Round Rock ISD
May 13, 2026
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.
Anshuman Garg - Valedictorian
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Laurel Mountain Elementary School and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
From riding the Velocicoaster six times in a row at Universal to chugging endless Dole Whip floats at Disney, my junior year trip to Orlando was genuinely my favorite experience of high school. Shoutout to all my friends for transforming those five days into a lifelong memory.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Drop everything and go out. It’s really easy to get stuck in the perpetual Westwood rat race, but sometimes, it’s important to take some time off and enjoy yourself. You were probably gonna doom scroll away those 3 hours anyway.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Throughout my time in school, I’ve had too many amazing teachers to pick just one as the most influential. Each of my educators has had a positive impact on me, but I’d like to recognize a very special few.
To Mr. Blaine, thank you for helping me rediscover my passion for learning and motivating me to pursue topics on a deeper level of understanding (you’re part of the reason I’m planning to continue studying econ!). I’d also like to thank my late 5th-grade teacher, Mr. Sparks. No words can capture all of the joy and positivity that he brought to class every day, inspiring me to live in the moment and appreciate everyone around me.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be attending Yale University to study computer science and economics.
Uma Maya Sthanu - Salutatorian
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle School, and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
The memories I treasure most are the little moments with my peers: pin trading with strangers-turned-friends across four trips to ICDC and three to ISEF, long Universal lines that became the best conversations, Wavelength on sleepy bus rides home from competitions, spectacularly failing to coordinate our rowing while canoeing at Outdoor School, and playing a Kahoot with fun facts about our IB teachers at Grateful. They gave me a circle of friends from Westwood and from around the world who pushed me, made me laugh, and reminded me that the people you grow up alongside are the real prize of high school.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would tell younger me that the future she is sprinting toward isn't actually the prize; the person she becomes along the way is. When my college acceptances came in, the moment was strangely anticlimactic. I recall my first reaction being, "Now what?" At that moment, I realized what I wished I had understood at fourteen: the milestones aren’t what define the journey. It’s amidst challenges, late nights, and countless failures that we are built as human beings. So I would tell her “slow down enough to notice what's happening to you.” Trust that every minute is shaping you, even when the outcome hasn't arrived yet. The destination is going to take care of itself.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Every teacher I have interacted with, from kindergarten to today, has left an impact on who I am - a way of thinking, a spark of curiosity, a work ethic I didn't know I was capable of, a subject I didn't know I would love. A few I owe by name. Mrs. Mikulencak told me at age nine that I had what it took to one day help cure MS, a sentence that has been running in my head ever since. Mrs. Deba was one of the first people to believe in me out loud (every kid needs that early cheerleader!). Mrs. Arcaya told me I would go far in a way that made me believe it. Mr. Mott gave me a motto I will always remember: "Never Give Up, Never Surrender." Mr. Blaine changed how I sit through a lecture, and by extension, how I learn. Señora LLanos turned a language requirement into one of my favorite things in the world. To every teacher whose name I couldn't fit here, thank you. You are all in this, too.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
After school, I will start as an Applied ML/AI Researcher at Regeneron, continuing my computational biology work, this time in industry. I will attend Stanford University this fall for interdisciplinary studies merging computer science, biology, and medicine to analyze complex biological data, model systems, and develop diagnostic tools.
Amy Li - Number 3
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Laurel Mountain Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I think I got a good laugh out of every day just because the people around me are so extraordinary, but it’s definitely hard to top the amount of joy I felt while in New York. Those days were wracked with unbearably cold weather, but I felt warm and fuzzy all over while my friends and I stomped through the subways to our next eatery and gasped at the breathtaking belts in Wicked.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
It might not feel like it at the moment, but your time in school is probably the best time to go out of your comfort zone and make more mistakes. I wish I would’ve realized earlier that in youth, we’re constantly surrounded by mentors, adults, and professionals who are there to catch us as we naturally undergo growth. So be free to embrace your own dreams, talk to a new classmate, and accept your failures with grace (but don’t be reckless!)
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My teachers over the past twelve years have all been so patient, empathetic, and humorous, which will make it even harder to separate from their guidance. To Ms. Matthews, I’ll always admire how you could bounce into every lesson with a huge smile and overflowing energy, wrapping bits of World History for us into sweet little Starbursts. Mr. Chalk, thank you for your devotion to making each of us feel special, whether through compliments in front of the entire class or silent scrawls in every page of our thinking. Of course, thank you Mrs. Wang for taking care of your students with so much affection, and for playfully condoning every chaotic Chinese Club meeting.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I'll be pursuing Biomedical Engineering on the premed track at Texas A&M, where I'll study as a Brown Scholar under the E2EnMed Early Assurance Program!
Adriana Cheng - Number 4
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Laurel Mountain Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Some of my fondest memories come from the Westwood Orchestra: our trips to New York City and Disneyland, every concert from the cafeteria to Lila Cockrell Theater, but most importantly the lifelong friendships I made along the way.
