MEET OUR 2024 SNOW AMBASSADOR, NIKHITA SARAVANAN!

Each year, the Children’s Museum of Richmond offers a college scholarship for a high school junior who most exemplifies the character of CMoR’s Snow Ambassador. The Snow Ambassador should demonstrate creativity and act as a role model for all children, regardless of their age, ability, or background.

This year, we are incredibly proud to present Nikhita Saravanan as our 2024 Snow Ambassador. Nikhita is a junior at Maggie Walker Governor’s School and our Nominating Committee was incredibly impressed with all that she’s already accomplished in her life. After reading her application and hearing her share more about herself during her interview, we were in awe of all she manages to do with her time.

Nikhita has been active in the Indian Classical Dance form, Bharathanatyam, for 11 years, has placed in multiple competitions, attended esteemed workshops, coordinated lights, and emceed for several dance debuts. She’s been active in 4-H for 8 years and committed over 770 service hours from 2020 to 2023 during her time as the club president. Nikhita has received awards for her civic engagement in 4-H and has represented the state of Virginia in various conferences and projects throughout her time with them. Nikhita has also had an active role in numerous school clubs, like sports clubs, foreign language clubs and honors societies, art clubs, the robotics team, engineering club, and the honors council, just to name a few. She’s currently serving as the Honor Council Representative for Maggie Walker for the class of 2025.

Not only that, but Nikhita is a co-founder of the organization, 4 Art 2 Heart, which aspires to unlock every artists’ talents and skills while relieving stress through art. They offer classes designed to explore and create stylish masterpieces. Nikhita has even had some of her garment designs featured at the VMFA and has received multiple awards for her art.

When we asked Nikhita why she should be selected as the 2024 Snow Ambassador, she shared:

“As a young child, inquisitive and passionate about learning, I first began exploring and observing the world through my experiences at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. From participating in events that highlighted various cultures to organizing book drives at CMOR, I gained a sense of community, diversity, and unity. Each of these activities kindled a spark of curiosity and interest as I grew older, and it opened my eyes to the importance of representation and service. Over the years, I began to develop a passion for working with children through establishing a nonprofit to teach art classes and the importance of mental health throughout the nation. I also gained a deeper understanding of DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) and learned the value of instilling these qualities at a young age for shaping future generations. From my childhood memories at CMOR, VMFA, and 4-H, the cultural expression I gained through Bharathanatyam, yoga, and art, and the academic balance as a Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School student, every organization and program that I have participated in has molded me into the leader I am today. As the 2024 Snow Queen Ambassador, I would like to use my experiences and passions to create a safe space for children to explore their own identities through the motto of “learn through play.” I would like to use my voice to foster a place of creativity and exploration for children who represent the puzzle pieces that unite to build our future.”

We are so excited for Nikhita to serve as our Snow Ambassador over the coming year and have already greatly appreciated her time serving the children and families who attend our monthly Sensory Friendly Nights. We look forward to working with Nikhita during other special events and activities throughout the year!