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.
Rithul Bhat - Valedictorian
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Cedar Valley Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Round Rock ISD has created countless memorable experiences for me, but the top of it all has to be spending sleepless nights working on DECA's Virtual Business Challenge with my teammates. Coming up with new strategies at 2 in the morning and our shared triumphs created memories I'll never forget. Additionally, spending time in Computer Science UIL with other ambitious, creative students weekly has been a recurring experience that I'm grateful for.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Never end on a low. There are going to be many times throughout your life, whether it be as a student or a grown individual, where life will hit you and you're not ready. The best thing you can do is pick yourself back up and remember your end goal. With that in frame, you will always find a way to push through.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
It's extremely hard to choose a single most influential teacher throughout my high school career, but Mr. Stephens, Mrs. Fletcher, and Mr. Pham have had a considerable influence in my educational experience.
Mr. Stephens, thank you for providing me notable support not only during my sophomore year, but my entire high school experience. Your balance of class interaction and instruction is unparalleled, and 4th period Statistics was one of the first classes I was genuinely excited for.
Mrs. Fletcher, I can't imagine where my writing would be without you. From your constructive criticism to DJ of the Day, your class has provided me writing skills I know I will use through my college career and beyond.
Mr. Pham, thank you being an amazing physics teacher. As someone who sometime struggled with concepts, you made learning easy. Anytime I use a straight edge in the future, I'll always think of you.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will attend Carnegie Mellon University to study Computer Science.
Shreya Rajavel - Salutatorian
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary School and Cedar Valley Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories would have to be traveling to Orlando for DECA ICDC 2025. Riding roller coasters at Universal Studios, pin-trading with people from all over the world, and even the long layovers spent in cities I can barely remember are all memories that I know I won't forget.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
To be completely honest, I don’t think there is any piece of advice in particular I would give to my younger self. I think something beautiful about life is that we are allowed and even encouraged to make mistakes and subsequently grow from them. Throughout high school, I believe every challenge I faced helped shape me into the person I am today, and for that, I am extremely grateful.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
There are so many. In particular, both Mr. Howell and Mr. Chaverria have been amazing mentors to me for the past three years. Mr. Howell has pushed me to think both critically and creatively, helping me broaden my worldview and figure out what it is I wanted to do most in life. Mr. Chaverria has supported me through every endeavor, teaching me that my ideas are never too small to matter. Mr. Bell, Mr. Stephens, and Mr. Pham have also played an invaluable role in my growth, with all three of them constantly encouraging me to push myself and see my potential.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to attend UT Austin through the Canfield Business Honors Program with a minor in Radio-Television-Film! Hook 'Em!
Trafim Nosko - No. 3
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary School and James Garland Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
If I were to think back on my time at RRHS, then a ton of fond memories come to mind. And, simply put, all of them are the good ole’ simple hanging out with friends. At lunch, in a class, and so on—nothing beats a good laugh in good company. However, if I had to single out one event, it would be this one seemingly normal day in the cafeteria. You see, one of my friends (“Mr. Best All Round”) was late to lunch, and so, as we watched him walk down to our table, we started clapping. Eventually, we had just about everyone in the cafeteria (~1000 people) clapping for him. Now that was a good laugh.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
If I had to give my younger self a piece of advice, I wouldn’t say to “try harder,” “savor the moment,” or “embrace imperfection.” In fact, if I could, I wouldn’t say anything. You see, of course all of this is important, but in my eyes all of it undermines what actually gives substance to life. The point is to not know, to explore, to find out. So then live, try, and make peace with the fact that you won’t be able to do it all. That way, when you look back, you might just see that you don’t have any regrets.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
If I were to be honest, I would say that every teacher at RRHS has played a role in shaping me and making me who I am today—it simply wouldn’t be truthful to say otherwise. But, if I had to single out one teacher, I would say Mr. Bell in my Calculus BC class. Simply put, I just enjoyed the way he taught. He broke down every concept carefully to where you could understand it instead of just going through the motions, was obviously passionate about the subject, and threw in the odd joke here or there to keep it entertaining. Oh, and sometimes he would let me take a nap here or there…
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to attend GeorgiaTech for Aerospace Engineering. This however may change if I am accepted into Caltech or MIT off of their respective waitlists.
