From the outside looking in, it might seem that Tushar Mittal is just another run-of-the-mill, actively involved high school student.

Upon closer inspection, however, it is clear that Mittal’s will to achieve is powered by wanting to make both his parents and teachers proud.

“I like to do only the things that I am passionate about,” he said. “It is not something that I feel pressured about. I enjoy every part of it.”

Mittal is within the top 5 percent at Dutchtown and balances his rigorous course load — which includes four Advanced Placement classes — with involvement in Key, Beta, Ambassadors, International clubs as well as acting as a Student Government Association senator, to name a few.

A member of the varsity golf team, Mittal has been awarded various honors including top freshman, “top dawg” award in science his freshman year, best overall in science and healthcare his sophomore year and 2012 academic athlete of the year.

The numerous honors in science are a direct tribute to his love of the discipline.

“My favorite subject is biology,” he said. “My grandmother died of a brain tumor and ever since then I have been fascinated with cancer. I am currently working on cancer-related research and plan on being a neurosurgeon.”

Mittal said he would not have been able to achieve all he has without the support of the Dutchtown community and his parents.

“My parents have a big role in my educational success,” he said. “They have completely supported me. My teachers have also been supportive. I have seen myself grow and love the environment.”