Leander ISD is proud to recognize student Shreya Poladia as a recipient of the 41st Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. The awards celebrate the service and dedication of exceptional individuals, groups and organizations that have significantly impacted Texas communities through volunteering over the past year.
Poladia, a junior at Vandegrift High School, is being recognized for her work in founding a nonprofit organization called Shreya’s Atelier Art for a Cause. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Poladia started painting with her brother, who is diagnosed with autism and Down syndrome, as a bonding activity. The endeavor quickly became a powerful movement. “I am inspired to volunteer by my brother,” Poladia said. “Witnessing his struggles and the ignorance or the indifference of others has driven me to advocate for greater awareness and acceptance of disabilities.”
Wanting to make a difference and inspire social change, Poladia decided to turn her passion for art into an opportunity to raise awareness of disabilities and raise funds for the organizations that support people with special needs. In her seventh-grade year at Canyon Ridge Middle School, she started her nonprofit and began hosting annual art shows. “I work hard to ensure that each event not only raises money but also educates the community about disabilities while promoting greater understanding and acceptance,” Poladia said. “I am passionate about using art to foster empathy and positive change.”
The impact of Poladia’s tireless efforts is clear. To date, Shreya’s Atelier Art for a Cause has raised thousands of dollars for organizations that support people with disabilities, such as the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas. In addition, Poladia has earned multiple prestigious recognitions for her volunteer work, including the George H.W. Bush Daily Point of Light Award, the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Award, and a Congressional Gold Medal.
Poladia’s most recent recognition, the First Lady’s Rising Star Award as part of the Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards administered by the One Star Foundation, is the highest honor for volunteers in Texas. Along with other award recipients, Poladia will be celebrated during National Volunteer Month in April at a reception hosted at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin.
Reflecting on her successes, Poladia says she couldn’t do it without her support system. “My family has always been my biggest strength,” Poladia said. “My brother in particular, Raj, inspires me every day with his resilience, positivity, and determination.”
A Leander ISD student since the start of her academic career, Poladia says her teachers have also been an endless source of support, kindness, and encouragement. “I am deeply grateful to all of my teachers at Leander ISD,” Poladia said. “Each one has played a critical role in shaping me to be a better person, instilling values, skills, and confidence I carry with me every day.”
