Sahitya Setty is like any high school senior in Tallahassee — spending time with friends, preparing for college, and looking forward to summer travel.
But a conversation with Sahitya reveals maturity and wisdom beyond her years, as well as some uncommon hobbies. Her academic work, commitment to service, and love for stamp collecting make her one of Tallahassee’s Five Young Women to Watch for 2026.
Sahitya Setty is one of Tallahassee’s 5 Young Women to Watch for 2026.
Sahitya’s interest in philately, commonly known as stamp collecting, was inspired by her father and their shared experiences at stamp and coin shows across Florida. Stamp collecting has deepened her knowledge of world history and cultures, and sparked her interest in business and economics through interactions with local dealers.
She prefers collecting stamps with personal meaning, especially butterfly-themed ones, rather than focusing on rarity or value. Her favorite stamp is a 1975 1ch Bhutan Yellow Sephisa chandra stamp that has a spotted winged butterfly.
Sahitya is a member of the Tallahassee Stamp and Coin Club, where she participates as both a collector and exhibitor while fostering an interest in the hobby among younger children. She has developed competitive exhibits that have been shared nationally and provide an opportunity for her to dig into research, presentation, and thematic storytelling.
This spring, she will present her exhibit, “Butterflies: Nature’s Flying Beauty,” at the Boston 2026 World Stamp Expo. “This Expo is a prestigious international opportunity for me to present my passion for stamps to a wider audience,” she says.
She may include some college visits along the way, as she plans to study entrepreneurship after high school. “Being introduced to this hobby at a young age allowed me to grow up surrounded by many of these local businesses. It has given me the chance to learn more about the business world and has opened the doors to a wide range of opportunities for me.”
Sahitya is eager to share her hobby with others, publishing several articles related to philately and local shows in the Tallahassee Democrat, and as a featured guest on Real Talk 93.3 FM, discussing stamp collecting, youth involvement in the hobby, and local exhibitions. And, she enjoys learning from others.
“I often spend hours listening to the collectors and dealers I meet who passionately talk about their collection. Also, as a Kids Zone Manager, I have the opportunity to talk with kids and their parents about the importance of stamp and coin collecting. I enjoy listening to them because not only do I learn something new, but I’m also able to give them the joy of knowing that someone is truly listening to their stories and interests.”
That same thoughtfulness is applied to academics. Sahitya is an International Baccalaureate student-athlete at James Rickards High School, where she competes as a swimmer. Upon entering high school, she became involved with Together Tallahassee (TGT), a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
She was quickly inspired to become an officer and organize volunteer sign-ups for initiatives such as writing letters to senior citizens and coordinating participation in monthly donation drives.
“Giving back to my community is something I truly enjoy doing,” she says. “It fills me with satisfaction knowing that I am making multiple people’s day better. Visiting senior citizens on Cinco de Mayo and reading to elementary students during Leon County’s Literary Week have shown me the meaning behind being in a community.”
In her free time, Sahitya enjoys reading, baking with friends, painting landscapes, and hiking with her parents. This summer, she hopes to return to the Grand Canyon and hike down to the Colorado River.
As she embarks on new adventures, Sahitya knows that she has the support of the Tallahassee community behind her. She is thankful for the community that has raised her, and is a shining example of Tallahassee’s energy, warmth, and creativity in the world.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 5 Young Women: Sahitya Setty puts her stamp on Tallahassee