Teen Board
At the beginning of 2019, we sent out applications searching for high school students who wanted to become involved with the Endowment by joining the inaugural Teen Board. We were excited to receive over 50 applications. After interviews and careful selection, we chose 26 teens from seven high schools.
Each year, as we say goodbye to the seniors, we continue to send out applications, conduct interviews and select new teens to sit on this board.
We started with the key goal of the teens creating peer-to-peer fundraisers and while this is still being done, in 2023 they began their signature one-day event, Day of Hope. In 2023 they raised $42,250 on this one day and $95,800 for the year. In 2024 they raised $44,539 on this day, and over $100,000 for the year! In 2025, they raised $44,892 on this day, and over $84,100 for the year!
With the 2023-2024 Teen Board, a new committee was created: the Philanthropy/Research Committee. This committee each year works to identify and investigate unique research efforts around the world focused on pediatric cancer research, presents their recommendations to the Teen Board, who then selects one or two organizations who are then given a $25,000 donation.
We are incredibly proud and excited that our Teen Board is now expanding our connections in the field of pediatric cancer research with organizations beyond the Indianapolis area.
Current Teen Board 2026-2027
Isaac Mervis
Teen Board Director
Isaac Mervis
Teen Board Director
Isaac was first introduced to the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment through the efforts of his brother, Joey Mervis, and has had the privilege of directing the Teen Board since 2020. He is passionate about helping harness students’ ability to make a meaningful difference. He currently serves as a Portfolio Manager at Glick Philanthropies, and earned his Master of Public Affairs from the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Prior to joining Glick Philanthropies, Isaac held roles at Strada Education Foundation and United Way of Central Indiana, bringing extensive experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.
Renata Ovalle
President
Reese Ryan
Chair, Fundraising
Sonali Guttikonda
Chair, Marketing
Shravya Pillutla
Chair, Philanthropy
Ritusha Patil
Chair, Events
Zayan Baig
Jiya Bisht
Evie Burns
Prajvee Chavan
Ezra Fisch
Eleanor Foglesong
Lynden Gant
Laila Ghoneim
Dylan Herrmann
Karthika Jeyaraman
Alex Kraemer
Rachel Louis
Quinn Miller
Hattie Ohlemiller
Prachi Pandya
Rohan Parikh
Claire Pasquesi
London Rayner
Zoya Rishi
Kathryn Roth
Abeeha Sameer
Henley Shultz
Grace Sinsabaugh
Sadie Sniderman
Jack Stitle
Krishna Una
Taylor Weaver
Renata Ovalle
President
Hi! I’m Renata Ovalle and I am a senior at Westfield High School. I am honored to be serving as the Teen Board’s President this year! This will be my third year on the board and I am passionate about this cause because I believe every child should live a long fulfilling life. Outside of the Teen Board, I do Taekwondo, serve on my city’s Mayor’s Youth Council and my school’s Dance Marathon Club executive board.
Reese Ryan
Chair, Fundraising
Hi! My name is Reese Ryan, and I am a Junior at Cathedral High school, and I play soccer and lacrosse, and I am also a class officer. This is my second year on the Teen Board. I joined the teen board because I want to bring awareness to childhood cancer and use my strengths to make a difference.
Sonali Guttikonda
Chair, Marketing
Hi! My name is Sonali Guttikonda, and I am a senior at University High School! I joined the Caroline Symmes Teen Board because I am very passionate about raising awareness for pediatric cancer. I really enjoy working with children, and I hope to pursue a career in helping children overcome their struggles with cancer. I believe that cancer can be one of the most devastating and difficult things that a child could go through, and it is important to provide these kids with the treatment and support that they deserve. This year, I am honored to serve as the Teen Board’s Marketing Chair and look forward to promoting the board’s fundraising efforts while strengthening community awareness and support. Your donations can help fund critical research, develop innovative treatments, and support families through these difficult times. Please help us give these kids the future they deserve. Even a small donation can make a huge difference!
Shravya Pillutla
Chair, Philanthropy
Hi! My name is Shravya Pillutla and I am a junior at Carmel High School. I am so excited to be a part of the CSCCE Teen Board and make a positive impact on our community. Outside of school, I play tennis and love to read. I also love being outdoors and hanging out with friends. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in medicine and to continue working with children.
Ritusha Patil
Chair, Events
Hi! I'm Ritusha Patil, and this is my second year on the teen board. As a junior at Carmel High School, I enjoy reading and spending time with my friends. When I came across CSCCE, I knew it would be the perfect way to use my passion for science and leadership to make a difference. I'm committed to helping fund meaningful research for pediatric cancer, and bringing hope to so many families affected by it.
