From left, King Philip Regional High School Valedictorian Aarush Patlola (Plainville) and Salutatorian Lauren Obara (Norfolk). (Photo Courtesy King Philip Regional School District)
WRENTHAM — Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet and King Philip Regional High School Principal Nicole Bottomley are pleased to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the King Philip Regional High School Class of 2026.
The Valedictorian of the graduating class is Aarush Patlola, of Plainville, and the Salutatorian is Lauren Obara, of Norfolk.
“Aarush and Lauren have distinguished themselves through years of hard work, dedication and a commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom,” said Superintendent Dr. Drolet. “They have excelled academically and been natural leaders in service to the King Philip community, which has earned them the respect of their classmates and teachers. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to all they will accomplish in the future.”
Valedictorian Aarush Patlola
“In every capacity, Aarush exhibits integrity, curiosity, and a dedication to impact,” said Principal Bottomley. “Beyond his exceptional academic achievements, he possesses a rare combination of intellectual depth and emotional maturity, approaching challenges with resilience, humility, and purpose. Whether in the classroom, through leadership, or in service to others, Aarush consistently contributes meaningfully to the communities around him. His character, dedication, and pursuit of excellence make him an inspiring representative of the Class of 2026.”
Aarush graduates as the top-ranked student in a class of over 300 students.
Aarush serves as president of the King Philip National Honor Society and co-president, co-captain, and coach of the King Philip Math Team. He has also held leadership roles in the Science National Honor Society and Math National Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta) while pursuing internship and research opportunities in engineering, medicine, and public health.
A three-sport varsity athlete, Aarush has competed in swimming, tennis, and track and field while maintaining an outstanding academic record.
Aarush will attend Cornell University this fall, where he plans to major in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Salutatorian Lauren Obara
“Lauren embodies the perfect balance of determination, humility, and kindness,” said Principal Bottomley. “She is accomplished yet humble, ambitious yet deeply caring. In all that she does, she leads with integrity, empathy, and enthusiasm, earning the respect and admiration of peers and teachers alike. Her loyalty, leadership, and commitment to excellence extend far beyond the classroom, making a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.”
Lauren graduates as the second-ranked student in the Class of 2026. She has excelled academically while making significant contributions to the school community through leadership, service, and athletics.
Throughout high school, Lauren served as a peer mentor and peer tutor, participated in KP Cares, and earned membership in the National Honor Society, as well as the Math, Spanish, and English honor societies.
She is also a dedicated two-sport varsity athlete, competing in soccer and lacrosse throughout her high school career and serving as captain of the varsity soccer team.
Outside of school, Lauren has volunteered as a youth coach for soccer and lacrosse programs, worked as a youth soccer coach at ForeKicks, and served as an ambassador for Morgan’s Message, an organization that promotes mental health awareness among student-athletes.
Lauren will attend the University of Richmond this fall, where she plans to major in Accounting.
###