Raigad's SSC topper is from Goregaon, Mangaon, which was badly hit by Cyclone Nisarga. Siddesh Patil, 16, who fell short of three marks from 500, scored 99.40 per cent, making not only his parents but the district proud.

"This is the first time in the history of the school and the district that student has scored such high marks," said Dilip Shet, chairman of MTES (Mangaon Taluka Education Society), which runs the NM Joshi Vidyalaya. Of the school's 287 students who appeared for SSC exams, 280 passed.