By Salma Dhalla
Herald Intern
Throughout many student’s early high school years, they take on many passion projects to add to
their resumes and in hopes of making a difference within their communities. One such example
is a local non-profit founded by a Seminole High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Junior,
Nainika Teegavarapu. Using the therapeutic power of music to empower others, a local
non-profit called Medolies is transforming the lives of many, especially senior citizens with their
performances. Medolies recently hosted an event at Vitality at Lake Forest, a local long term care
facility in Sanford, to engage and promote well-being amongst an older crowd. Spectrum News
13 was also present at the event, recording snippets of the performance and taking interviews
from Medolies officers to feature in the broadcast.
The event on March 13th featured live music performances, including singing and piano
performances. The Medolies team invited residents to join in and created an environment
centered on connection and positivity. Medolies aims to also go beyond entertainment by
emphasizing the beneficial effects of music. Studies have shown that music reduces stress,
improves mood and memory, all factors especially helpful to patients in these long term care
facilities.
We are in a time where compassion and positivity is needed more than ever. said Nainika
Teegavarapu, founder of Medolies shared her passion for creating this meaningful non-profit.
“In the midst of a growing mental health crisis, I’ve realized that many people search for peace
within themselves, when sometimes it can be found in something as simple and powerful as the
music they listen to every day. In the summer of 2024, I started Medolies. It is something I love
from the bottom of my heart and a true product of hard work, perseverance, and a genuine
passion for serving others. I am incredibly grateful and excited to continue growing and making
an even greater impact in the future.”
The Medolies team is also composed of a team of officers as well. Melodies Officer Anya
Priyadarshi, an IB sophomore at Seminole High School shared the reason she decided to join
the team and what has influenced her to be part of such a cause . “I decided to join Medolies
because of my passion for music and playing the piano. The more I went to events, the more
passionate I became in the club as each time I saw the audience's faces light up. I’ve developed
connections with the other musicians, the elderly, and the little kids throughout my time. This is
what truly keeps me coming back”
Medolies plans to continue organizing similar events in the future, expanding its reach to other
facilities and community spaces. They have also recently expanded their efforts through
providing coloring pages to local businesses, one of them being Foxtail Coffee Co. in
Heathrow/Sanford. Through their personalized coloring pages Medolies hopes to spread
positivity and spark meaningful conversations. To keep up to date with more of their events and
learn more about their cause, check out their instagram page @med.olies_us!
