As graduates across Round Rock ISD prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives, we take a moment to recognize the Top 10 students from each campus. The Top 10 students were asked to answer a series of questions about their journey through Round Rock ISD and their next steps.
Abigail Beasley
Valedictorian
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college?
I will be attending The University of Texas at Austin next year to study architecture. I hope to pursue a career in architecture after I graduate from college.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Callison Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
My best memory of my time in Round Rock ISD is a specific lunch period in ninth grade. It was chilly, rainy, and foggy outside, which was visible through the windows to the courtyard and made apparent when students opened the doors and let in a gust of cold air. The cafeteria was unusually mellow. My friends and I had a system where we would do work or study while we ate, then when we finished our tasks, we would use our free time to play cards. On this particular day, we had very little homework, so we spent most of our time chatting, playing cards, and admiring the atmosphere.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My most influential teacher has been Mr. Foster at Cedar Ridge High School. He teaches architecture classes on campus, and I have had him as a teacher for three years. He is influential in my life not only because he teaches the subject I wish to pursue a college education and career in but also because he helped me throughout the college application season. Even now, Mr. Foster is always willing to help when I apply for scholarships.
Anna Howell
Salutatorian
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college?
I’ll be attending Brigham Young University to study business. After college, I want to pursue entrepreneurship. Growing up around a family business has made me realize that I want to start a business one day. I love entrepreneurship because it merges technical skills with my creative outlets, and I know it will be a career path that’s always new and exciting to me.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Gattis Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
My senior year Round Rock ISD District swim meet is a day I will never forget. The night before, we were told that we wouldn’t attend the meet due to COVID-19. An hour before the meet was supposed to begin, we found out that we actually could go, and I was so excited. I was worried the chaos of the morning would affect my performance, but it all worked out better than I could’ve hoped. At the meet, I swam a personal best in each of my events and shattered a goal I had been working towards for the past four years. When I looked up to the board to see my time and saw my teammates and coaches jumping and cheering for me, it felt like a moment from a dream. Ending my high school swim career with this euphoric experience was the best way to go out, and I’ll never forget it.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
The most influential teacher I had was Mr. Pool, my calculus teacher. I saw first-hand the passion he had for the subject, and his excitement made me excited about learning too. He was great at showing us how to apply the things we were taught to understand the greater significance–it wasn’t just about the grade. I always felt like there was a purpose in what we were doing in that class. This motivated my learning even more. I hope to find a subject and career one day special to me as calculus is to Mr. Pool.
Lauren Putney
No. 3
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college?
I am blessed to be attending Baylor University in the fall. I plan to study business administration management. I am grateful to have the opportunity to attend a school that prioritizes both faith and academic excellence. Sic ‘em Bears! After college, I hope to get a job in the business sector and work my way up into a management position, possibly as a project manager or a CEO, at a company that prioritizes and encourages Christianity in their business. Also, I would like to start my own small business to channel my creativity and love for marketing.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memory from my time in Round Rock ISD was getting to cheer on our football team during playoffs. During my freshman year, I had the privilege of cheering at McLane Stadium and supporting our team as they played Coppell and Allen High School. I was proud of our team for making it to the semifinals, and it was a great experience.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
The two most influential teachers I’ve had in Round Rock ISD have been Ms. Rollins and Mr. Harper. I had the privilege of being in their classes during junior year, and they taught me how to be disciplined and compassionate. Ms. Rollins was the kindest teacher I have ever met, and I always felt comfortable and appreciated in her class. Mr. Harper taught me to be passionate about my goals and dedicated to my commitments. These teachers have drastically shaped the person I am today, and I will carry the lessons they have taught me onto my next stage of life.
Cecile Nguyen
No. 4
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college?
I will be attending Rice University next year. I will be studying cognitive sciences with a minor in biochemistry and cell biology under the pre-medical track. After college, I hope to attend either medical or dental school. If I go to medical school, I hope to finish residency and work in the hospital one day. But, if I choose to go to dental school, I want to become a dentist and open up my own office one day.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
The best memory I had at my time in Round Rock ISD would be attending the HOSA State competition during freshman year. I made great memories with the fellow members – singing our hearts out to Lemonade Mouth, our inside joke of being “snakes,” our GroupMe chat, and Jose Escobedo. This led to the next few years competing with my friends in HOSA and creating more memories, eventually advancing to Nationals.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD was Mrs. Hamilton. She has been my teacher for two years for Theory and Practice: Medical Assisting and Practicum: Pharmacy Technician. She was one of the reasons I enjoyed my time in the health science academy for the past four years in class and HOSA, which inspired me to pursue medicine further.
