08/07/2026
Reflecting on her time as president of Downingtown East High School's Red Cross Club, Prapti Patel says the experience taught her the importance of taking initiative and believing in the impact one person can make.
“Freshman year, I walked into a Red Cross meeting and found only the advisor and silence. The few students who came sat in the back. One leaving. Another glued to his phone. I could have done the same. I could’ve left, but something in me stayed,” she shared.
Prapti says she opened her notebook and began asking questions. “What could this club be? Who could we reach? What difference could we make?”
Four years later, that empty room transformed into a community of 60 members.
“What I remember most is that first moment where I made the choice to speak up. I learned that we always have that choice everyday. I learned that each of us holds power,” she said.
This fall, Prapti will attend Carnegie Mellon University, where she plans to study information systems.
“I’m really excited to explore how I can use technology, something I’m deeply passionate about, to create meaningful change and help others,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Prapti hopes to use technology to help solve real-world challenges and serve communities around the globe.
“The Red Cross mission of helping people and improving society has really shaped me, and I plan to carry that forward by using my skills to make a positive impact throughout college and beyond.”
Congratulations, Prapti!
