Remembering Harsha
by Mathews Thankachan & Shawn Abraham
Harsha Maddula, 19, was a straight A student at Northwestern University. Although Harsha graduated from New Hyde Park Memorial High School two years ago, many teachers, students and friends still cherish their memories of him. He was a great classmate and a great friend to many. His six years at New Hyde Park left a tremendous impact on the lives of teachers and students alike, and have helped us realize that through hard work and determination we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
“Harsha was always one of my best students; he was a great person, tremendously hardworking and bright,” said Mr. Kidonakis, Harsha’s Earth Science teacher. He was also a club officer and dedicated ember of the Junior High Mathletes, attending all of the Math Fairs and winning Gold Medals for the school.
“He would attend Long Island Math Fairs at Hofstra with his mother supporting him close by. She was always proud of him and his outstanding achievements,” said Mrs. Van Wie, his Mathletes’ advisor.
Harsha was also involved in FBLA. He competed with exuberance, reaching the state level twice and even the national level. “What can you say? He was kind, intelligent, hardworking and a good student. He was the kind of kid you wish your kids were like,” said FBLA advisor Mrs. Rafiq.
Mrs. Kitson, Harsha’s guidance counselor, said that Harsha knew he wanted to be a doctor since his freshman year. This goal wasn’t inspired by the prestige or money that comes with being a doctor, but rather the aspiration to find cures for many epidemics. Harsha, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, experienced the struggles of being ill, and therefore empathized with those who were suffering.
Dr. Lapiano Smith had a great relationship with Harsha. As his AP Chemistry teacher, she described Harsha as “an approachable, insightful leader in class who was beyond his years.” He had a deep passion for the sciences and was very involved in the Science Summer Research program.
“Compounded by the news of his disappearance, the days leading up to the announcement of his death were heart wrenching. I was sick to my stomach and felt a tremendous sense of personal loss, and was deeply heartbroken for his parents and siblings. It is truly a tragedy beyond words that no family should ever bear,” said Mr. Yen, Harshas’ AP English teacher.
Harsha was more than just active in school. He was a caring brother and a beloved family member. One of Harsha’s cousins, Teja Jonnalagadda, referred to Harsha as the, “brother my sisters couldn’t be.”
His two younger brothers, Vinay and Tinay, thought of Harsha as more than just a brother- he was their role model. “My brother was an amazing brother- but more so an amazing person,” said Vinay.
Harsha Maddula was a brilliant young man who was destined for success. He was hardworking, bright and an all-around good person. His death is a loss to all and he will surely be missed.
“Harsha was always one of my best students; he was a great person, tremendously hardworking and bright,” said Mr. Kidonakis, Harsha’s Earth Science teacher. He was also a club officer and dedicated ember of the Junior High Mathletes, attending all of the Math Fairs and winning Gold Medals for the school.
“He would attend Long Island Math Fairs at Hofstra with his mother supporting him close by. She was always proud of him and his outstanding achievements,” said Mrs. Van Wie, his Mathletes’ advisor.
Harsha was also involved in FBLA. He competed with exuberance, reaching the state level twice and even the national level. “What can you say? He was kind, intelligent, hardworking and a good student. He was the kind of kid you wish your kids were like,” said FBLA advisor Mrs. Rafiq.
Mrs. Kitson, Harsha’s guidance counselor, said that Harsha knew he wanted to be a doctor since his freshman year. This goal wasn’t inspired by the prestige or money that comes with being a doctor, but rather the aspiration to find cures for many epidemics. Harsha, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, experienced the struggles of being ill, and therefore empathized with those who were suffering.
Dr. Lapiano Smith had a great relationship with Harsha. As his AP Chemistry teacher, she described Harsha as “an approachable, insightful leader in class who was beyond his years.” He had a deep passion for the sciences and was very involved in the Science Summer Research program.
“Compounded by the news of his disappearance, the days leading up to the announcement of his death were heart wrenching. I was sick to my stomach and felt a tremendous sense of personal loss, and was deeply heartbroken for his parents and siblings. It is truly a tragedy beyond words that no family should ever bear,” said Mr. Yen, Harshas’ AP English teacher.
Harsha was more than just active in school. He was a caring brother and a beloved family member. One of Harsha’s cousins, Teja Jonnalagadda, referred to Harsha as the, “brother my sisters couldn’t be.”
His two younger brothers, Vinay and Tinay, thought of Harsha as more than just a brother- he was their role model. “My brother was an amazing brother- but more so an amazing person,” said Vinay.
Harsha Maddula was a brilliant young man who was destined for success. He was hardworking, bright and an all-around good person. His death is a loss to all and he will surely be missed.