The Banyan Tree Award
A Lali Inspiration
The Banyan Tree Award is given to an exceptional person in honor and remembrance of Lali Reddy. The recipient is chosen by a teacher or elder who knows the recipient well and believes in them. The award was created to honor Lali Reddy’s enduring spirit and love of people and life.
– In Honor of Lali Reddy –
Lali LOVED life. She found beauty in everyone and everything. She loved music, food, dancing, and travel and she experienced all of it. She never sat anything out. Mention something fun, and she either tried it or was willing to. Singing and dancing to music while cooking for friends and family was her happy place.
Most importantly, Lali had this uncanny ability to see straight into your soul and find the beauty and truth in us all. She made those around her feel safe, protected, and loved. Her hope would be that you can see your own beauty and significance to this world. Her prayer would be that you find strength in knowing that you are not alone.
When you look at the Banyan Tree, you see so many trunks that support it, keeping it strong and connected. Lali lovingly supported, encouraged, and cared for everyone around her, and now we hope this award can do the same for you. Just as your teacher/advisor/mentor clearly sees how amazing you are, you also have the support of the Banyan Tree family, Lali’s family, who believes you are perfect exactly the way you are and we hope that you lean on us and others if ever in need.
Banyan Tree Award Recipients
2019 – 2023
In Honor and Remembrance of Lali Reddy’s Enduring Spirit and Love of Others
ANGEL MORALES – In Recognition of His Amazing Growth and Transformation, His Strength and Interest in Writing, and His Ability to Rise to the Challenge
REINA DAYRIT – In Recognition of Her Strength, Courage, Perseverance, Tenacity, and Outstanding Work Ethic, Positive Attitude, and Talents
RACHEL HERBERT – In Recognition of Her Extraordinary Character, Perseverance, Grace and Talent
JULIA ZSAMBELAN – In Recognition of Her Kindness, Generosity, Grace and Character
JACKSON VOLZ – In Recognition of His Strength, Perseverance, Hard Work and Talent
OTTO NEU – In Recognition of His Exceptional Grit, Resilience, and Resolve Despite Extraordinary Challenges
KOSAR DELSIMHASHEMI – In Recognition of Her Extraordinary Character, Resilience, and Spirit
ARANZA DOUBRAVSKY – In Recognition of Her Wonderful Spirit, Care of Others and Strong Character
ANDREW HOLMES – In Recognition of His Resiliency and Commitment to His Academic Success. Despite the Challenges He Faces, He Always Rises Above the Obstacles He Faces.
OWEN WILLIAMS- In Recognition of His Personal Growth and His Academic Success
SHREE BILLA – In Recognition of Her Drive to Survive the Unimaginable, Her Ability to Turn Adversity Into Strength, and Her Unwavering Empathy and Kindness For Everyone She Encounters
EJ Thompsen – In Recognition of His Spirited Perseverance And Insightful Outlook
How you can help
If you are interested in supporting future recipients of the Banyan Tree Award, you can donate to the cause by clicking the button below.
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