Namrta Gill is one of three valedictorians at Lathrop High.

She’s also the recipient of the prestigious Congressional Merit Award, as presented last week by US Congressman Jeff Denham (R-Turlock).

“Only one student can be nominated per school based on academics, leadership, community service, citizenship and extracurricular activities,” said her counselor, Gurneet Goldie Pabla.

The LHS senior was nominated by her school’s counseling staff and administrators because of her excellence as a student.

“Namrta Gill without hesitation is amongst the most exemplary student at LHS and one of those rare students you’ll ever meet,” Pabla said.

Gill is also the senior class president.

She’s the founder and president of the Women Empowerment Club, publicity commissioner for the California Scholastic Federation, secretary for the College Bound Club, peer mentor for Link Crew, and a member of the Interact Club.

Gill has been involved in the Leadership program during her four years at LHS.

One of her darkest days took place in 2012. She lost her mother and uncle in a horrific accident back then while suffering her share of injuries.

“Despite this adversity and being out for almost the whole semester, Namrta sill maintained a 4.0 grade point average,” said Pabla.

She added: “Once Namrta decides she is going to complete something, she makes sure to give it her all – she has a very strong passion to help others and I can say with complete confidence that she will achieve anything she put her mind to.”

Gill has a 4.25 GPA and will be attending UCLA in the fall, with a goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.