Dev Rajagopalan
No. 5
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college? I most likely will be attending The University of Texas at Austin to study biology. I am still somewhat conflicted on the path that I want to take after college. Still, the most likely scenario that I see for myself at the moment is to pursue medical school in hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend? Forest Creek Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
The most unique experience I’ve had throughout my time in Round Rock ISD was the origin of two friendships. In sixth grade, I had the bright idea to critique the book series “Ranger’s Apprentice” based on the length. After class, Rahul (who I didn’t know at the time) came up to me to proclaim that the tall Indian kid named Abhay in the back of the class would be stalking me over the negative critique I had on his favorite series. Although I thought this to be very peculiar at the time, this interaction signaled the creation of what I perceive to be a lifelong friendship.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
Throughout my academic journey, I have had many influential teachers who have helped shape me into the student I am today. Although it is hard to cite a singular teacher as the most influential teacher, I would have to say that the teacher first to spark my interest in school would have to be my seventh-grade math teacher Mrs. Stillwell. I distinctly remember the effort she put forth to connect with the students during the lessons and tutorials. Soon enough, she became one teacher that I could converse with whenever I had a problem on my mind, or I just needed to satiate my math hunger.
Rahul Shaji
No. 6
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college?
I will be studying astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Texas at Austin. I plan to pursue either a research position at NASA or a similar private organization or university.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
My most memorable experience is when my best friends from kindergarten and I all made the All-State Band together.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My most influential teacher was Stephanie Major. She was always there as both a teacher and a friend to talk to.
Vanishree Shanmugasundaram
No. 7
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college?
I will be attending The University of Texas at Austin to study mechanical engineering. After college, I hope to pursue a career in engineering. I’m not too sure what I want to specialize in yet. I’m also interested in business, so maybe I will find a career that combines the two.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
My best memory would have to be DECA ICDC sophomore year when it was in Orlando, Florida. I was able to go with some friends, and after we finished competing, we got to go to Disney World and Universal Studios.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My most influential teacher has been Ms. Gabler. She kept challenging and pushing us and would always take the time to help and answer any questions. She encourages curiosity and to truly learn from your mistakes. Her classes have also taught me some valuable skills not just for school but for life as well. She’s also always there with the best advice.
Zoey Hill
No. 8
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college?
I will be pursuing my passion at Stanford University, likely majoring in management science and engineering (pre-business). After college I look forward to serving my community as a entrepreneur. I plan to provide resources for communities of color.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
My best Round Rock ISD memory is sophomore year Homecoming Dance. At first, I did not want to attend, but once I met up with my friends, I had a blast! I met new people, and my favorite part was taking pictures in the photo booth.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
I’m grateful for the innumerable ways all of my teachers have shaped me and my educational experiences. Some of the teachers who have impacted me most are: Ms. Carmen Scott – Ms. Scott provided encouragement throughout my elementary school experience and made me smile each day of fourth grade. Thank you for helping me build self-confidence! Mr. Glenn Clark – Mr. Clark made World Cultures classes interesting with stories about the “three-legged chair” and lesser-known historical figures. Because of him, I developed an interest in history for the first time. Mr. Timothy Holland – Mr. Holland’s passion for physics and the enthusiasm he brought to the subject was contagious. His class demos/experiments made the subject FUN. His dedication to helping his students helped me succeed in one of my most challenging classes, AP Physics 1. Mr. Kendall Shultz – Mr. Shultz facilitated the most interesting, thought-provoking classroom conversations. His insight challenged me to think about problems and concepts from different perspectives, making me a more thoughtful individual. Mrs. Sara Parriott – Mrs. Parriott’s energetic spirit in my business and accounting courses made class engaging and influenced my decision to pursue business.
Mei Melant
No. 9
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and studying psychology. I hope to pursue a career as a physical therapist.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
The best memory I have of my time in Round Rock ISD is going to the Forest Creek Carnival because all of my friends would be there, and there were always so many fun games and activities.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My most influential teacher was Mr. Jones from Ridgeview Middle School because he made me look forward to going to a history class even though history is my least favorite subject.
Thuy-Nhu Phung
No. 10
What college will you be attending next year? What do you hope to pursue after college?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, and I will be studying design. After college, I hope to pursue a job that gives me a creative outlet. I may end up in product design, graphic design, a business, freelancing, etc. Although I’m still unsure, I look forward to it.
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.
What is your favorite memory of your time in Round Rock ISD?
I honestly can’t pinpoint a specific memory, but all the fun moments in my graphic design class in my junior year were honestly just the best of times. Us drawing on each other with pens and sharpies, shaving using coffee mugs, pumpkin carving, playing geometry dash. I loved the class in general, but all these small, absurd experiences made it that much better.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
Ms. Arellano has been my most influential teacher. I hadn’t expected to stay in her class or consider graphic design as anything more than a hobby, but I very quickly changed my mind. She takes her students seriously and works hard to get us business partners and opportunities, pushing us forward while also letting us experience fun projects and different aspects of design. I don’t think I would be in the place I am now if I hadn’t had her these past three years.
