Hey! I'm Neel Manne

A passionate high school senior, tech enthusiast, and committed community leader.

My Story

I’m a high school student driven by a passion for both academic excellence and community service. Since the age of four, I have been fascinated by building and creating, starting with Legos. What began with simple sets quickly evolved into tackling more complex sets, often dedicating eight hours at a stretch to complete them. This early experience laid the foundation for my technical and problem-solving skills, which I further developed by crafting intricate props for Destination Imagination challenges and leading my robotics team. As captain of the robotics team and president of the eSports club, I’ve had the chance to lead my peers, encouraging innovation and teamwork.
Beyond academics, I stay active through varsity tennis, Tae Kwon Do, and music, where I find balance between mental and physical growth. What motivates me most, however, is giving back. I founded "Melodies 4 Minds," raising funds to support underprivileged children, neurodiverse individuals, and survivors of human trafficking. I’ve also led educational programs for kids in India, offering tools for a brighter future. My internships in the medical field have fueled my passion for healthcare, and I am eager to explore various fields within it to make a meaningful impact. By combining my love for learning with a desire to make a difference, I aim to use both intellect and empathy to foster lasting change.

Work Experience

UT Southwestern STARS Summer Research Program

Clinical Observership - Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health/ Apollo, Cloudnine, Victoria Hospital

Data Entry/Analysis of Children’s Visual Function Questionnaires (CVFQ)

Math Tutor

Accountant – pSolv

Genomic Medicine Observership, UC Davis MIND Institute

UCDavis Observationship_edited_edited.jpg

Publications/Poster Presentations

My Experience So Far

Education

9,10,11,12

Jesuit College Preparatory School, Dallas, TX

Leadership

As captain of both the Robotics and Destination Imagination teams, and president of the eSports club, I've had the privilege to lead in both technical and creative domains. From building robots and designing intricate props for competitions to organizing eSports tournaments, I’ve honed my leadership skills by guiding teams through challenges that require innovation, strategy, and teamwork.

Honors and Awards

National Honor Society

Haggerty Math and Science Scholarship

Top Scorer – TXML and AMC 10

AP Scholar Distinctions

Torchbearer Award, Destination Imagination Global Finals 2023

Global Finals, Destination Imagination

Extra-Curricular Activities

Piano and Guitar

Early Musical Foundations:
Began studying piano and guitar at age six.
Regularly qualified for the Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA) ensemble, performing almost every year.
Accomplishments in Music:
Received numerous awards in piano competitions.
Consistently achieved gold in piano theory and history exams.
Composed original music for Destination Imagination using both piano and guitar.
Community Engagement Through Music:
Youngest guitarist to open the Vibha kite festival talent for a reason in front of 4,000+ Audience.
Co-founded "Melodies 4 Minds," a music-based charity initiative.
Performed at various fundraising events with a band formed during middle and high school.
Musical Versatility:
Self-taught bass guitarist, expanding musical skills and repertoire.

Robotics

Robotics is more than just a club; it's a passion that keeps me energized and inspired. Working with my friends after school, strategizing late into the night, and experiencing the rush of competitions—it's all exhilarating. The thrill of the challenge, from brainstorming ideas to turning them into functioning designs, truly drives me. I love the teamwork aspect, especially coordinating with other teams to devise game plans and calling the shots during the heat of competition. It’s also rewarding to guide new members, teaching them how to bring our collective visions to life using complex

Destination Imagination

Since kindergarten, I have actively participated in Destination Imagination, leading my team through both technical and service challenges. This journey has been instrumental in shaping me into a well-rounded STEAM enthusiast. I've thrived in bringing my imaginations to life, from crafting intricate technical props and costumes to integrating innovative solutions into our projects. I've honed my ability to work collaboratively within a team of members with varied skills, solving problems on the fly and pushing my creativity beyond conventional boundaries. Alongside building and DIY-ing anything I envisioned, I also leveraged my musical talents, adding a unique dimension to our endeavors. The program has not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but has also equipped me with valuable skills like using tools, solving real-time problems, and thinking on the spot—all while having fun. Competing and winning at global levels multiple times, Destination Imagination has been a pivotal part of my development, making me a complete thinker and creator

Academic Achievements

As a student with a robust interest in STEM, I have excelled in a variety of advanced courses including AP Statistics, Multivariable Calculus, AP Computer Science, and AP Calculus BC. Demonstrating early academic maturity, I was the only freshman to take senior-level courses in AP Math and AP Physics C. My academic portfolio is further enhanced by current studies in AP Biology and AP Chemistry, complemented by AP Literature to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

Community Service

Founder – Melodies 4 Mind

Co-founded Melodies 4 Minds, organizing fundraising events to support causes like education, neurodiversity, and anti-human trafficking. Led event planning, including band assembly, music selection, and sound setup.

It’s Going to Be Ok, Inc.

It’s Going to Be OK, Inc. fights human trafficking through education and fundraising. Organized a musical fundraiser, raising awareness among 400+ families and securing $12,000 and supplies for survivors.

Corp Girls Shelter, Mumbai, India

Developed a weekly enrichment program for 38 girls (ages 3-19) covering yoga, dance, robotics, and more. Organized career speakers, taught English, and raised $25,000 through a musical event for college and career training.

Vibha Youth Organization

Annually volunteer at festivals and marathons, raising funds through performances, tree planting, and recycling education. Raised $6,000 for children's education in India and about $50,000 for oxygen concentrators during the pandemic.

UC Davis Mind Institute

Created an interactive appointment book for children with Costello syndrome, using stickers and coloring pages to aid understanding. Made and donated 100+ face shields, 220+ blankets, and 100+ masks to UC Davis and the Mind Institute during quarantine and Christmas.

North Texas Food Bank

Raised funds to help provide for over 12,500 meals for families in need during COVID times

Tree Planting and Recycle

Helped plant 100+ trees, raise awareness, recycle 3 truck load electronics, add recycling in big events

It's A Sensory World

Raised funds $8000+ for School Supplies. Built a 16x24ft haunted house, musical entertainment, class room decorations.

Hurricane Harvey Relief

Raised funds $7000+ for Houston Elementary School. Collected supplies for 1000+ pets and rescue. Helped sheetrock cutting and cleaning affected homes.