Nathan Lu - No. 4
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary and Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Some of my favorite memories involve overnight band trips with my closest friends. Even the most tiring moments turned into the funniest stories later on (like being stranded at the airport for 8+ hours) and there was always something happening (especially on the chaotic bus rides to San Antonio). Still, between the midnight balcony talks, cutthroat uno sessions, and videos that will never see the light of day, I wouldn't trade any of it away.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Stay curious! Even the most boring class becomes bearable once you find something in it that interests you. And while you're at it, learn to find fun wherever you can. It becomes a lot easier once you realize that nobody remembers if you embarrass yourself along the way.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Rolofson, my AP US History teacher. He had this way of connecting the past to current events in a way that made history feel relevant. He always played both sides, never pushed his own opinion, and somehow made a room full of teenagers care about the world. Would recommend to anyone considering taking his classes, 5/5 stars.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Studying Data Science at UC Berkeley
Sambith Manohar-Reddy - No. 5
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Barnard Elementary and Baker Middle School
TuWhat is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My best memories were quite simple. I remember sitting in the cafeteria, chatting it up with friends, huddling together while profusely calculating the grade we needed on the next test to round our grade. Or times when we raced to beat our records on crosswords and puzzles. It was these small moments that taught me to appreciate the beauty of 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 feel like you have to have everything figured out so soon. Always make sure to explore, take risks, and change directions if something isn't working. At the end of the day, the journey is just as important as the outcome, so make sure to enjoy yourself in the process.
Also, please don't wait until 2:00 AM to start assignments.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Every single teacher I've had was extremely impactful in my educational process, so it's very difficult to choose just a few; even if I can't mention all of them, I'm extremely grateful to their guidance throughout this process.
Ms. Shaffer, you've always been there to support me, even when I emailed you in the middle of summer vacation. Mr. Stephens, thank you for being someone I could always to talk to, no matter what. Mr. Boylan and Mr. Stoetzer, I appreciate your enthusiastic presence in class, without which the class would have been a much greater struggle. Last, but not least, Ms. Smith, your lessons have taught me important concepts that I will use throughout the rest of my career
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am headed to Rice University, where I'll hopefully be able to double major in Biosciences and Business.
Samantha Zhang - No. 6
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary and Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I’ve loved being a part of the Dragon Pride Dance Company and Student Council. Yelling our team chant, taking the silliest photos backstage, and laughing at the most legendary dance moves are all part of bigger DPDC performances and practices I’ll always cherish. Considering we met every 8th period for StuCo, I owe my best memories and crying laughter to our Executive Team: setting up the annual Teacher Met Gala, riding roller coasters at TASC, wrapping countless gifts during Spirit of Giving, and scrubbing paint off of decorated Homecoming halls. I’ll also never forget the genuine excitement and cheers after hearing my name called as Homecoming Queen!
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
You are doing far more than you give yourself credit for, so have confidence that things will work out. The mistakes you make reflect more of your grit, determination, and initiative than any successes do. Simply having the drive to keep learning and recover from failure outweighs natural “talent” or perfection—passion can’t be taught.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I’m lucky to have had so many teachers who made these past years incredibly fulfilling, so much so that I can’t choose just one. Mrs. Sanders, thank you for showing me how deeply empathy can impact others and for being the most selfless person I’ve ever met. Your love for everyone motivates me to continue using my time in service of others. Mr. Chaverria, thank you for believing in me before I fully believed in myself. I’m endlessly grateful for the opportunities you’ve given me to grow into a leader and into the version of myself I’m most proud of. Mrs. Ziebell, thank you for always showing up for me, no matter the occasion. Ms. Nguyen, you’ve inspired me to be a kinder person and taught me to think critically about the world with compassion. And finally, thank you, Tang Laoshi, for your unwavering support.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study business through the Canfield Business Honors Program!
Andrew Suh - No. 7
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Patsy Sommer Elementary and Cedar Valley Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Whether it be from Math Team, where I'd get stuck on solving a problem I solved just 5 minutes ago and try to laugh it off in front of the class--or Mu Alpha Theta, where I was peer pressured into overcoming my fear of roller coasters at the National Convention--my favorite memories stem from being within a community of like-minded individuals. I also had the privilege of being a part of all the senior-year Homecoming events, which were truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
1 Corinthians 16:14 "Let all that you do be done in love." Nothing in high school will demand that you work against your surroundings, namely your fellow students. Let those around you challenge and motivate you, but never let it become a competition.
Also, the reputation you hold among your peers and teachers will act as your number one asset. Have good character and people will look at you in a good light—that'll sort out everything else.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Every student should have Mr. Bell (a lifetime 4.0) as a math teacher one day. I had the fortune of having him for two years, and I'm definitely not alone in saying that my interest in mathematics has only grown more after taking his class. My AP Lang teacher Mr. Howell sparked in me a true joy and passion for writing (which definitely helped with my college application essays). And Ms. Kim has been the best sponsor for Math Team and Mu Alpha Theta that anybody could ask for. I could continue writing endlessly mentioning more and more teachers, but I'll keep it "short":
- Mr. Janssens, for your dad jokes that never get old;
- Mrs. Lawrence, for introducing me to a book I genuinely read and understood;
- Ms. Hodges, for keeping Student Council fun and memorable;
- Mr. Pham, for making me an asset to class;
- Ms. Nguyen, for growing my confidence in writing.
