River Valley Student Wins Alamelu Sevugnan Award

A student from has been chosen as this year's recipient of the Alamelu Sevugnan Award—an honor created in memory of a Lemont who was killed in a car accident.

Fifth-grader Brianna Carlson was named the winner of this year's award, which is given annually to a student in .

Alamelu Sevugnan was a a fifth-grader at Oakwood School when she was tragically killed in a car accident while visiting family in India.

The award was established after her death and is given each year to the fifth-grade student who embodies the characteristics of Alamelu—cooperation, academic achievement and a positive attitude toward school.

Carlson said she was shocked to learn she had won the award.

"I felt honored to be selected for this award,” she said. “It surprised me that out of this entire school of fifth graders, the staff felt that I deserved this award.”

Carlson's teacher, Laura Hodge, described her as "kind, caring and always willing to help others."

“Brianna’s light shines brightly in our classroom," Hodge said. "She always sees the good in others and displays wonderful leadership qualities.”

Also nominated for the award were Lauren Lellos, Aaron Swenson, Cameron Dickson, Sean Haughey and Trevor Graham.

“The River Valley staff is proud of all of our students, but especially proud of the six mentioned here," said River Valley Principal Debra Lynch. "Such dedication to academics and compassion to others should be celebrated.”

The award is supported by the Sevugan family, who purchases a plaque and medal for the student. In addition, they donate $100 to the school library each year to purchase books in honor of Alamelu and the award recipient.