As seniors across Round Rock ISD prepare to end their high school experience, we take a moment to recognize the top ten students from each campus. Top ten students were asked to answer a series of questions about their journey through Round Rock ISD and their next steps.
Campus Top Ten web pages will be updated as student responses are received.
Khanh Lai
Valedictorian
What college will you be attending next year?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a psychology major. I hope to attend PA school to eventually join the medical field as a physician assistant.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Round Rock High School, Walsh Middle School, and C.D. Fulkes Middle School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
Many of my fondest memories were formed during orchestra travels all over Texas and around the nation. I had the chance to see a lot of wonderful sights and spend quality time with some of my best friends on these trips. All of the bonding that occurred during excessively long bus rides, airport interludes, late-night card games, and hectic sightseeing is something that I will always cherish.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
I consider Mrs. Vandertulip to be the teacher who has had the greatest impact on my life, academically and personally, within the past four years. In the academic environment, Mrs. V always made herself available not only for rants about school work or any other frustrations but for celebrating achievements as well. The aspect that I valued the most, though, was her support for us as people, not just students. Mrs. V was essentially a second mom for me and helped me through a lot of low points. I will always be grateful for the emotional support and opportunities to perform around the country that I never would’ve experienced without her.
Christopher Tan
Salutatorian
What college will you be attending next year?
I will be attending Texas A&M as a Brockman Scholar on full-ride for both a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and a Master of Science in Business. At the moment, I plan to pursue a career in medicine. I hope to combine my interests in engineering, business, and the arts to advance the quality of healthcare.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary School, Walsh Middle School, and Round Rock High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
My best memory—or rather, memories—would have to be starting each day with early morning cross country practices. It’s nothing extremely flashy or notable, but I think that there’s a lot of value in its simplicity. There’s nothing better than getting to start each morning with the boys.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
This would have to be a toss-up between Ms. Vandertulip and Coach Moon. I’ve always found it inspiring how Ms. V has shared her passion for music with her students, and how Coach Moon—despite numerous injuries—still continues to hold the same passion for running. Both of them continually go above-and-beyond for the sake of their students and have helped shaped a lot of my values over the past four years.
Hariharan Jayakumar
No. 3
What college will you be attending next year?
I’ll be attending The University of Texas at Austin to study Aerospace Engineering. I aim to start a unicorn that improves the lives of people around the world in at least the slightest of ways.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary, Chisholm Trail Middle School, and Round Rock High School
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
“Mr. Boylan, sir, I do not know :),” I smiled as Mr. Boylan asked me about ionic bonds. I was notorious within my class for cramming all the unit’s content the day before the test. And, with Mr. Boylan knowing this, he would be sure to call me out on a regular basis, but whether the question was on basic stoichiometry or not so basic molecular solubility, my answer would be the regular “IDK sir.” By the second semester of school, the situation escalated to a point where the class would laugh even when Mr. Boylan simply called on me. Though Mr. Boylan did sway me to be more proficient by the end of the year to avoid being clueless so often, some of my fondest memories in RRISD are being exposed by good old Mr. Boylan.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
Walking through the 600 hallway and getting off the bus in the mornings as a freshman, I would constantly hear Mr. Stoetzer exclaim “I hope you have a PEACHY keen day!” and “GROWTH mindset people, GROWTH MINDSET!” Continuously seeing Mr. Stoetzer’s high energy and endless enthusiasm, I was driven to take physics just for the prospect of experiencing Mr. Stoetzer. Now, after two lively years with Mr. Stoetzer, I can confidently say that more than solenoids and string theory, Mr. Stoetzer inspired me to see the blueness in the sky every day and appreciate that it’s simply a great day to be alive. ☼
Sreya Gandra
No. 4
What college will you be attending next year?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to double major in Biochemistry with the Dean’s Scholars honors program as well as Plan II honors. After college I hope to go to attend medical school to eventually pursue a career in healthcare. I’m also really interested in scientific research, so I aim to find ways to stay involved in that throughout college and beyond!
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Great Oaks Elementary School, Cedar Valley Middle School, Round Rock High School
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
My best memories in Round Rock ISD are from traveling with the debate team and on DECA trips. I have had the amazing opportunity to travel everywhere from Orlando and Atlanta to El Paso! Going on long plane rides and car rides with some of my best friends, while also getting to compete in activities that I really loved, was truly an unforgettable experience.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD was my Pre-AP English 1 teacher and four-year Girl Up Sponsor, Ms. Ann Nguyen. Ms. Nguyen not only pushed me to be the writer I am today, but she taught me to be confident in myself and what it means to be an advocate. I’m so lucky to have had such an amazing mentor who guided me throughout my time in high school!
Seokchan Oh
No. 5
What college will you be attending next year?
