“Learn, Love, Lead, and Leave a Legacy”

El Capitan High School

100 Farmland
Merced, CA 95348
(209) 230-5624

December 11, 2023

To Whom It May Concern:

It is a pleasure to recommend Nikhil Parikh. I have known and worked with Nikhil for a year as a student
in AP Chemistry. During this time, Nikhil has demonstrated to be respectful, amiable, and intelligent.

Nikhil is an intelligent student who has earned a 4.5 GPA in his college prep and rigorous classes. Nikhil
has earned multiple awards and honors including the AP Scholar with Honor, finalist in the International
Biology Bowl, Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish, and many more. In addition, Nikhil took
advantage of other learning opportunities outside of our school by being an intern in an ER and Family
Health Clinic at JCF. Nikhil is dedicated and possesses admirable academic qualities that will help him
take on college work and accomplish them with great success.

Nikhil is a well-rounded leader who is able to successfully balance his academics with his involvement in
multiple school organizations and sports. He has held various leadership roles such as being the public
relations officer of LEO Club and the co-founder and president of Healthy Lungs Alliance and Investment
Club. Nikhil is also the captain of our school’s tennis team in which he was honored as the team MVP and
the league MVP. Due to Nikhil’s active involvement in these extracurricular activities, Nikhil has
developed excellent time management and effective communication and collaboration skills.

Furthermore, Nikhil is a positive influence in the classroom and in the community. Nikhil shared his
skills and talents by mentoring over 100 students in their academics. As a taekwondo black belt and
Central Valley champion, Nikhil has helped over 50 kids by hosting free bully defense courses. In
addition, Nikhil has created a food distribution program with a church in Planada, CA that provides
groceries for approximately 150 families each month. He also helped with the Merced Covid-19
vaccination clinic by hosting seminars on the benefits of vaccination. Furthermore, Nikhil was a main
contributor in raising $4000 for the American Childhood Cancer Organization through the LEO Club.
Nikhil not only dedicates his time in his academics, but he also allocates a lot of time and effort in helping
the community.

Nikhil wants to pursue a career in the medical field. His ultimate goal is to do pro bono healthcare for
those in need. If given the opportunity and with the help of scholarships, Nikhil will be one step closer to
achieving his dreams. His passion for learning and desire to help others will make him an exceptional
person in his chosen career path.

Nikhil has taken great responsibility for his own education and works hard to achieve his personal goals
while helping the community. I offer my high recommendation for Nikhil Parikh. If you have any
questions, feel free to contact me at any time.

Sincerely,

Charlene Gallardo
Biology, Chemistry and AP Chemistry Teacher
Email: cgallardo@muhsd.org