Sheela Pandit of Norfolk has been named a 2021 Rensselaer Medal Winner, an award given by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to high school juniors who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. Sheela is a student at King Philip Regional High School.

The Rensselaer Medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students towards careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Each participating high school is allowed to select one member of the junior class to be honored with the medal.

The merit scholarship, with a value of $30,000 per year, is guaranteed for four years (five years for the Bachelor of Architecture program) for each medalist who is accepted and enrolls at RPI, located in Troy, N.Y.

“The Rensselaer Medal is a wonderful way to pay tribute to the high school students who have achieved excellence in math and science,” said Karen Long, director of undergraduate admissions. “As we do so, we are aware that these early achievements, as impressive as they are, mark only one milestone on their future journeys of commitment to hard work, drive, focus, and collaborations. The Rensselaer Medal winners represent the next generation of leaders, scientists, innovators, artists, scholars, game designers, architects, humanitarians, and entrepreneurs.”