Meet the SPARK! Student Leaders
- Tessa Paison- President of SPARK! & Math
Hi, I’m Tessa, a junior at GSSM and this year’s SPARK! President. I lead SPARK! Math because I love exploring how math shows up in the world around us—especially through chaos theory and the butterfly effect! My favorite subject is engineering, but I’m also passionate about Chinese. I hope to major in engineering or architecture and minor in psychology. Outside the classroom, I enjoy cooking, reading, music, and trying new things. I’m excited to share the fun side of math with you this year!
- Jharna Patel – Vice President of STEM & Cyber Security / Computer Science Co-Leader
Hi, I’m Jharna from Lexington! At GSSM, I’ve taken courses like cybersecurity, computer networking, and even completed an independent study on Linux—experiences that sparked my passion for technology. Outside of STEM, I love journaling, drawing, and anything to do with stationery. I’m always on the lookout for new music and enjoy switching up artists and genres. A fun fact: I have two pen pals I regularly write to by hand! I'm also involved in WOMPSci (Women in Computer Science), Robotics, and Letters for Rose. Before GSSM, I was on the varsity Color Guard, and I still enjoy following marching band and WGI events.
- Jennifer Relwani – Vice President Humanities & Western Medicine Co-Leader
Hi, I’m Jennifer, a senior from Summerville, and I’m thrilled to help lead SPARK! Western Medicine this year. I’ve always loved exploring subjects like math, biology, and history. When I’m not in class, you’ll probably find me reading, walking with friends, or watching movies—my favorites are Harry Potter and The Giver. I’m also a big fan of country music, especially George Strait. I’m so excited to share what I love and learn alongside all of you this year!
- Hampton Braddock - Astronomy
Hey everyone! I’m Hampton, a senior at GSSM. I’m passionate about exploring the universe and have taken AP Physics C and an independent study in astronomy to deepen my knowledge. When I’m not stargazing, I’m playing tennis, basketball, or golf—or listening to as many music albums as I can get my hands on. I’m also a big anime fan—Hunter x Hunter is my favorite. My dream is to become an astrophysicist at NASA. I’m excited to share the wonders of space with you this year!
- Aishwarya Prabhakaran– Biology
Hi! I’m Aishwarya from Fort Mill, and I’m so excited to share my love for biology with you! Biology fascinates me because it’s all around us and helps explain how life works. One of my favorite topics is genetics—there’s something so cool about understanding our genes and DNA. Outside of science, I love listening to music, watching movies, and bingeing shows. The Queen’s Gambit is my favorite, and I’m a big fan of romcoms. I can’t wait to explore the world of biology with you this year!
- Lily Cho – Chemistry Co-Leader
Hi! I’m Lily Cho, and I’m so excited to explore the world of chemistry with you this year! Get ready for fun and engaging lessons—just bring your curiosity and a positive attitude. Outside of class, I enjoy writing, hanging out with friends, and listening to music. I’m also always up for a good movie when I get the chance. Let’s make this a great year of learning together!
- Parameshwar Suresh - Chemistry Co-Leader
Hi! My name is Param and I am excited to teach you guys about Chemistry. Outside of class, I enjoy running cross country and competing in Track. I’m really looking forward to diving into chemistry with you all this year—come ready to learn, explore, and have some fun along the way!
- Bonnie Yang– Chinese
Hi! My name is Bonnie, and I’m excited to be leading SPARK! Chinese this year. I’m a senior at GSSM, originally from North Augusta. I love math and engineering, but in my free time, you’ll probably find me drawing, reading, or watching dramas. A fun fact about me—I collect Smiskis! I can’t wait to meet you all and share the fun of learning Chinese together!
- Lavanthi Narasimman– Computer Science Co-Leader
Hi, I’m Lavanthi! I’m passionate about computer science, especially the exciting worlds of AI and machine learning. Outside of class, I love dancing, spending time with friends, and watching movies. This year in SPARK!, my goal is to make computer science fun, simple, and exciting so everyone can enjoy learning about tech. I can’t wait to explore it with you!
- Samuel Lewis – Engineering
Hi! I’m Samuel. I’m a senior. I’ve taken two engineering courses and serve as one of the lead engineers and outreach coordinators on a SeaPerch team. I’m passionate about hands-on problem solving and using engineering to make a real-world impact.
- Matthew Bodnar– Government & Economics
Hi! I’m Matthew. I'm a senior. I’m passionate about government systems and economics, and I’m excited to teach this class. I can’t wait to share my enthusiasm for these subjects with you all as we dive into the world of politics and economics!
- Samantha Freeman– Environmental Science
Hi! I’m Sami Freeman, a senior at GSSM with a passion for Marine Biology and Environmental Science. My dream is to work in ocean conservation and help protect our planet’s ecosystems. Outside the classroom, I love robotics, reading, running, and listening to music—especially artists like Noah Kahan, Hozier, and Zach Bryan. I’m so excited to teach this year and can’t wait to dive into learning with you all!
