Plano East Senior High co-salutatorian Bipul Kumar Padhy, left, valedictorian Prisha Prakash Bhat, center, and co-salutatorian Nikhil Raghu. Courtesy photo

Plano East Senior High School’s top three graduates — Valedictorian Prisha Prakash Bhat and Co-salutatorians Nikhil Raghu and Bipul Kumar Padhy — each followed a path of hard work, dedication and diverse interests during their years in Plano ISD.

All three progressed through Plano ISD schools before reaching the top of the PESH Class of 2025.

Favorite classes varied, but advanced placement (AP) science and humanities made a strong showing.

Prisha, who finished with a 4.848 grade point average, favored American Studies (AMSTUD), AP Biology and AP Chemistry, appreciating classes that pushed her to think critically and challenge herself. “Whenever I was writing a Lang essay or a DBQ (document-based question) in AMSTUD, it somehow didn’t feel like I was just scrambling to check off boxes on a rubric — I actually got the opportunity to think critically and improve my rhetoric,” she said. “I love Bio as a subject overall and AP Chem was challenging in the best way possible.”

Bipul named AP Calculus, Multivariable/Differential Equations, Engineering Design and Development, AP Physics and AP Government as standouts, praising his teachers for their enthusiasm and depth.

Nikhil also enjoyed American Studies, as well as AP World History and AP Biology.

Activities outside the classroom were just as varied. Prisha shone in science competitions, earning national recognition as a Regeneron Science Talent Search finalist and attending the International Science and Engineering Fair three years in a row in Atlanta, Dallas and Los Angeles.

She also competed in speech and debate, calling it a lot like competitive caring. “You can’t really do well unless you’re speaking about something you actually feel passionate about, and I like that,” Prisha said.

Nikhil was part of the swim team all four years and swam on the varsity team for two years. He said he especially enjoyed competing in swim meets and the History Fair.

Bipul was a four-year runner in cross country and track and served as varsity captain in cross country. He also participated in science fairs and a variety of math contests.

Only Nikhil held a part-time job, working as a lifeguard at Oak Point Recreation Center.

All three students were aware of their class rankings by junior year. Prisha learned she was ranked No. 1 in the fall of 11th grade and was able to maintain her lead.

Bipul and Nikhil, who share the same 4.833 GPA, also knew their standings early and worked to hold them.

Looking ahead, Prisha is headed to Harvard University to study Integrative Biology, with plans to pursue either medicine or an MD-PhD.

Nikhil and Bipul will both attend the University of Texas at Austin.

Nikhil will major in biology with the goal of becoming a physician, possibly an ophthalmologist.

Bipul will study in the electrical and computer engineering honors program and is considering a career in renewable energy research or quantum computing. He received a $36,000 scholarship over four years.

As for advice to their fellow graduates, Prisha urged her classmates to “find whimsy in everything you do,” adding, “Stay curious, laugh often, let things go, and remember that you can be successful and just a little unserious at the same time.”

Nikhil encouraged his peers to plan ahead but live in the moment. “Be decisive and you’ll make things happen,” he said.

Bipul stressed balance: “Make sure to have fun, but also know that the decisions you make will determine the success you desire.”

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