Robbinsville High School senior Rishi Venkatesh, a lifelong Robbinsville resident and standout student, was been named valedictorian of the Class of 2025, which celebrated graduation ceremonies on June 17.
Ever since his early days as a student at Sharon Elementary School, Venkatesh, a lifelong Robbinsville resident, has seen education as more than just a means to an end.
It is an opportunity for him to further enrich his worldview, grow as a person and challenge himself to learn new things.
While grades were never at the center of his attention, his intrinsic drive to learn and grow pushed him to come to school every day with attentive eyes and ears.
“School has never felt like a chore for me,” he said. “Part of that is just the way I am, and part of that is the incredibly supportive teachers and staff in Robbinsville. They consistently made coming to school a pleasure, and I’m grateful to have learned so much from them.”
Outside of the classroom, Venkatesh was co-president of the school’s Science Olympiad club, an organization dedicated to STEM-based competitions, and president of the Model U.N. club, a forum for students to role-play as U.N. members and debate crucial global issues.
He also founded a chapter of Partners in Health at the high school. PIH is an advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring underrepresented communities have access to high-quality healthcare.
As part of his work for PIH, Venkatesh was able to speak with community leaders, including staff members of U.S. Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker, about a bill to end Tuberculosis globally.
His accomplishments led him to be awarded the prestigious National Merit Scholarship.
Even with his robust academic and extracurricular achievements, what he will remember most about his days in the Robbinsville Public Schools is the strong sense of community and respect fostered within the district.
“The countless friends and mentors I’ve met on this journey will continue to impact me well past high school,” Venkatesh said. “Graduating is a bittersweet feeling; I’m looking forward to starting the next chapter of my life. At the same time, I’ll miss being a part of this wonderful community.”
Venkatesh extended a special thanks to chemistry teacher Barnali Dasgupta, physics teacher Shannon Wesley, math teacher Morgan Ziomek, social studies teacher Keith Armstrong, counselor Joanne Walker, his parents and his brother for their inspiration throughout his high school years.
He will continue his studies at Brown University, where he will study applied mathematics and biology.
Venkatesh was celebrated and gave a speech at Robbinsville High School’s graduation ceremony.
“I am pleased to see the incredible work done by Venkatesh throughout his time in our schools,” Robbinsville Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Pizzo said.
“As our valedictorian, he is a great role model for students of all ages, both in his academic work and his contributions outside the classroom,” Pizzo said. “I wish him the sincerest congratulations, and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in his next chapter.”
Rishi Venkatesh is the valedictorian of the RHS Class of 2025.,