I’ll also forever cherish my time with the Westwood soccer program - from dyeing our hair at team dinners to running to each other to celebrate our goals to postgame bus rides (and even suffering through gassers and ice baths!) - the camaraderie of team sports is something I'm grateful to have experienced in high school.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Don’t be afraid to try.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I have had the honor to learn from some of the most impactful educators and I am grateful for every one of them. In particular, I would like to thank Mrs. Drake for making physics fun; there was never a dull moment in your class.
To my soccer coaches: Fram, thank you for the heart you put into the program and for your hilarious gifs; McG, thank you for encouraging me to be nerdy and think positively; and Kish, thank you for opening my eyes to actuarial science.
And finally, a big thank you to my orchestra directors (Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Whatley, Mr. Whatley and Mrs. Hornbake) for your endless support over the course of my musical journey. Mr. Thompson, thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself and to stay compassionate; you are truly a one-of-a-kind educator that anybody would be fortunate to have.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be studying computer science and math as a Turing Scholar at UT Austin!
Annikka Xu - Number 5
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Patsy Sommer Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I enjoyed playing in the Canyon Vista band, where I met an amazing group of friends who made 8th grade unforgettable. At Westwood, the memories I treasure the most are time spent with friends, especially the last-minute study sessions, the boba runs, and lunchtime conversations.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
To surround myself with the right people. The friends I have made over the past few years inspire me to be a better version of myself everyday.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
To all the amazing teachers I've had over the years, thank you for your dedication and everything you've taught me. I would like to give a special thank you to Mr. Sullivan for your constant patience and understanding; I always genuinely looked forward to your class. Thank you also to Mrs. Trembley for your way of teaching, which kept me engaged and instilled curiosity in a field that I otherwise wouldn't have come across.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be majoring in electrical engineering at UT Austin.
Aiden Wen - Number 6
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Canyon Creek Elementary and Grisham Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Spending time after school in the atrium has been one of my most valuable experiences at Westwood. I will miss every year of this atrium, each with its own unique culture. When I was a freshman, the seniors would give me pep talks about “life lesson this” and “life lesson that” as we walked through the atrium together. As a sophomore, I explored around more and met many new friends, some of whom became my closest. Junior year brought countless long and deep conversations that have lasted late into the evenings. Finally, as a senior, the nostalgia of this atrium is finally creeping in…
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Let your creativity burst until you have none of it left. Don’t look at examples until you’ve created something that truly speaks as your own. Your goal should be to create something that is immediately recognizable as something that you made, whether for big tasks like personal projects or small things like an essay. After that, learn how to improve yourself. Put yourself in positions to be inspired by role models, who can be anyone: from random people you observe to your closest friends. And lastly, always share your creativity with those around you.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
So many teachers have inspired me by inventing classroom environments that feel so personable and special. Mr. Mott, although you teach math, you are the most creative entrepreneur I’ve ever met, constantly innovating in how you teach. You embody a spirit that I’m always inspired by. Dr. Plocher, I wish I could collect every oral literary analysis you’ve delivered and turn them into a book called “Plocher Soliloquies." You’ve taught me about the messiness of the human condition, which has made me that much more curious and open-minded. Mr. McB, thank you for having a special type of warmth and positivity that you bring to all of our discussions. Your kindness has really made a difference in my excitement for school. Mr. Blaine, thank you for leading by example. When you tell us that learning is not a task to be accomplished, but something to master, I’m inspired because you show us every day that teaching us is not a task to be accomplished, but something you've put in the care to master. To Mr. Turpin and Mr. Sheeran, thank you for making my time in band worthwhile. Truly, much of what I know about hard work and people skills have stemmed from my time with you two. And finally, thank you Mr. Vasquez. I have never been in a classroom where I felt so connected with all my peers. You have cultivated the most wonderful classroom community.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be attending MIT, where I plan to major in Computation and Cognition.
Roger Peng - Number 7
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Canyon Creek Elementary and Grisham Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Ironically, many of my favorite memories as an RRISD student were made off of RRISD campus. Going to Southside BBQ with the cross country team after our meet, touching a stingray at the Georgia Aquarium during DECA's ICDC, and rushing out of school during lunch to get Bush's Chicken are a few that immediately come to mind.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
You will have innumerable opportunities to demonstrate your ability; one poor performance is never worth losing sleep over.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from many amazing teachers. Thank you Mr. Sullivan; your teaching and passion for mathematics have been an example I’ve continued to look up to during my own attempts to teach, and one that will continue to inspire me as I pursue mathematics in college. Thank you Mr. Blaine, for taking our learning beyond the “K to 12” and for the poems that served as pep talks before the AP test. Thank you Mrs. Wieland; while I’ll likely forget about molecular geometry and bond angles, I’ll always remember to strike a power pose and keep a growth mindset. Finally, thank you Mr. Chalk, for elevating your classroom beyond the cliché experience and engraving creativity into the thinking process, and for answering the call to become head coach when our cross country team needed it most.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be attending New York University to study mathematics.
