Senior and 2016 valedictorian Rahul Malayappan was awarded second place in the prestigious Atlantic magazine and College Board annual global writing contest.

Amongst more than 2,000 entries from all across the world, Rahul penned an essay that insightfully analyzed and interpreted a meaningful work of art.

As a finalist, he and his family, plus his English teacher Tom Porcelli, who submitted the essay, were invited to Washington, D.C., for the announcement.

In addition, Malayappan was also presented $2,500 and given the opportunity to edit his essay with the help of editors from the Atlantic.

The outcome of this contest has been amazing for Malayappan, who said, “I was both surprised and excited; excited because of the prize and the trip to D.C., and really surprised because I didn’t really think I had a chance since I was competing against 2,000 entries from around the world.”

This year’s winner is from Vietnam, and last year’s winner was from a private school in New Zealand.