Zayan Baig
I am a sophomore at Avon High School and am honored to serve on the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment Teen Board. In addition to the Teen Board, I am an AIM Mentor, where I help incoming students successfully transition into high school. I am also involved in DECA, Speech and Debate, Track and Field, and Tennis. Through these activities, I have developed leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while serving my school and community. I am passionate about leadership, community service, and professional development, and I hope to pursue a career in business or finance in the future. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy attending concerts.
Jiya Bisht
My name is Jiya Bisht, and I am a junior at Carmel Highschool! I joined the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment Teen Board because I wanted to be involved in a cause that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families affected by cancer. I am passionate about raising awareness and supporting efforts to fund pediatric cancer research, and I am excited to work alongside others who share the same commitment to creating a brighter future for children facing cancer!
Evie Burns
Hi my name is Evie and I’m a junior in high school at Carmel High School! I’m super passionate about raising money to improve the lives of the cancer community!
Prajvee Chavan
I'm a junior at Center Grove High School and am excited to serve my first year on the Teen Board for CSCCE. I look forward to helping raise funds and awareness for such a meaningful cause that supports children and families affected by cancer. Outside of CSCCE. I am a part of my school's swim team and enjoy crocheting and reading in my free time. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this organization and make a positive impact in my community.
Ezra Fisch
My name is Ezra Fisch and I attend Park Tudor school. Currently, I am a sophomore and participate in various clubs and extracurricular activities. These include Model UN, Debate, DECA, and Student to Student. I am so excited to be a part of the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment!
Eleanor Foglesong
Hi, my name is Eleanor Foglesong and I am a freshman at Park Tudor School. Outside of school I play lacrosse, participate in my school's musicals, and am involved with MUN. When I learned about CSCCE, I knew I wanted to help raise funds because I’ve seen how deeply cancer can affect a family, and I believe no one should have to face this heartbreaking disease alone.
Lynden Gant
Hi! My name is Lynden Gant, and I am a Sophmore at Center Grove High school. I play tennis, and I’m involved with my school’s HOSA chapter. I am excited to have this opportunity, being apart the teen board. I want to raise awareness and fundraise to grow the amount of research for childhood cancer.
Laila Ghoneim
Hi! My name is Laila Ghoneim, and I am a sophomore at Carmel High School. I joined the CSCCE Teen Board because I want to be part of a community that brings back smiles and hope to children and families fighting cancer. I am also very passionate about medicine and research and I hope to raise awareness about the many harmful impacts childhood cancer can have.
Dylan Herrmann
Hi! My name is Dylan Herrmann, and I am a Junior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. Although this is my first year on the board, I am excited to be a part of it so I can help fund pediatric cancer research. In addition to being a part of this board, I play soccer and piano year-round. I am also the secretary for the Pre-Med Club at Brebeuf and enjoy volunteering at the Special Olympics in the fall.
Karthika Jeyaraman
Hi! I’m Karthika Jeyaraman, and I am a senior at Carmel High School. This is my first year on the teen board, and I’m incredibly honored to be a part of this team. Aside from the teen board, I serve as a leader in our school’s DECA, GKOM Council (mentorship program), and more. In my free time, I crochet and play the violin. I’m so excited to support our community and make a difference with this wonderful opportunity!
Alex Kraemer
I am honored to be apart of this years teen board,I am inspired by the resilience and determination that children’s fighting cancer demonstrate which is the one of the reasons, I am beyond excited to advocate for childhood cancer. These children deserve more recognition for the battles they fight Every day, which is why O joined the tee board, to be a voice among the noise and help them get one step closer to beating cancer. I am committed to helping pediatric cancer research advance so that the families and children affected can be properly cared for.
Rachel Louis
Hi! My name is Rachel Louis, and I am a sophomore at Park Tudor. I am truly grateful to be a member of the Teen Board and help be a part of a great cause. As someone whose family has been personally affected by cancer, I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved in making a difference. I joined this cause because I want to make a difference and help children battling cancer in any way possible and be more involved in the medical field. I am so excited to begin this opportunity with you all!
Quinn Miller
Hello! My name is Quinn Miller and I am a Junior at Brebeuf Jesuit as well as a competitive tennis player. I am a photographer and love to travel which allows me to explore new places and perspectives. I joined the CSCCE Teen Board because I am passionate about supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer in any way I can. I want to help advance research and create a brighter future for those affected by this disease.
Hattie Ohlemiller
Hi! My name is Hattie Ohlemiller, and I’m a freshman at Mount Vernon High School. This is my first year on the teen board. I joined CSCCE because I have seen how cancer can impact a family and I want to make a difference for others impacted by the disease. Aside from teen board, I sing (MV Singers) and play volleyball. I recently graduated from The Women's Fund's Generosity Forward program where I learned about philanthropy and the power of giving and I'm excited to raise money for this life-changing organization.