- Calliope Williams - History
Hello! I’m Calliope, and I’m excited to be leading SPARK! History this year. I’m from Hartsville, SC, and I’m a senior at GSSM, where I’m also involved in cheerleading and soccer. I’m passionate about history, especially WWII, the 1960s, and Modern History. In my free time, I love spending time with dogs, watching movies, and sipping lemonade. Some of my favorite films include Pitch Perfect (1 & 2), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and 10 Things I Hate About You. I can’t wait to teach you all and make this year of SPARK! History a memorable one!
- Reeva Bafna – Literature
Hi! I’m Reeva Bafna, a senior at GSSM with a passion for understanding how ideas from the past—through literature, philosophy, and history—continue to shape our world today. I plan to study law in college, where I hope to use that knowledge to create meaningful change. In my free time, I love reading and taking walks around campus with friends, always finding inspiration in both stories and conversations.
- Giada Basta – Marine Biology
Hi! I’m Giada, a senior at GSSM, and I’m thrilled to be leading SPARK! Marine Biology this year. I’m passionate about all things ocean-related—whether it’s animals, the environment, oceanography, or sailing. The beach is my happy place, and I’ve been visiting it annually since I was just a week old. While chemistry is my favorite subject, I’m also fascinated by macrobiology. I plan to major in chemistry or chemical engineering and minor in environmental science, with plans to join the Navy after college. In my spare time, I love running, reading, and exploring new experiences. My favorite marine animal? The blue dragon sea slug (I’ve even seen one in person!). I’m also a fan of movies like Top Gun: Maverick and Hidden Figures, and my go-to drink is Diet Coke. I can’t wait to teach you all about the wonders of marine biology this year!
- Persis Dathrapu – Eastern Medicine
Hi! I’m Persis, a senior at GSSM, and I’m excited to be leading SPARK! Eastern Medicine this year. I’m passionate about the sciences and plan to study pharmacy or chemistry with a focus on research in the future. In my free time, I love journaling, arts and crafts, and especially painting. Some of my favorite movies include 10 Things I Hate About You and Chennai Express. A fun fact about me is that I have vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder, and I’m currently using traditional medicine as part of my treatment. I’m thrilled to share my love for science and Eastern Medicine and guide students on their learning journeys this year!
- Marissa Eckard –Western Medicine
Hi everyone! I’m Marissa, a senior at GSSM, and I’m passionate about pursuing biology or neuroscience in college. My goal is to attend medical school and specialize in pediatrics or neurology. In my free time, I love to read, crochet, and watch rom-coms. My favorite book is The Book Thief, and my go-to movies are Tangled and 10 Things I Hate About You. I’m also a cheerleader at school, and a fun fact about me is that I traveled to Germany this summer to conduct cancer research. Biology is my favorite subject, especially when it comes to body systems, and I’m really excited to share that passion with you all this year!
- Aylin Turk – Music
Hey everyone! My name is Aylin Turk, and I’m a senior at SCGSSM. I’m excited to be leading the Music lessons this year! Some of my all-time favorite subjects are anatomy and biology, which is why I aspire to become a neurosurgeon in the future. I’ve been playing piano for twelve years and absolutely love it. Outside of music and academics, I’m the club president of Juniorettes and Weightlifting, and I also serve as a school ambassador. In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, playing tennis, painting, and listening to music—my favorite artists are Sabrina Carpenter and Tate McRae. Oh, and my favorite color is pink! I can’t wait to teach all of you this year and share my love for music with you!
- Reagan Mitton – Physics
Hey! I’m Reagan, a senior from Florence, and I’m excited to lead SPARK! Physics this year. At first, I took physics just to meet GSSM’s requirements, but I ended up loving it. Physics can seem abstract, but once you dive in, it all starts to make sense! In the future, I’d love to develop software for physics research. Outside of class, I enjoy coding and golfing—I'm no Tiger Woods, but I love the strategy and mindset the game requires. I’m a big fan of rom-coms like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and 27 Dresses. Physics can feel intimidating, but I’m confident that with the SPARK! team, we can show you how fun and fascinating it can be. I can’t wait to teach you all!
- Ansh Dwivedi – Robotics
Hey, I’m Ansh, a senior at GSSM! I’m passionate about pursuing mechanical and aerospace engineering. My dream is to become a robotics or aerospace engineer and work on building rovers or rockets for space exploration. Outside of school, I’m all about keeping up with the latest tech trends, playing video games, and building custom PCs. My all-time favorite games are Minecraft and Spider-Man: Miles Morales. I’m really excited to work with all of you and can’t wait to learn and explore new things together!
- Jayden Davis- Sociology
Hi! I’m Jayden, a senior at GSSM, and I’m thrilled to be leading SPARK! Sociology this year. I’m from Darlington, South Carolina, and I’ve always been fascinated by how communities come together and evolve. I plan to pursue a career in the medical field, with a strong passion for Biology and Chemistry. Outside of academics, I enjoy running, photography, drawing, painting, playing the piano, and baking. My favorite food is Mac & Cheese, and I can never resist chocolate ice cream! I’m excited to teach you all about sociology and its real-world applications—let’s have an amazing year together!
- Asha Kaikini – Spanish
Hi! I'm Asha and I'm a senior at GSSM. I'm interested in biology and chemistry and am really into all things gastro! I also loooove learning languages and playing sports (especially soccer and swimming) and I love to do sudoku in my free time. I can't wait for SPARK this year!