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.
Adrian Ual - Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Hopewell Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memories, in the end, always come back to UIL Academics Regionals in San Antonio. Becoming the first Stony Point regional qualifier for STEM, was the first time I ever traveled for a competition, and I still remember how excited I was just to be at UTSA. What could get more exciting than that? Traveling to San Antonio with my Number Sense, Math, and Spelling teams these past two years--from hopping around UTSA's campus between events to making the most of awful I-10 traffic with Noah, Henry, Kaveesh, Bella, and Om while blasting "All Of The Lights" last year, I'd wager that takes the cake. In a way, tracing my paths to Regionals--from going as a lone freshman to getting to share this day with my friends and teammates - tells a hell of a story about how far I've grown.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Be conscious of the person you're becoming earlier! In all honesty, I entered high school with the sole goal of becoming valedictorian, and the ensuing perfectionism produced some very toxic attitudes for how I viewed myself early on. It is incredibly easy to get stuck in mental loops and habits, and realizing how that toxicity changed me would've opened up so many doors for me to diversify myself and improve myself as a person earlier. Self-growth and genuine self-reflection is so incredibly important and I would've advised my younger self to truly take the time to understand who I was and how I thought.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I am blessed to have so many teachers be an influence on me; from Ms. White in 8th grade, to Mr. Breger, Ms. Jeong, Mrs. Eblen, and Mr. Waldrop throughout high school. But without my UIL Number Sense coach/coordinator, Ms. Collins-Becker (VCB! VCB!), I would be a tenth of the person I am and get half the sleep I currently get. C160 has become my second home for the past four years, and she's given me the resources to continue pushing at every step of my Number Sense journey. But more importantly, her constantly looking out for her Number Sense team, not just as competitors, but as people, really helped me take the effort to take care of myself. I won't be forgetting her advice or her mantras any time soon. I think she's proof of one of her own mantras, in fact: "We live in a benevolent universe."
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be attending Yale University and will most likely study pure mathematics, but I'm eyeing applied math as well! As for my career, I'm not 100% set on anything, but I wish to find a way to put my computational skills to use. I'm ready to spread my wings and try a ton of new things.
Dhrupad Kanakathidathil Krishna - Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle School, Hopewell Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Late night trips to the P. Terry’s drive-thru after football games. There was never anywhere to sit, so we’d just find a comfortable curb and recount the events of the past week until it got too late.
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 take more risks and not make the same mistake twice. I’ve never learned more than from moments when I was abysmally wrong.
Like the proverb goes, “Fall down seven times, get up eight — but remember why you fell.”
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Martin and Mr. White have been my most influential teachers.
I was always excited to see the ways Mr. Martin remembered different formulas and ideas in that math class freshman year. I still remember the song he taught us to remember the quadratic equation.
I swear Mr. White’s classroom doubled my productivity. After his knowledge walks, wise words, and witty remarks, I would always magically have some work done. Mr. White has helped me build better study habits and connect ideas as I learn.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be attending the University of Texas, majoring in Statistics and Data Science. I will be a part of the Health Science Scholars honors program. Hook ‘em.
Melissa Truong - No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Herrington Elementary, 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 Round Rock ISD was winning the Outstanding Percussion award at the Midway Marching Competition. I've never felt prouder of myself and my underclassmen. Also, the Buc-ee's trips on the way back never dissapoint!
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 put myself first. I am proud of how much I tend to care for others, but I think that my life would've overall been a lot easier if I had prioritized myself. I would remind myself that self-care isn't selfish.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My most influential educator has been my percussion director Mr.Greene. He helped me find my love for making music and I know he will always be there for me when I need him.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be majoring in Biochemistry at UT Austin on the pre-med track. I plan to pursue a career in dermatology.
Alexandra Boyer - No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Linda Herrington Elementary and Hopewell Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Prior to high school, my favorite memory as a student in Round Rock ISD was attending the annual book fairs at Herrington. At Stony Point, my favorite memories come from volleyball: being honored alongside my teammates on senior night and qualifying for playoffs two years in a row with girls that I’ve played with since middle school.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Honest hard work and discipline pay off! Have confidence in your work ethic, stay true to yourself, and learn from mistakes but never become complacent. Training is ongoing!
"When you go solo, hold your own hand, and remember that depth is the greatest of heights. For if you know where you stand, then you know where to land, and if you fall it won’t matter, 'cuz you’ll know that you’re right!"
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Jeffrey, Mr. White, Mr. Foust, and Mrs. Fisher-Medrano taught me what it means to be both an inquisitive learner and a well-balanced individual. I’m so grateful for their guidance.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I plan to attend the McCombs Business School at the University of Texas at Austin.
