Four years ago, when the class of 2025 valedictorian Eshaan Bhansali was waitlisted from the Academy for Math, Science, and Engineering, that moment became a turning point that fueled his determination to not only make his parents proud but to prove to himself that he was capable of achieving anything he set his mind to.

From the very beginning, Eshaan had his eyes set on becoming valedictorian. That goal didn’t begin when he walked into Morris Hills – it was already deeply rooted in his mindset. What followed was a journey characterized by discipline, growth, and resilience.

But Eshaan’s story isn’t just one of academic success – it’s also one of athletic dedication and personal balance.

As a three-year varsity player on the Morris Hills basketball team and speaking captain his senior year, he pushed himself to thrive both on the court and in the classroom, while having as much fun in high school as possible.

He lived by the motto “study hard, play harder,” learning how to embrace a schedule filled with rigorous classes without sacrificing his well-being and personal life.

That balance didn’t come overnight. Eshaan built it over time by learning how to show daily consistency. He treated his schedule like a puzzle: carefully planned, prioritized, and structured with Apple Calendar, reminders, and a commitment to progress over perfection.

His approach wasn’t just about getting things done; it was about doing them well and enjoying the process along the way. “Life is like a game. There are constantly levels to beat, and to be the best, you have to enjoy the process,” Eshaan said.

Along Eshaan’s journey, he found support that carried him to the finish line. The people around him – his family, friends, and teachers – played a significant role in shaping the person he is today.

His parents, in particular, were his foundation. Their constant support, sacrifices, and belief in his potential pushed him to aim higher and stay focused, even on the toughest days. Eshaan credits much of his success to the values they instilled in him: hard work, humility, and resilience.

Beyond his family, Eshaan was surrounded by a circle of close friends who reminded him that high school was about more than just academics. They encouraged him to have fun and enjoy the little moments that would one day become lasting memories.

“In class and on the court, I got to know Eshaan very well,” said TJ Gordimer, a fellow teammate. “In both his academics and sports, he is dedicated to propelling himself to success, while aiding his peers to follow suit by being both a great leader and friend.”

His teachers also made a lasting impact, especially Mr. Bermel, his AP Calculus BC teacher, who pushed him to move beyond memorization and embrace creative, critical thinking. Mr. Bermel described Eshaan as an exemplary student: an active and enthusiastic participant who welcomed challenges as opportunities to grow. His boundless curiosity, contagious energy, warm personality, and playful sense of humor made him a true asset to the class. “I am excited to learn of his future successes,” Mr. Bermel added.
“I have some of the best friends here, and I’ll miss all the memories I made with them throughout school,” Eshaan said, reflecting on his time at Morris Hills.

The journey to reach such a high level of achievement is the result of years of dedication, hard work, and resilience – qualities that Eshaan Bhansali demonstrated every step of the way. He not only excelled in the classroom, showing clarity, depth, and determination in his academics, but also gained lifelong values through sports, leadership, and teamwork.

One of his proudest moments came when he was crowned Mr. Morris Hills, a title that, for him, went far beyond a crown. “Winning Mr. Morris Hills was a meaningful moment in high school for me because it represented how I was more than just a kid who studied,” he said. “I love being social and having fun, and it was a great way to showcase my personality.”

Looking ahead, Eshaan will be continuing his journey at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he plans to study biomedical engineering. As he reflects on everything he’s accomplished and all that’s to come, Eshaan leaves his classmates with this: “No matter where we go, keep striving, stay grounded, and never forget where we started.”