WARWICK, RI (April 24, 2025) – Bishop Hendricken High School is proud to share that Inesh Rai ’25 has earned two of the most distinguished accolades available to high school students in the United States. Rai has been named a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia and recognized as a Semifinalist in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
The Jefferson Scholars Program is the University of Virginia’s competitive and premier merit-based scholarship, with approximately 35 students worldwide selected each year. The scholarship provides full tuition, fees, room, and board for four years, along with access to enrichment experiences such as international travel, research opportunities, and internships.
Established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors the most distinguished graduating seniors in the United States. Students are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, character, and involvement in community and school activities. Out of an estimated 3.9 million students in the Class of 2025, 625 were selected as semifinalists. Finalists for the Presidential Scholars Program will be announced in May by the U.S. Department of Education.
“Inesh is a driven and passionate student,” said Mark DeCiccio ’03, Principal. “Dedicated to his studies, Inesh has excelled at the highest level in all academic areas. Inesh is an involved member of our community and exactly what we want every Hendricken man to be.”
An exceptional student, Rai has earned admission to top colleges, including Georgia Institute of Technology, Boston University, Northeastern University, among others. A career member of the Principal’s List at Bishop Hendricken, he is ranked 2nd in the Class of 2025 with a 4.0 GPA in a full Advanced Placement (AP) and honors course load. Rai is a National Merit Commended Scholar and has been inducted into the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and the Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society. As a junior, Rai earned the Harvard book award.
A member of our Leadership Academy, Rai has helped to grow the Leadership Academy snack bar, a lunchtime nonprofit that has generated over $30,000 in revenue which has been donated to various charities and school events including the Gloria Gemma Foundation, KyleCares Foundation, and Project Playhouse. As Rhode Island’s DECA vice president and Hendricken’s DECA Club president, Rai has led 700+ Rhode Island members in character development and helped launch new chapters at 5+ high schools. Rai is also a member of Varsity Tennis, Stock Market Club, Ambassadors Club, and Spanish Club.
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CONTACT: Essie Plouffe
Communications & Marketing Manager
401.889.5422
eplouffe@hendricken.com