I will be attending Rice University as a computer science and economics major. Even though I’m leaning towards working in the business field, I’m still open to explore other career paths as well.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cedar Valley Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
Without a doubt, the best memory from my time in High School comes from DECA internationals trip as it allowed me to explore the business field in general with my friends. It was just remarkable to see my group’s hard work pay off in the end and see all of my friends succeed in their respective events.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
To this day, Mr. Kind who is a math teacher in Cedar Valley Middle School had the biggest impact on my life. As a teacher, he truly made me realize the potential of math as a subject, and his passion for teaching made the class always exciting yet educational. As a person, he was an outstanding individual and a role model for me to follow. With this opportunity, I would like to thank him for putting me in the right direction for my future.
Olivia Richert
No. 6
What college will you be attending next year?
I will be attending UT Austin to study Environmental Science with a focus on Geology. After college I plan on attending law school to pursue Environmental Law. I’m hoping to use my law degree to push policy in favor of sustainable environmental practices.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Round Rock High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
The best memory I have from RRISD is living it up in Kemah, Texas during overnight tennis tournaments with my team. We’d grind out matches all day then return to our hotel rooms where we would stay up, make slime, and get no sleep.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My most influential teacher would be my director, Charles Hobby. Mr. Hobby ignited my passion for theatre and taught me lifelong skills that I will use on and off the stage. Whether it was staying up late with us in Nebraska to work on our competition piece or just being patient as we struggled through our characters, I will always remember Mr. Hobby’s never-ending dedication.
Evan Lock
No. 7
What college will you be attending next year?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin studying in the Business Honors Program. It’s hard for me to know exactly what I want to go into in those fields currently, but financial analysis or consulting has always piqued my interest. I’ve also been fascinated by aquariums and marine biology, so I hope that I can work with organizations that research and rescue marine life when I retire.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary, Chisholm Trail Middle School, and Round Rock High School
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memory is volunteering with my friend Aayush aat the Bobcat Bash. In elementary school, I used to play the fishing game and the duck pond game continuously to collect tokens and prizes. It was pretty hilarious being on the other side of the games and having a few kids stick with us for almost the whole carnival to stock up on tokens. Overall, it was a great feeling being able to help run the carnival where some of my fondest childhood experiences are from.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
Ms. Lee, my fifth grade teacher, is my most influential teacher. In her class, I felt inspired to challenge myself academically and learn from my classmates rather than with them. Even after we moved on to middle school and high school, she would email us to check in and encourage us. Her class has provided me with some of my favorite memories in school that I am always reminiscing on.
Melia Fox
No. 8
What college will you be attending next year?
I will be attending Duke University next year to study Chemistry and Physics. My current plan is to pursue higher degrees after my time at Duke before deciding which direction to take my career.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Chandler Oaks Elementary, Walsh Middle School, and Round Rock High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
Being part of the Dragon Band was a huge part of my high school experience. I am incredibly grateful for the memories and friends that I have made through it. Some of my favorite memories were definitely made on our trips to Indianapolis for Grand Nationals.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
The teacher that has influenced me most is Mr. Pham. I was in his class for Physics in my junior year, and he has gone above and beyond to help me grow as a person. He cares for the students themselves as well as their education, and I think that he is an amazing person.
Xinyi Han
No. 9
What college will you be attending next year?
I’ll be studying Biosciences at Rice University. I hope to conduct microbiology research, pursue a master’s and/or doctorate degree, and continue to casually play music.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cedar Valley MS and Round Rock HS.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
I enjoyed the multitude of orchestra trips to performance halls around Texas and the country and the opportunities to get to know the diverse group of my fellow musicians. From early morning rehearsals to late-night conversations and snacking, I’ll always be grateful for their company.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
Sandra Vandertulip, my high school orchestra director, has fostered my interest in ensemble music by taking the time to coach the orchestra before and after school and provided pointers for the small ensembles I’ve competed with. I appreciate her rapport with other music educators and musicians; it’s opened up thrilling experiences like playing in the pit orchestra for a school musical and working with guest conductors and a composer during full orchestra season. The principle of collaboration also applies to my officer positions in the Dragon Orchestra, where my communication and problem-solving skills flourished.
Shantanu Thorat
No. 10
What college will you be attending next year?
I will be attending Texas A&M University at College Station. I will be studying computer engineering and computer science in the Brown Engineering Honors and University Honors programs on a President’s Endowed scholarship. I plan to do research in AI and economics.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Great Oaks Elementary, Cactus Ranch Elementary, Walsh Middle School, and Round Rock High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories was my first Quiz Bowl tournament in San Antonio. I had a lot of fun with my teammates and coach — Ms. Bailey. I also enjoyed my time in PALs with my group and PALEEs.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
I have had a lot of influential teachers but these three stood out to me. I never thought physics was fun until I took Mr. Stoetzer’s class. These past two years I have enjoyed learning about physics in-depth. My WHAP teacher, Mr. Conrad has also instilled a different perspective about history. I will never forget his exciting stories he told us that made the class more engaging. And Mr. May who encouraged me to pursue a major in computer science. He always encouraged and made sure I took part in UIL since my freshman year.