But, of all, my sibling Gray has been my greatest influence throughout all four years. They've gone through the high school journey before, and all I've been doing is following their footsteps. Without them, I wouldn't have seen a fraction of all my success, let alone be the person I am today.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Johns Hopkins University as a double-major in Applied Mathematics and Statistics + Computer Science.
Nolan Reffett - No. 8
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Great Oaks Elementary and Cedar Valley Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Since freshman year, I have done Homecoming hallway decorations for Student Council, and without fail it's a blast every time. Some years the only plan was to make it up as we went, and others were more methodical or planned out, but even those would have their own dash of chaos and brilliant on the spot ideas with imperfect yet impressive executions. And UIL Invitations also gave a thrill of excitement every time, even the very first one I did. With both Round Rock students and those from other schools all coming together to take various tests from a range of subjects, it always carried the air of excitement and challenge.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Ask questions you have, and find ones to ask if you don't. If you think something sounds fun or interesting try it out, or if it sounds too hard try it yourself or ask people you can trust before never giving it a try. There are countless things you can do and learn, and every tiny piece of curiosity can lead to learning something either invaluable or beyond enjoyable. So I offer the advice to indulge your curiosity and to explore, and learn, without restraint.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Of the countless teachers I've met at Round Rock, I have been especially thankful for the CS UIL club sponsor Mr. Dejongh. Through all the years I've been a member of Computer Science UIL, Mr. Dejongh was our sponsor, even though he himself wasn't a Computer Science teacher. He would attend every meeting, VCM, and Invitations , and always ensure every part of the club functioned without a hitch. He would track every person's attendance, scores, and performance, and store each question we'd ever seen since he became our sponsor just on the chance we may reference it later. I am truly thankful to him for sponsoring the CS UIL club all these years.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After Graduation, I will be attending college at Texas A&M College Station and intend to be majoring in Electrical Engineering.
Parth Illendula - No. 9
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Meridian World School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
During my time here, I've made some wonderful memories and relationships. I greatly enjoyed being a part of Model UN, especially as part of the officer team. From the trips we went on together to the friendly banter in the group chat, I appreciate how we came together as a team and cherish my time in the club.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
There is always room to explore. Too many times, I've felt constrained in what I wanted to do and how I wanted to approach it. Whether it was deciding my future or something as simple as finding the right tennis shoes, I found that the best way to wrap my head around a problem was to explore. From my time in high school, I believe strongly in the benefits of asking around and embracing trial and error. Exploration helped put man on the moon, so why not keep exploring?
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
While I have so many people to thank, some of my most influential teachers have been my physics teacher Mr. Pham and band director Mr. Mobley.
Mr. Pham, thank you for the learning environment you fostered and for putting me in a position to be confused and learn through exploration. Mr. Mobley, through my years as a part of our wonderful band program, I endured some of the toughest mental and physical difficulties of my life. Thank you for teaching me how to endure and what it takes to succeed at a high level. I will cherish the time I spent creating art under your direction and will use the skills I learned in band everywhere I go.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will attend UT Austin for Computer Science.
Connor Hall - No. 10
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Patsy Sommer Elementary School and Cedar Valley Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories as a student is competing with my robotics team. I will really miss those long Saturdays filled with problem solving and competing. I learned so much from my time in robotics and met a lot of amazing people. I’m very thankful I had that opportunity!
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 of failure! Looking back, it is very easy to see that my most significant moments of growth came from failure in some form. Not trying so hard to always get it right the first time may have created more learning opportunities and potentially alleviated some stress. I need to remember that there will be many chances in the future to fail and learn.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My most influential teacher was Mrs. Margulies, my 8th grade English teacher. I have had many great teachers throughout all 12 years, but she stands out as a uniquely caring teacher and individual. She supported me in ways I didn't know I needed and challenged me in ways I hadn't thought possible. Most importantly, she always, always believed in me.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Purdue University to study aerospace engineering with the goal of eventually designing and building rockets.
Heather Ji - No. 10
What Elementary and Middle School did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary and Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Some of my favorite memories come from traveling with my friends on DECA and HOSA trips. I loved exploring new places with them, celebrating after competitions, and trying all the coffee at the hotel. I look back fondly at the pictures I have and how much I grew through those experiences.
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 go after the things that you really care about because your time in high school will fly by. As long as you believe in yourself and work hard, you are in control of the things that matter most. Also, try to keep that sleep schedule in check before it completely runs away from you.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I am extremely grateful to have had so many wonderful teachers who turned my school experience into something worth remembering. I want to thank Mr. Smith for his guidance in English and in life, and for having the best stories to tell. Mr. Ziebell, for his dedication and care that helped his students become the best we possibly can be. Lestik, for having such an enthusiastic personality that truly made chemistry magical. Finally, thank you to my parents for their endless support and for shaping me into the person I am today.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending UC Berkeley and majoring in Materials Science and Engineering.