Yanzhe Qiao - Number 8
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Skaggs Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
The band program provided some of my most cherished experiences through the various trips we took. Whether it was seeing how quickly I could finish a slice of deep dish pizza in Chicago, going on late-night ice cream runs during TMEA, or the excitement of Disney World, every destination was memorable. I also deeply enjoyed exploring historical museums and attending Broadway shows in New York City. However, the best part of these incredible trips wasn't just the places themselves, but getting to share those moments with my closest friends.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Start earlier. Whether it’s picking up a new instrument, launching a passion project like a YouTube channel, or tackling challenging competitions like Olympiads, dive deeper into anything that sparks your interest. Don't let self-doubt or the fear of failure stop you from trying. The hardest part of any endeavor is taking that first step. Take a moment today and commit to a small action toward your goals, you never know where that could take you.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I am deeply grateful to the educators who shaped my journey. Mr. Blaine made economics truly enthralling, teaching the most engaging class I have ever attended. I also want to thank Mrs. Drake and Mr. Sullivan for making complex subjects like physics and mathematics so accessible. My sincere thanks go to Mrs. Wang for her constant support and for creating a comforting environment, and to Mrs. Linder, an incredible clarinet teacher who consistently challenged me to exceed my own expectations.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
After graduation, I plan to attend The University of Texas at Austin and major in computer science. I hope to continue building projects that combine programming with my other interests. In the future, I’d like to pursue opportunities in software engineering while continuing to stay involved in music and creative projects
Iris Wang - Number 9
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Canyon Creek Elementary and Grisham 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 Round Rock ISD was the fourth grade Cruise Write-Along. This week-long experience did not convert me into someone who loves writing enough to consistently write in my free time. However, after a week of writing everyday and not learning much else, I found myself enjoying writing every daily essay—not just the daily snacks and SunnyD beverages. Prior, writing was always something I found too tedious on both the mind and my right hand, but this fun week let me learn to enjoy writing whenever I'm required to do it.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I can't expect my younger self to take my advice as seriously as I would hope. If there is one piece of advice that I hope my younger self would actually take in, that would be to know when one should say goodbye to regularly engaging in certain activities and actually act on it. I tended to be very attached to all my hobbies; saying goodbye to any one of them would feel excruciatingly painful. However, for the sake of health, life's number one priority, I wish I would have said goodbye to some of my favorite activities earlier on. I have been very tired as a student, and there will always be a time where I can pick a hobby back up.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The most influential teachers to me are Mrs. Rank, my eighth grade U.S. History teacher, who changed my learning and information-retention forever, and Frau Melgar, who was the main reason I continued studying German throughout the entirety of High School.
There are so many other teachers I want to shout out, too: Coach McBrearty, Coach Mott, Mr. Scheiber, Mr. Blaine, Mr. Clapp, Mrs. Parks, Mrs. Drake, Dr. Ayida. All of them helped me discover interests or passions I did not know I possessed and have left marks on my high school journey that have made me better in some way.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be studying computer science at UT Austin as a Turing Scholar. I don't think I know enough information yet about all the endless potential future pathways to predict what kind of life I will live. I'll let life take me wherever it thinks I should go.
Josephine Sun - Number 10
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Spicewood Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Freshman year, I roomed with two seniors I didn't know for the FBLA state conference. Maggie and Sandy had no obligation to go out of their way to show any extra hospitality, but did anyway. They introduced me to my first crawfish boil, explored the hotel grounds with me, and took me and my partner Samhita on bike rides along the Galveston Seawall (she’s now my DECA partner and best friend). Being able to experience so much fun and unbounded kindness as a freshman shaped so much of my future high school experience.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Embrace the inevitability of failure (as Mrs. Wieland says: fail fast and fail forward). Looking back, all of my greatest blessings so far have come from a failure that came before. It is better to take accountability and keep on improving than to wallow when things don’t go the way you hoped. Don’t be afraid to quit things even if it’s scary, sleep more than 5 hours a night, be radically introspective, and most importantly, surround yourself with genuine people who strive for your success and well-being just as much as their own.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mrs. Collins, my seventh-grade science and homeroom teacher during the pandemic year. She always checked in with me and instilled so much of the self-confidence that I carry today. I also wouldn’t be myself without Mrs. Wieland, my chemistry teacher, who inspired me to be the same pillar of positivity she’s been for others. And thank you to my student council sponsors, Ms. Lozano and Mrs. Harwick, for growing with me for the past four years. Merci du fond du cœur!
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I'll be attending the University of Pennsylvania to study at the Wharton School of Business.