Prithika is in a class all of her own.  She thrives on being an individual, and is sure to leave her mark anywhere she goes.  She loves learning, and is very excited when she gets to do projects in class. During recess she can be found playing a game of coco (the native version of tag), or playing on the slide. Pritika’s grandfather is her hero, and she wants to be just like him; which is why she wants to be an IAS officer when she grows up.  We are all very excited to have her here with us at Rising Star Outreach.

Priyanka is very outgoing and always talking.  She’s enthusiastic about every activity.  She needs lots of attention and praise.  She often will misbehave just to inspire those in charge to chase her around and try and catch her.  She doesn’t like to listen to authority.  She is very strong willed an stubborn (in India, an excellent trait for a girl in her position, to survive!)  She’s a daredevil.  She loves to climb upon ledges and chairs and scare those in charge (thinking she might fall off).

Birthday: May 20 1998

Family Story:  Father committed suicide by hanging himself by the fan, so he lives with his mother and grandparents. His grandparents have leprosy and beg in the streets. His brother, Vijay, is also a student at Rising Star Outreach.

Birthday: Jan 17, 1997

Family: Rajesh is lucky to have not only his brother and sister here with him at Rising Star, but also his mother.  His mother is employed as a housemother.  Both of Rajesh’s grandparents have sever cases of leprosy, which have left them with sever deformities.

Rajesh is one of the older boys so you wouldn’t expect him to have the sweet caring temperament that he does.  We have often seen him either pick up, or place his hand on the shoulder of younger student to help guide them.  He always makes sure that no one gets left behind.  He cares so much about all his friends. When one of our other boys had to go to the hospital, Rajesh was so scared for him.  All night he woke up asking when Saranraj  would be home.  Rajesh is truly happiest when he is making those around him happy. He is loud, and often the center of attention.  Rajesh loves sports, especially basketball.  We are proud to call him a Rising Star!

Birthday: December 2, 1999

Ramesh is a real go getter and has the important qualities one needs to succeed.  He  approaches any endeavor with a strong determination to achieve the goal and this tenacity has already proven to be advantageous to him here at Rising Star Outreach.  He always finishes his schoolwork before the rest of the children and is careful to only turn in neat and professional looking assignments.  He has some of the best penmanship in the entire school! When it is time to play, Ramesh also participates fully.  He can turn any situation into a fun experience and has “great dance moves”!  We are excited to see where Ramesh goes after he graduates from Rising Star Outreach.

Age: 5
Birthday: April 2002 (exact date unknown)

Ramya is a jewel!  She is kind, loving, and funny.  She loves life, and is happiest when she can get a laugh from her 'audience'.  She always has a group of children following her.  Ramya never runs out of energy no matter how hard she plays.  Often times during recess you will find her performing or teaching a native Tamil dance.  She belts out American Children's songs every chance she gets.  Ramya always volunteers to pray at meal times, and tries to make sure that not only the children, but the volunteers as well, know the proper prayers.  We feel truly blessed by her magnificent spirit.

Ravethi seems like a quiet, shy little girl until she reveals her secret weapon: her little grin. The minute she flashes it she owns its lucky beneficiary; their hearts are inevitably hers forever. Her personality beams through her smile, and though she doesn't have very much to say she has become a favorite among the children, staff, and volunteers. She is only three years old now, but she has already mastered the art of eating rice with her tiny hands and of getting dressed by herself. She is quite a cuddler and she has a habit of falling asleep on our shoulders. She is having a wonderful time discovering life outside of the colonies. It is so cute to watch her try her very best to keep up with the older children. She has mastered the sign for "I love you" after several days of practicing with her fingers. She loves the beach and she loves story time with the volunteers before bedtime. She observes quietly and soaks in everything she sees.