Hinsdale Central Grad Selected as Rhodes Scholar

Yale senior and Hinsdale Central graduate Vinay Nayak is one of 32 American students selected as the most recent crop of Rhodes scholars, according to The Rhodes Trust.

Nayak lives in Oak Brook and graduated from Hinsdale Central in 2010. The Chicago Tribune reports that Nayak at Yale "has focused his studies on how the Internet can be used to promote civic engagement in elections and government."

The Trib reports that Nayak managed national digital programs and social media accounts for President Barack Obama's 2012 campaign, and was selected this year to be a White House intern.

Nayak was also selected for the Trib's 2010 All-State Academic Team.

Rhodes Scholarships have been given out since 1902.

"Rhodes Scholarships provide all expenses for two or three years of study at the University of Oxford in England, and may allow funding in some instances for four years," a Nov. 23 release from The Rhodes Trust reads.

There are two parts to the selection of Rhodes scholars. 

"First, applicants must be endorsed by their college or university," the Rhodes Trust release reads. "Committees of Selection in each of 16 U.S. districts then invite the strongest applicants to appear before them for interview."

The scholars are chosen from the crop of interviewees based on a combination of academic achievement, character, "a spirit of unselfishness," respect for others, leadership potential, and "physical vigor."

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