Announcing Our 2025 Scholarship Recipient

Be The Future Scholarship

At Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy (AUCP), we believe that the future is built by those who lead with heart, persevere through adversity, and lift others along the way. We are thrilled to introduce this year’s recipient, a student who embodies these values completely.

A senior at Souderton Area High School, Rishi is an incoming freshman at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he will pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. His ultimate goal is to become a physician-scientist dedicated to finding a cure for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases—a path that directly aligns with the scholarship’s focus on supporting individuals with physical disabilities.

A Scholar and Leader Defined by Purpose

Rishi has spent the past decade growing into an outstanding student, youth leader, and role model. His academic record is exceptional, and his passion for learning is evident to all who know him.

Academically, Rishi has one of the top transcripts within his class… We do not rank as a high school, but if we did, he would be at the top.

Beyond his academic prowess, Rishi has demonstrated exceptional leadership as Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team and Co-President of the Academic Challenge Team. He is a sought-after mentor to his peers and serves as a Pathway Ambassador, organizing career sessions to help underclassmen prepare for their futures.

Unwavering Resilience in the Face of Hardship

What truly sets Rishi apart is his extraordinary resilience. On April 22, 2022, his life changed forever when his mother was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal neurodegenerative disease. The family has since faced immense emotional and financial strain.

What is so remarkable is that in talking with Rishi, this was his way of life, embracing the opportunity, rather than complaining or feeling sorry for himself… He remains incredibly positive and resilient.

Rishi has taken on incredible responsibilities at home as a young caregiver, helping with every aspect of his mother’s care, all while maintaining his commitment to his studies and extracurriculars.

A Future Forged by Empathy and Purpose

Watching his mother’s decline has profoundly influenced Rishi’s goals. He is committed to investigating the root causes of ALS and addressing the challenges that make it so difficult to treat. He plans to conduct innovative research, collaborate with others, and continue his advocacy for ALS awareness.

His unwavering commitment to caring for his terminally ill mother demonstrates his deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and maturity.

The Bridge to a Brighter Future

The significant financial strain on his family has made affording college a major challenge. For Rishi, the Be The Future Scholarship is more than a recognition; it is a critical bridge that will allow him to pursue his dreams.

More than that, it would also be a powerful affirmation that persistence and resilience matter — that my story, resolve and my hope for a better future have meaning.