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.
Alexander Kenton - Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary and Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories is the water balloon fight we had on the last day of Junior year.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would tell my younger self to not take himself so seriously, and have more fun while at school.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Kubicek - For supporting me and inspiring my love for chemistry. Mrs. Wagliardo - For challenging and supporting me throughout my high school career.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin for Chemical Engineering in the fall.
Amelie Hoenscheidt - Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Herrington Elementary
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories as a RRISD student was our senior prom at Casa Blanca. Getting the chance to spend one of my last senior events with my friends made the night very special. All thanks goes to our prom committee for putting everything together and securing a live band that carried out an amazing performance.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
One piece of advice I would give my younger self would be to not worry too much about the future. Time goes by so fast, so live in the moment and don't take anything for granted.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My most influential teacher has been Ivannia Hadba who taught me in the fourth grade at Herrington Elementary. Having known her since I was little, she has been a huge support in my life and my family's life. I am so grateful to have had her as my teacher and I thank her for all her encouragement throughout the years.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Texas A&M University as a Public Health major to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Miles McMillan - No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Herrington Elementary and Hopewell Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
A memory that sticks out in my mind was lunch in the spring. When the weather was nice, you would see nearly every student outdoors. Playing cards, volleyball, or soccer, dancing, and laying out in the grass. The sense of community was so widespread, not one person sitting alone.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
The most important advice I could ever give out is to take things a day at a time. When the future is too exhausting to think about, slow yourself down. Focus on what is happening today, and what needs to happen tomorrow. The rest will follow.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The teachers that have had the greatest influence on my life have been Mr. Spillers and Mr. Kubicek. Mr. Spillers was one of the first teachers that made me feel heard, and truly helped me start to socialize in the unfamiliar environment that was freshman year. Mr. Kubicek has been a great mentor, and is part of the reason I have decided to go into chemistry. I would not be where I am today without their support.
What are your post-graduation plans?
In the summer, I will be participating in a lab research internship, before attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall, majoring in chemistry. I will ultimately attend graduate school and become a chemistry professor.
Dylan Gilbert - No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I really enjoyed throwing the football around outside the portables during passing periods. We went through a lot of footballs over the years.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
If you want something, start working towards it now. Don't wait.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Jones, he's always been the teacher I feel most comfortable talking to.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Major in communication design at Texas State.
Carra Johnson - No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Deerpark Middle School, Joe Lee Johnson, Wells Branch Elementary.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories is probably soccer club sophomore year. I loved getting to play competitively with the upperclassmen and having actual games especially at a school with no sports.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would tell myself to prioritize time for myself, to not take school so seriously and try to enjoy high school rather than just get through it.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My most influential teacher was probably my 8th grade Science teacher Mr.Hartle. He made the class so much fun with different experiments and really made it memorable by playing the saxophone to wake people up in class.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to go to Texas A&M and major in Biomedical Engineering.
Leyla Eltahan - No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Pond Springs Elementary School & Canyon Vista Middle
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I loved the first day of school every year, it was really lovely and exciting.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would tell her to keep up the good work and to savor her freshman year, try not to grow up so fast!
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Senora Picazo is the most influential teacher in my life because she helped me pursue a Spanish education so that I can help people and communicate with people in Spanish on a daily basis. It truly helped in my job at Walgreens with assisting Spanish speaking customers, and really made me feel like I was making a difference.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am going to go to Texas A&M San Antonio and will be pursuing Dental Hygiene.
Arsenii Markov - No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Westlake Elementary in California, Ridgeview Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Getting my first job.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Keep your notes organized.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr.Smith, great advisor.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Attending A&M and studying Aerospace Engineering.
Brooklynn Williams - No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
LCCA, Cedar Valley, and Hopewell Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories as a student at RRISD has been all the long lasting friendships I have made. All the new people I meet and have made friends with have made a meaningful impact on me and I appreciate each and everyone one of you. Every moment we spend together is something I'll treasure forever. Thank you all because without you guys, I wouldn't have gotten to where I am today.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
One piece of advice that I would give to my younger self would be that it's going to be worth it! All the hard work and effort I've put into my classes and assignments has definitely paid off. So, stop overthinking things and know that you've done a good job. Also, stop procrastinating!
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mrs. Reaux has been one of my most influential teachers here at ECHS. I have enjoyed every class with her and though our time was short I value every moment and memory with her. I have had many teachers here at ECHS but Mrs. Reaux (and a tribute to Mr. Kubicek) have been the most memorable.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will attend UTSA as a Chemistry major. Through the Terry Foundation Scholarship, I have the option to study abroad and may take this opportunity to study somewhere in Europe. I am very excited to attend the UTSA Honors College and plan to attend medical school after earning my Bachelor's degree.
Sador Tesfay - No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
I have attended both UT elementary and Hopewell middle school.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memory from RRISD was making a makeshift egg drop project with coca cola can with my friends.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Do not stress out and try your best to find hobbies.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My most influential teacher is my mother and the reason why is because she helped me better understand subjects I struggled with.
What are your post-graduation plans?
In the summer, I will be participating in a lab research internship, before attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall, majoring in chemistry. I will ultimately attend graduate school and become a chemistry professor.
Xabier Loaisiga - No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Colegio Teresiano Sagrado Corazón, Granada, Nicaragua; Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memory from being a RRISD student would have to be Mrs. Buena Muhoberac suggesting that I should skip a grade in math. She noticed that my grades were strong, so she asked if I would jump ahead in the curriculum. Although I was skeptical, she assured me that I should at least give it a go. To me, this was a genuine interest in my education, which contributed to making me feel at home at CVMS.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Your GPA is your baby. Ask for help to keep it safe.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Ryan Kubicek
It was after taking general chemistry with him at ACC that I decided to pursue chemical engineering as my dream major. Sure, messing around in the lab was fun, but what was truly memorable from his class was the challenge of grasping all of the formulas and reactions. Thus, I became ambitious to take organic chemistry next semester. However, and most importantly...
...he believes in me.
He believed that I could make it through organic chemistry with Dr. Amorde. Furthermore, he believes that I can be part of the cohort of only 25% of students who graduate from the University of Houston within 4 years.
Not many have shown faith in me like that. Thus, I appreciate Mr. Kubicek for believing in me.