Farley Santos

I am thrilled to highlight a very talented individual from Danbury this month. Chapal Bhavsar, who attends UConn, has received a place on a Fulbright Summer Institute to study at the University of Exeter on one of the most prestigious and selective scholarship programmes. 

Chapal was selected by the US-UK Fulbright Commission, which aims to promote leadership, learning, and empathy between nations through educational exchange. During his four-week stay, he will explore climate change and sustainability issues in England and across the planet. Chapal will be able to learn from top scholars in various disciplines, such as Earth and Environmental Science, Ecology and Conservation, Engineering, and Mathematics. 

Chapal's selection by the US-UK Commission was no easy feat, a fitting testament to his impressive abilities. Participants selected must possess a range of qualities, including academic excellence, active involvement in extracurricular and community-based activities, effective communication skills, and a commitment to making a difference in the world. 

His dedication and hard work have paid off, and it is clear that Chapal's passion and commitment to improving the lives of others have not gone unnoticed. This opportunity to study abroad will provide him with invaluable experiences and skills that will benefit him greatly. 

I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to speak with Chapal, who expressed his excitement about being selected to be a part of the Fulbright Programme. He is especially eager to learn about his interests in a more interconnected and sustainable world. Additionally, Chapal is excited to use the skills he will gain from this programme to create broader connections among our community.

Chapal's success holds a special place in my heart, not just for me but for my entire family. During his senior year at Danbury High School, he was awarded the Landon Jack Verissimo Santos Memorial Scholarship, which we created in memory of our beloved son who was taken from us too soon. This scholarship was designed to help deserving individuals like Chapal achieve greatness in their lives and it warms our hearts to see him succeed so spectacularly.

Chapal has made all of us in Danbury very proud, and I look forward to hearing about everything he learned from his time at the University of Exeter. I hope you'll join me in congratulating Chapal on this amazing achievement!