Williamsport Area senior wins prestigious Rensselaer Medal Award

Williamsport Area High School (WAHS) senior Sam Radulski has been selected to receive the Rensselaer Medal Award, a scholarship opportunity worth $160,000 for outstanding math and science students who choose to enroll at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

If he decides to attend the school based in Troy, NY, next fall, Radulski will be guaranteed to receive the merit scholarship at a value of $40,000 per year for four years.

The Rensselaer Medal Award, first presented in 1916, holds two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering and technology, according to the institute.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” Radulski said. “I’d like to thank all of my teachers, particularly those in the math and science departments — and especially my parents — for helping me get this far.”

Over his high school tenure, Radulski’s academic course load has included six Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including two this year — AP Music Theory and AP English 12, along with Honors Anatomy and Physiology. In addition to his academic achievements, Radulski is an active member of the soccer team, the Junior Academy of Science, and contributes as a musician in the orchestra and Strolling Strings.

The son of Steve and Stephanie Radulski, he was also recently named a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Speaking on behalf of the math and science departments who nominated Radulski for the award, WAHS science teacher Andrew Paulhamus said, “Sam represents the very best of what it means to be a Williamsport Millionaire. He has excelled as an athlete, artist, musician and scholar during his time at WAHS. The math and science departments are incredibly proud of Sam and felt his efforts and achievements in these areas were worthy of recognition.”

While he has yet to commit to where he’ll attend next fall, RPI is among his top four choices. His other options are Rochester Institute of Technology, Lehigh University or Dickinson College. Wherever he chooses, he aspires to pursue a degree in engineering or engineering technology.

“We commend Sam for his remarkable achievements and look forward to witnessing his continued success in his pursuit of higher education and his future career,” said WAHS Head Principal Dr. Justin Ross. “We are honored to have him as a part of the Millionaire family at WAHS.”