Salina Thapa, a Bethel Park High School senior, has been recognized as the Bethel Park Rotary’s October Student of the Month for her outstanding contributions to the school community and her dedication to cultural exchange and advocacy.
Originally from Jhapa, Nepal, Salina is the daughter of Naresh and Krishna Thapa. In less than two years, she has become a prominent figure at Bethel Park, where she serves as the vice president of the Spanish Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. Salina is also the president and co-founder of the Cultural Exchange Club. The club meets twice a month, is open to all students, and aims to increase visibility and engagement within the community. Salina noted the incredible outpouring of support during last spring’s Cultural Day, highlighting the impact of cultural awareness and engagement at Bethel Park.
“Cultural Day was an incredible experience for me and, I’m sure, many others,” she recalled. “It just showed what a wonderful place Bethel Park is and how open everyone is to learn more about other places and cultures.”
Salina's journey to the United States is one marked by resilience. As a refugee who arrived in America at the age of three as part of a United Nations program, she understands the challenges of navigating a new culture. She reflects on her family's strict upbringing and fears surrounding the law, mainly due to language barriers. "Being educated is having power here," Salina shared. “It means communicating properly and gaining a broader understanding of rights and responsibilities. Having been given this opportunity makes it my responsibility to help educate my family and the broader community and help them understand their rights and how to navigate various local systems.”
Salina grew up in Chicago and attended Wheaton-Warrenville South High School for two years, where she helped found the Asian Heritage Club, which now has 120 followers on Instagram. She is also actively involved with the Himalayan Foundation USA, assisting immigrant families in acclimating to their new environment and providing school supplies for children. Salina recently helped serve food at the fall festival hosted by the Greek Orthodox Church, Holy Cross, demonstrating her commitment to community service.
Academically, Salina excels in English, her favorite subject, and has expressed a desire to major in pre-law or political science in college. She boasts a 4.0 weighted GPA and is considering several institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, and New York schools such as NYU and Ithaca College. Salina's parents hope she will stay close to home as she pursues her education.
Salina’s favorite Bethel Park teacher is Ms. Melinda Bouch. "You can tell when a teacher cares, and she cares," Salina remarked. “She is so articulate and organized, and I admire her and the job she does for her students.”
Salina participates in community outreach programs in her spare time, including Hello Neighbor, which assists refugees in adjusting to life in the U.S. She often helps with errands and translating documents, completing a full-circle journey from her experiences as a newcomer.
As Salina prepares for her next steps, she is deeply aware of the significance of her journey. "We come here seeking refuge, but our hearts still belong to our home countries," she said, reflecting on the duality of her identity.
Salina Thapa is not just a student but a source of inspiration for her peers. She embodies the spirit of cultural exchange and community service. Her recognition as the Bethel Park Rotary Student of the Month is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the profound impact she continues to have on those around her.
For more information about the Bethel Park Rotary Club and its mission to support outstanding students like Thapa and others, visit their Facebook page or contact local Rotarians directly.