RAMVIEW NEWS : AROUND THE PREP
2ND PRIZE WINNER Aakaash Raja ’ 24 ($ 25k Scholarship )
For Raja , the iSTEAM program at Fordham Prep was an integral part of his self-discovery as a high school student .
“ Each math and science class I have taken pushed me to learn both the subject and something new about myself ,” he began . “ This is largely due to the amazing individuals who teach me these subjects . The instruction is incredible , and the teachers are all patient and interested in seeing us learn . Furthermore , my talks with them about topics beyond the realm of classwork have been part of the spark that began my decision to include science or math somewhere in my next step . I am grateful for Fordham Prep ’ s guidance in helping me realize that I wish to study the harmonizing of the insight of quantitative subjects on questions that arise in the humanities ,” he explained .
Outside of the classroom , Raja has worked with the Greenhouse Club to grow food for the pantry at Part of the Solution ( POTS ), and served on the FitzSimons Civics Symposium Committee . Raja helped found the Math Club and is part of the History Bowl Team , Dean ’ s Council , Hunger Awareness Committee , and Rams for Justice , a club that raises awareness and funds to combat issues of injustice in our society . He is also the co-chair of the Student Life Committee ( SLC ) and a Student Representative on the Student Wellness Advisory Team ( SWAT ) — both of which have given Raja a taste of what it ’ s like to help craft policy .
In college next fall , Raja plans to major in mathematics and government or the intersection of both subjects .
Anthony DiFato ’ 99 of the Prep ’ s Science Department describes Raja as a “ complex thinker .” He stated , “ Aakaash would always break down a problem or concept into its various layers highlighting the subtle layers of complexity present . He was one of the most insightful and thoughtful students in the class . He would always pose questions about connections to various ideas or areas of study . He ’ s very much a Renaissance man .”
He would always pose questions about connections to various ideas or areas of study . He ’ s very much a Renaissance man .”
— Anthony DiFato ’ 99 , Science Teacher
3RD PRIZE WINNER Rafael Nieto ’ 24 ($ 10k Scholarship )
The Prep ’ s iSTEAM program helped solidify Nieto ’ s interest in pursuing a career in the medical field .
“ Taking as many of the highest level science and math classes offered at the Prep as I could has allowed me to delve into the
While his superior grades are certainly an added bonus , learning is what brings him joy .”
— Claire McCarrick ’ 96 , Dean of Faculty and Math Teacher major fields of study that make up a pre-med curriculum in college and determine that medicine is indeed my passion ,” Nieto noted . “ I am thankful for the opportunity to have been offered such courses and rigor with which to challenge myself and hone in on my interests in biology , chemistry , and medicine to eventually integrate the natural and human sciences and mathematics into one profession ,” he continued .
In addition to being one of the Prep ’ s javelin throwers on the track and field team and a soccer player , Nieto helped found the Math Club with Nordin and Raja . He ’ s also a member of Speech & Debate , the Yearbook Club , the Student Life Committee , and the Business Club .
Nieto intends to study pre-med with a major in biochemistry or neurobiology at a college in the Northeast , Mid-Atlantic , or on the West Coast of the United States .
“ I would describe Rafael as an extremely devoted student . While there were many things that came to Rafael easily , he never took that for granted ,” said Dean of Faculty and math teacher Claire McCarrick . “ While his superior grades are certainly an added bonus , learning is what brings him joy . Rafael is a student who is intrinsically motivated and seeks to understand rather than to simply recall information ,” she added .
WINTER 2024 VOLUME 44 , ISSUE 1
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