHARLOTTE LATIN BOOSTER CLUB SPORTS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021