At Schenectady High School, each and every one of our graduating seniors has accomplished so much, but 10 students in particular have excelled in their studies and earned a spot on the SCSD 2025 Top 10 list. These students have been examples to their peers as to what you can achieve with hard work and dedication, and have gone through the trials and tribulations of high school and managed to land on top. We are so proud of these students and know that they will go on to do incredible things.
Our first SHS Top 10 student feature is valedictorian Richard Chunilal. We spoke with Richard about his overall high school experience, his takeaways, and whats next for him.
What are your future plans?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Aerospace Engineering/Astronomy
What are you most proud of from high school?
I am most proud of how much I have grown as a person from the beginning of high school until now.
What’s one piece of advice you'd give to incoming freshmen?
Don't be afraid of failure, be the best version of yourself, and try to enjoy high-school.
What has been your favorite class or teacher and why?
Favorite class is biology because it was just so much fun. My favorite teacher is Mr. Brennan because the way that he teaches is one of the most concise, clear, and coherent of all the teachers in SHS. Brennan supports his students at every level, providing instruction that directly corresponds with the material we have to know in a manner that explains the fundamentals and how they expand into bigger topics.
What clubs, sports, or activities have you been involved in?
National Honor Society
Schenectady Combat Robots Club
SHS Talent Show Organizer
What’s your dream job or career goal?
Aerospace Engineer/Researcher
Who has inspired or supported you the most during high school?
My friends in IB.
Favorite memory from your high school experience?
Performing an IB Biology Experiment with three of my peers at the end of my junior year, in which we all worked in a laboratory setting to achieve a common goal.
Congratulations Richard on this incredible accomplishment! You are a prime example of our strategic plans student and graduate success pillar, as you have shown you have the academic capacity and skills to tackle anything that stands in your way. Your hard work and passion for learning has paid off, and we are so excited to watch the bright future ahead of you unfold.