Islip High School senior quarterback Jack Rao was recognized among Suffolk County’s top scholar-athletes at the National Football Foundation Golden Eleven and Orlin & Cohen Scholar-Athlete Awards luncheon, held this week at the Melville Marriott.

Rao earned a place on the prestigious “Golden Eleven,” an honor awarded annually to the 11 most outstanding high school football scholar-athletes in Suffolk County. The recognition highlights excellence both on the field and in the classroom, celebrating student-athletes who demonstrate elite performance, leadership, and academic achievement.

Widely regarded as one of the county’s top quarterbacks, Rao has been a cornerstone of Islip’s football program while also excelling academically. The Golden Eleven distinction places him among an elite group often described as the “smartest 11 football players” in Suffolk County.

The annual luncheon, organized by the National Football Foundation’s local chapter, brings together student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and community leaders to honor the intersection of athletics, academics, and character.

Rao’s recognition adds to a strong tradition of Islip football standouts and underscores the program’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes prepared for success beyond the gridiron.