Junior Achievement of Dallas announced this week their 2025 JA Dallas Student of the Year as Plano East Senior High School student Palak Patel.
Patel was chosen from a pool of more than 100 applicants based on academic achievement, leadership and commitment to community impact.
Along with the designation, Patel will receive the Sandi Smith Scholarship, providing $10,000 toward her collegiate education.
“I found myself diving into projects that challenged me to think in new ways and take on responsibilities I had never expected,” Patel said of her time as a participant in the JA Career Speaker Series and intern with JA Dallas. “It wasn’t just about tasks and deadlines; it was about learning how to navigate the complex world of business and understanding the value of making smart, informed decisions.”
Patel will also have the opportunity to speak at the upcoming Dallas Business Hall of Fame event at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, where she will share her career aspirations with an audience of business and community leaders.
“Each year, the JA Dallas Student of the Year reminds us of the incredible potential of our young people,” said Chris LaTurno, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas. “Palak Patel exemplifies the qualities of leadership, perseverance and ambition that we strive to instill in every student who participates in our programs. We are proud to honor Palak at this year’s Dallas Business Hall of Fame and are excited to see her future unfold.”
Junior Achievement of Dallas is a nonprofit that works with young people on financial literacy, workplace readiness and entrepreneurship across Dallas, Collin, Denton and Kaufman counties.
