The school year has taken its listings regarding the talents of academia, and the results are in! The few names penned with the digital ink of documentation are stood upon each by the ascending listings of success, until the ultimate title is reached: the valedictorian. And that name, built upon the foundations of each representative successful individual on that list of ten: Om Telang. 

Telang is honored with this academic rank, which required a strenuous journey through the academic trenches—during an artillery strike of AP tests and quizzes, while wearing a mask to allow for breathing during a mustard gas deployment of homework, all while simultaneously under the rifle fire of extracurriculars. 

In each of these areas of expertise, Telang worked to perform each to an unmatched level of perfection.

 “I have been involved in varsity tennis, varsity bowling, completed four dual enrollment classes with an A, and I’m also an active member in the ping-pong club, and National Honor Society,” Telang said.

 In addition to those accomplishments, this valedictorian’s course load was particularly rigorous, and for good reason. There was an objective in Telang’s mind, and it was not so to let it be forsaken.

“I wanted to make sure that I could study at the college I wanted to, and get all of the opportunities,” Telang said. “All of these classes would give me a head start with college credits, helping with my future in UCF honors where I plan to study pre-med.” 

Telang’s wish to work as a doctor has been a long extant goal within their mind, and something that will be achieved, undoubtedly. Though, the specifics of it shall indeed come later.

“I know that I am going to be a doctor…I will see the specialty for it in a number of years though, as I do not yet know my selection,” Telang said.

The occupation of a doctor is one that requires extensive focus and understanding of substantial management across numerous personal and professional areas of expertise. This is part of the reason Telang partook in an extensive quantity of extracurriculars, in tandem with a course load matching the academic equivalent of an Atlian weight.

However weighty, Telang still found enjoyment within the trenches, as much as was permitted—finding such no more prevalent than in the physics class of Art Woodruff.

Woodruff teaches AP Physics 1, and is usually revered amongst his students as a highlight during some students’ scientific journey in the four years at OHS. Woodruff’s work at Oviedo, inspiring students, has been going on for years now.

“It was on and off from about 2016, up until about four years ago,” Woodruff said. “I would pick up if there were extra sections of it, if there were enough students. So, the AP I have gotten to do more seriously now.”

Though many students comment on the effect Woodruff had on them after they completed his class, there is something special about the valedictorian doing so.

“I thought it was really cool that he recognized me…I knew he loved the class, and we got along well. There were lots of conversations, and we actually started an engineering club. He and his group put it together, but I think that he was the catalyst for it,” Woodruff said.

This recognition was like the fitting of a puzzle piece for Woodruff, in a jigsaw so seldom put together.

“I was sort of surprised, but it kind of made sense,” Woodruff said.

Woodruff understands how academically capable Telang is, and for a myriad lot of reasons.

“For one, they [Telang and Steven Ridder] were both in the same lab group, and I kind of referred to them as the power lab group, they were really into learning the physics, and they were extremely adept with it.”

That set a precedent henceforth of how Woodruff recognized Telang.

“He’s a very good student, and he is motivated, so I just wish him that same success that he’s been having, I can see Om being very successful!”

The recognition of Telang’s qualities is not only reflected in the reaction from their teachers, but also from their peers. One of these such individuals is Gabriel Miranda, who has been a friend of the valedictorian relatively recently. 

“I met Om last year, during the first week,” Miranda recounted. “We both were new, as I had just transferred from New York, and he had just come from Winter Springs High School.”

Once the two began talking, they really hit it off as friends and academic partners. 

“We did everything together,” Miranda said. “I didn’t imagine anyone would come up to me so soon. He is a wonderful guy, and his openness really formed our friendship. We looked into similar colleges, and I think we will keep closer contact if he goes to UCF, and I want to invite him, and join him in a lot of clubs there.”

With their simultaneous departures into college, Miranda has a better insight into how their friend will fare, and there is no doubt in that mind for Telang’s success. 

“You are very bright, and you will do very well,” Miranda assured. They also wanted Om to understand the sanctity of the college experience as well. “But stay on track, and have fun. Put in your 100% effort, but also take some time to enjoy yourself over there,” Miranda said.

Telang’s time to enjoy themself seemingly is incredibly well deserved, as told by none other than the principle witnesses and supporters of their success: mom and dad. Gauri and Sandesh Telang have witnessed their son’s academic journey ever since its inception, and they could not be more proud of what their son has achieved. 

“Om has always shown dedication and discipline in everything he does,” they said. “We always believed he would excel at whatever he put his mind to…watching Om’s commitment and hard work pay off with this honor was both a wonderful surprise, and an incredibly proud moment for our family.”

They have seen every step of Telang’s journey take place, and had a feeling that such a tremendous academic accolade was simply a thing that was a definite possibility that would come with the amount of work Telang always put in. 

“Om has always had a natural curiosity, and an eagerness to learn, even as a little boy,” Telang’s parents said. “Over the years, his passion for learning has only deepened, he’s motivated not just by grades, but by a genuine love of understanding and learning new things.” 

The sight of such a thing is no finer reward for all of the work that went into shaping Telang to the individual they are today. 

“Watching him grow into someone who truly enjoys learning for its own sake has been incredibly rewarding for us parents,” they said.

Telang’s parents are proud of the youth that they have become, and understand that it takes special qualities to become such. 

“We hope Om builds lasting relationships, stays true to his values, and continues to show the compassion and generosity that makes him so special,” Telang’s parents said. “We hope you stay true to yourself, and find meaning in every step of your journey. With these habits, we know you’ll make a valuable difference wherever life leads you.”

Om Telang’s journey through the twelve meaningful grades of school has been one that has molded a most academic mind in the young fellow. To achieve what they have is no easy feat by any stretch of any imagination. To whoever should achieve such a distinction in the Class of 2026, or any future year, Telang has this to say to you:

“Congratulations. Getting to this title is a lot of hard work and dedication, and there’s not too many people who put in that work. So if you are able to get to the top of your class, then great job, you are going to do great, wherever you go!”