Leo Club is a global volunteer organization with more than 144,000 members worldwide.  Sponsored by Lions Clubs International, Leo Clubs bring service to needy communities around the world with help from dedicated youth.

Atharshna Singarajah, a current Junior at Diamond Bar High School, has been with the organization since middle school serving as President at Chaparral Middle School and Diamond Bar High School.  She is currently serving as Leo Club District 4-L4 President in charge of 13 Leo Clubs.

Thousands of Leos are nominated for this honor, but only a few are chosen.  Atharshna is one of the 23 dedicated members around the world chosen as Leo of the World representing all the Lions in California in Multiple District Four.

To reach this prestigious honor, Atharshna first had to be recommended by her sponsoring Lions Club, the Diamond Bar Breakfast Lions Club.  After passing the first stage, she was recommended by District 4-L4 and Multiple District Four, finally being chosen by Lions Clubs International.

This is not the first time the Diamond Bar High School Leo Club has had a member be named Leo of the World.  In its nine years of existence, the Diamond Bar High School Leo Club has had five members named Leo of the World, Atharshna being its sixth.

Atharshna's older sister, Anantha, was also chosen as a Leo of the World in 2008 and is the founder of the UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) Campus Lions Club.

Katrina Chan, the current Diamond Bar High School Leo Club President is very proud of Atharshna's accomplishments, "I am very proud of Atharshna and I can see her as a future leader in the world.  She works selflessly and never gives up, doing her best at everything.  I knew she could do it!".

Atharshna is also very proactive in academics and other activities.  She is a Link Crew Leader, mentoring incoming freshman students and a dedicated marching band member.  Atharshna has been a Principal's honor roll student and is constantly thinking of ways to improve Leo Club and lends a helping hand to different causes.

"To be chosen as one of the Leos of the World, is truly a honor.  Leo club has become a huge part of my life and it is a good feeling to be honored for all the community service I have done.  My parents have supported me since I first became a Leo and I would have to thank them because receiving this award was partially because of all they did for me.  My Lion Advisors, Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka, are also to thank, because if it wasn't for them, I would have never been able to receive so many opportunities and become so involved in the club, said Atharshna.

Atharshna has worked hard to keep the 500 member club thriving at Diamond Bar High School.  As President, she guided her Board of Directors members through the year, strategically maintaining community involvement in hundreds of Leos.

Atharshna further added, "The Leos from Diamond Bar High School and the Leos in District 4-L4 have taught me many lessons and they have made being a Leo an unforgettable experience.  I am looking forward to my next two years as a Diamond Bar High School Leo and I will keep serving not only my community but third-world countries as well.  Thank you!".