Graduation ceremonies for the Robbinsville High School Class of 2025 took place on Tuesday, June 17.
Among those graduating were the Top 10 seniors featured below, listed in alphabetical order.
The students represent a wide range of academic interests and career goals — from engineering physics and biomedical research to accounting, computer science, and medicine.
Many are headed to top universities across the country this fall, where they plan to continue their leadership both in and out of the classroom.
Each graduate reflected on the people and experiences that shaped their journey, offering insight into the passions and values that helped guide them to this academic milestone.
Ariel Bernard
Ariel Bernard will attend Stony Brook University, where she plans to major in chemistry. She intends to earn her PhD and pursue a career in research or attend medical school.
Ariel will compete on Stony Brook’s Division 1 swim team and participate in the Black Student Union and the Caribbean Student Association. She is also involved in the Simons STEM Scholars Program, which offers a full scholarship, research access, and early exposure to college coursework.
At Robbinsville High School, Ariel was a member of the swim team and participated in the Black Culture Club, World Language Honors Society, and Science Honors Society.
She credits her sister Micaela for inspiring her to be a better person and always being there to offer support, even from far away.
Ariel’s favorite quote is from Glennon Doyle: “You can do hard things.” Her fondest memory from high school was the senior Disney trip, a fun and carefree experience.
Aritro Ganguly
Aritro Ganguly is headed to Cornell University to study engineering physics. He aspires to work in the spaceflight or aviation industries. At Cornell, he hopes to join several clubs including Club Tennis, Rocketry Club, Autonomous Bicycle, Concrete Canoeing, and the Cornell Car Club.
During high school, he was involved in tennis, Quantum Computing, and the Math Honors Society. Aritro says his parents have had the biggest impact on his life, offering him opportunities and instilling compassion.
He shares a favorite quote from Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” His favorite memory from high school is the senior trip to Disney.
Ayan Kawlekar
Ayan Kawlekar will attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he plans to major in applied mathematics. His career goal is to work with AI and robotics startups. He plans to play squash and join the Cal Hiking Club and a consulting club.
At RHS, he was heavily involved with Robotics and served as president of the Computer Science Honors Society and co-president of Science Olympiad.
Ayan says his father is his greatest inspiration, embodying selflessness and compassion. His favorite quote is from Plato: “The worst of all deceptions, is self-deception.” Ayan’s top memory is winning his division at the robotics world championship.
Anamitra Kugapalan
Anamitra Kugapalan will enroll in the 8-year BS/MD program at Stony Brook University and the Renaissance School of Medicine, majoring in biomedical engineering. She plans to become a physician and researcher focused on antimicrobial resistance. She is part of the Simons STEM Scholars and Scholars for Medicine programs.
At RHS, Anamitra organized TEDxYouth@RHS, led Girls Who Code and Odyssey of the Mind, and participated in numerous clubs and societies including Model UN, Science Olympiad, and Red Cross.
Her biggest inspiration is her mother, an immigrant and orthopedic nurse who fostered Anamitra’s love of medicine. Her favorite quote is from Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
She fondly remembers electrocuting bacteria in Mrs. Sbarro’s class as part of her independent research project.
Nabilah Nisar
Nabilah Nisar will attend the Rutgers University Honors College in New Brunswick to study biomedical engineering, with plans to pursue a career in medicine. She hopes to join the American Preventative Screening and Education Association, the Biomedical Engineering Society, and Rutgers e-NABLE.
At Robbinsville, she was a member of the National, Math, Science, and English Honor Societies. Nabilah is inspired by her parents, whose support motivated her to always do her best.
Her favorite quote is from Walt Whitman: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” Her favorite memory is making ice cream in Mrs. Dasgupta’s chemistry class after the AP exam.
Melissa Nowicki
Melissa Nowicki will attend Rider University to major in accounting and hopes to work in accounting analytics and corporate finance. She plans to join several clubs including Aikido, Golf, and Volleyball, as well as Beta Alpha Psi and the Accounting Society.
At RHS, she participated in Nemesis 2590, the World Language, Math, Computer Science, and Science National Honor Societies. Melissa says her father inspires her with his advice and support, reminding her to enjoy the present.
Her favorite quote is: “Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it and make the most of the moment you are in now.” She cherishes taking funny ride photos with friends at Disney.
Naiya Patel
Naiya Patel will study molecular biology and biochemistry at Rutgers Honors College with a minor in data science. She plans to become a physician and continue her involvement in the Red Cross and the American Cancer Society chapter at Rutgers.
At RHS, she participated in Red Cross, Hindu American Club, and several honor societies. Naiya names her grandfather as a key influence, instilling in her the value of education and perseverance.
Her favorite quote comes from Pramukh Swami Maharaj: “In the joy of others lies our own.” Naiya’s favorite memory is spending lunch playing New York Times Games with friends.
Jeevan Sailesh
Jeevan Sailesh is headed to Princeton University to major in computer science. He hopes to become a software engineer and plans to join the university’s robotics club, HackPrinceton, igniteSTEM, and AI @ Princeton.
At RHS, he was active in Nemesis Robotics, Science Olympiad, Model UN, and multiple honor societies. Jeevan credits his parents, who overcame hardships to give their children better lives, for inspiring him to dream big.
He lives by the quote: “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” His favorite memory is winning the Curie Division at the FIRST World Championship in Houston.
Ria Sharma
Ria Sharma will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology to study computer science. She hopes to work in computational astrophysics and data science. She plans to join several student organizations, including the Grand Challenges Living-Learning Community, Women @ College of Computing, and the ATL Tanishq dance team.
At RHS, she was vice president of the Computer Science Honors Society and a member of many academic clubs. Ria says her parents shaped her into the person she is today through their determination and compassion.
Her favorite quote is from President Obama: “We are the change that we seek.” Her favorite memory is the Disney senior trip with friends.
Rishi Venkatesh
Rishi Venkatesh is attending Brown University to study applied mathematics and biology. He hopes to pursue a career in mathematical modeling and research. Rishi plans to join the Poker Club, Model United Nations, and Brown AMDUG.
At RHS, he was a member of Science Olympiad, Model UN, and multiple honor societies. Rishi credits his brother’s perseverance through challenges as his source of inspiration.
His favorite quote is from Abraham Lincoln: “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” His most treasured high school memory is trying new foods at Epcot during the Disney senior trip.
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