by Ani Janakiraman ’26
As revolutionary scientist Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” This advice applies to this year’s graduating seniors, who are all ready for the next step in their unique journeys beyond high school. On Tuesday, May 14th, Bellarmine hosted its annual awards ceremony, where students of all grade levels received recognition for their multifaceted success: in academics, sports, service, music, extracurriculars, and more. Despite this, everyone had their eyes on the senior valedictorian award, won by Rohit Vakkalagadda ‘24. In addition to receiving the award at the ceremony, Rohit delivered an impactful speech at graduation, inspiring the Bellarmine community and the senior class.
Vakkalagadda has competed in Speech and Debate for all four years, has been an active member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams, and has served as an active leader in the South Asian Student Association.
When asked about what the valedictorian award meant to him, Vakkalagadda was both thankful and reflective: “It means a lot – I’m glad that my peers and teachers believed in me to represent the class. It also means that this year we weren’t defined by individual perfection in one thing, but the ability to contribute positively in many parts of the community.”
The Bell Online also asked Vakkalagadda which teachers or leaders have helped him throughout high school. He specifically mentioned two individuals: “Coach McCrystle- he pushed me past my limits and showed that I should never make excuses. Dr. Sullivan showed me what it means to be truly excellent and committed to my craft.”
Indeed, Vakkalagadda participated in extemporaneous speaking and was one of the best performers in the entire country, placing third place at NSDA Nationals. As for cross country and track, Vakkalagadda ran a sub-5-minute mile. All of these achievements demonstrate his hard work and commitment to his activities.
As for his favorite experiences he has cherished throughout his time at Bellarmine, Vakkalagadda answered, “travel tournaments with the speech and debate team and rooming with teammates.” Whether it was at the State Tournament in Fresno, the Glenbrooks Tournament in Chicago, or the NSDA Nationals Tournament in Phoenix, Vakkalagadda enjoyed Speech and Debate beyond the results and trophies: he also appreciated the bond that he formed with his close friends and teammates.
As the Speech and Debate team president and a proven leader in the South Asian Student Association, the Online also asked him what his leadership experiences brought out of him: “Leadership has brought ought meticulousness- one can’t be a good leader without planning and I never realized that. You need to lead by example and that comes with planning and practice.”
Finally, Rohit concluded with his advice for underclassman and incoming freshman at Bellarmine, advising them to “Push [your] limits and ‘overcommit’ to activities. See where these activities take you because commitment and dedication are pivotal to success at Bellarmine.”
Rohit has left a tremendous impact on the Bellarmine community, and the Bell Online is excited to see where his next journey leads him. He will study Computer Science at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Good Luck, Rohit!