Prachi Pandya
Hi, I’m Prachi and I am a junior at Carmel High School. I am honored to be a part of the CSCCE Teen Board for the 2026–2027 year and excited to help raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. I admire CSCCE’s mission of supporting children and families affected by cancer, and I look forward to participating in fundraising, outreach, and service opportunities throughout the year.
Rohan Parikh
Hello! I am Rohan Parikh. I attend Carmel High School and I love volunteering and serving others. I am excited to fundraise on behalf of The Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment. The mission of CSCCE is so inspiring and empowering. I aim to greatly support cancer research and hopefully better the lives of many children!
Claire Pasquesi
My name is Claire Pasquesi and I am a junior at Park Tudor School. Outside of school, I enjoy playing soccer, lacrosse and spending time with my friends and family. This is my first year on the CSCCE teen board and I am looking forward to helping those in need and making a difference in our community.
London Rayner
Hello! My name is London Rayner, and I am a junior at Cathedral High School. I have a desire to join an expertise that specializes in supporting the needs of our growing generation, so I hope to pursue a career in medicine as a pediatrician. I joined the Teen Board because I love working with children, and supporting not only the children but also their families. Even something as simple as raising awareness can make an impact in supporting pediatric cancer research. I am beyond thrilled to work alongside other students who have similar passions and interests, in making a meaningful difference in our community!
Zoya Rishi
My name is Zoya and I am a sophomore at Park Tudor. I joined the CSCCE Teen Board because I firmly believe no child should have to face cancer alone. I am so excited and so thankful to have been given an opportunity to support my community through this amazing organization.
Kathryn Roth
Hi everyone! My name is Kathryn Roth, and I am a senior at Brebeuf Jesuit. After seeing how pediatric cancer personally affected my family, I knew I wanted to dedicate my time to making a difference. I serve as the president of our school's Riley Dance Marathon and an active member of the Pre-Med Club and National Honor Society. My favorite things to do outside of school are dancing, hanging out with friends and family, and playing with my dogs Romeo, and Oakley. The past 4 years I also have danced with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra annual Yuletide celebration. Driven by a personal mission, I am committed to funding meaningful pediatric cancer research and bringing hope to the many families affected by this disease.
Abeeha Sameer
Hello! My name is Abeeha Sameer and I'm a sophomore at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. I'm so excited to be a part of the Teen Board and help raise money for pediatric cancer. This cause is important to me because pediatric cancer often receives less attention and funding, and is frequently overlooked within medical fundraising. I plan to pursue a medical career in the future, possibly even specializing in Oncology! I started a nutrition club at my school, and I am a member of ASU, Students Demand Action, and I am Vice President of Girl's Leadership club, and I tutor kids outside of school! I look forward to working with others to raise awareness and help give these children the opportunity for a brighter future!
Henley Shultz
Hi!! I’m Henley Shultz and I am a sophomore at Mount Vernon High School. This is going to be my first year on the teen board and I could not be more honored or excited! I joined CSCCE because I love helping others and making someone’s day a little brighter. It is my goal to do that during my time on the board! Besides being on the team board, I am a cross country runner and a Marauder Mentor! I’m looking forward to learning and growing within this community!
Grace Sinsabaugh
Hi!! My name is Grace Sinsabaugh, and I am a Junior at Cathedral high school. I am involved in soccer, multiple clubs, and also enjoy spending time with friends and family. I chose to join the team board in order to raise awareness and money for children battling cancer, because I believe no one should fight alone and I want to be apart of the fight within my community.
Sadie Sniderman
My name is Sadie Sniderman and I go to Park Tudor School as a junior. At school, I participate in the young dems, ultimate frisbee, and jewish student union clubs, I also intend to lead the badminton club this upcoming year and am a member of the lacrosse team at my school. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking and playing sports with friends. I am so thankful for the work of CSCCE and I am excited to help organize, and raise funds and awareness for all of those struggling with pediatric cancer.
Jack Stitle
Hi, my name is Jack Stitle and I am a junior at Carmel High School. I play hockey with the Carmel Icehounds and lacrosse with both my high school and club teams. This is my second year on the CSCCE Teen Board, and I’m honored to be part of a team that’s working together to make a real difference for kids and families impacted by childhood cancer.
Krishna Una
Hi! My name is Krishna Una and I am a junior at Park Tudor School. I am the Co-President of our Chemistry Club and am ridiculously fascinated with hotel management. I love reading and I hope to be involved with chemical research in my future career. This is my first year working on the CSCCE board, and I joined because I feel that no child should be left vulnerable to underfunded research and truly want to bring back joy to the children and their families fighting cancer.
Taylor Weaver
Hi! I’m Taylor and I am a senior at Brebeuf Jesuit. I joined the Teen Board to become more involved in my community and support a cause that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of others. I am passionate about helping people in need and I’m especially interested in the medical and mental health fields. I’m excited to work alongside other students to support kids and families battling pediatric cancer. I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and making a positive difference through the Teen Board this year!!