Shloka Reddyreddy - No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories is the FBLA Nationals trip in freshman year. I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia as the only person from my school (i.e. boring location with no friends). "If you keep your hopes low, you won't be disappointed," is what I always say, but this trip far exceeded any expectations. From jaywalking, to moshing, to a ferris wheel ride, the trip was a great first to the many travel conferences that would follow.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Try everything. Join that club you find interesting, talk to that person you want to be friends with, and go to that school event. Lots of people talk about all the special experiences you'll have in college, but highschool has its own unique experiences that you will miss out on if you don't take a hold of them now. So, avoid regrets and don't be scared to try something new.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. White, my IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) teacher is the GOAT. Not only because of the content of his class, but also because of how he teaches his class. Going on nature walks, playing with fidget toys, and learning about his Barbie-like lore were what made his class one of my favorites.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will likely be attending UT Austin as a Biology major on the pre-med track. By 30, I will hopefully have become a doctor, mother, philanthropist, professional TV extra, be able to backflip, have traveled the world, be fluent in ASL, and in general be a jack of many trades.
Andrew Nguyen - No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Double File Trail Elementary and Hernandez Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
During the off-period of my senior year I always sat in my theatre teacher's room. It's very cozy, and I got to be with my bestest friends.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Take care of yourself. It sounds so simple, but it's the toughest and most essential aspect of school and life in general. Taking care of yourself also includes not creating more stress by, for example, putting things off last minute! Feeling good helps with doing good.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I want to say thank you to all the theatre teachers: Sunshine Parsons, Carolina Naranjo, and Erin Barnes! They have fostered such an amazing community and are the kindest people you'll ever meet. I've learned about myself and being a person just as much as I've learned about theatre. I wouldn't be who I am without these three.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I'm attending UT Austin to get a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering! After that, I'll probably move out of state wherever I'm needed.
Ishan Singhal - No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Meridian World School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
It's hard to choose a single memory, so two moments stand out. Racing a car my team and I built at Texas Motor Speedway and placing 3rd in the nation is truly hard to beat. There's something about putting something you made with your own hands on an actual track and watching it go around the same track that professional NASCAR drivers drive on. But the late-night QT runs for Monsters during the race were the cherry on top. The other one is DECA States, making it to finals, the Buc-ee's trips, and randomly stumbling upon an electric violinist performing are moments I never would have expected but will never forget. I'm truly grateful to both the Stony Point Solar Car team and Stony Point DECA for giving me the chance to experience any of it.
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 put yourself out there. Cold email the professor, apply for the internship, ask the teacher the “dumb” question, or talk to the person you've been meaning to talk to. What's the worst that happens? They say no? You're young, you have nothing to lose, and you can easily rebound. And even if something doesn't go your way, people move on way faster than you think. So, take the shot while you still can.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I'd be selling a lot of people short if I only named one. From elementary school to senior year, I've had teachers who genuinely invested their time and effort into me, and without each one of them I wouldn't be who I am today. I especially want to thank my IB teachers at SPHS (Ms. Eblen, Mr. White, Ms. Jeong, Ms. Miao, Mr. Thomas, Ms. Williams, Ms. Tarpley, and Mr. Waldrop) for pushing me to finish IB and become my very best. Beyond the classroom, I want to thank Ms. Williams for everything she sacrificed for the Solar Car team, and Mr. Prince, Mr. Ripley, and Mr. Manor for making DECA the experience it was.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I’ll be attending the University of Texas at Austin for Computer Science. After college, I plan to either start my own start-up or conduct research to improve the technology industry.
Olivia Pena - No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary and Hopewell Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I most enjoyed hanging out with my friends during class and lunch during my time on campus. I had rowing practice every day after school and on the weekends, so although I didn't have much free time, my school friends played an important role in helping me maintain some balance while having fun. They were also incredibly supportive of me and my goals.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would advise myself that although it will be very difficult to maintain high standards in the classroom while competing in a very time-consuming sport, it can be done, even if it might not be "perfect". It is important to learn to be efficient and find enjoyment in what you are doing.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I have been very fortunate to have many wonderful teachers, and I am grateful to them all for their support and dedication to a challenging profession. I would like to recognize Mrs. Halley Smith for her enthusiasm, kindness, and wonderful attitude. Mrs. Smith takes the extra time to connect with her students and show interest in our lives, and she's always available for a chat or kind word.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will attend Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, as a Hutton Honors College student. My major will be Exercise Science, and I plan to attend graduate school with the intent of becoming a physical therapist. I will also compete as a member of their NCAA Division 1 rowing team. Row Hoosiers!
Quinn Helmcamp - No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary and Hopewell Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memory as a student at Round Rock ISD is my three years on the Stony Point Tiger Dancers. From all the rehearsals with my teammates to the football games and dance competitions, it has been such a privilege to get this opportunity so few are able to experience. It taught me about myself, getting along with others, and most importantly, developed my passion for dance. This passion has carried me through all the ups and downs of high school, and pushed me to keep dancing in college!
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would advise her to continue pushing for her goals, no matter how scary. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back. Take the risks, make the mistakes, and learn how much bigger life gets outside of your comfort zone.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My most influential teacher has been my Tiger Dancer Director Mrs. Wassmuth. She has been incredibly supportive since the moment I met her, encouraging me to try out to become a Tiger Dancer in my 8th grade year of middle school. When I started on the team, she always pushed me to reach for my dreams and gave me the resources and opportunities to grow. I want to thank her for always believing in my capabilities and showing me that hard work pays off.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I am attending UT Austin to major in Public Relations. I hope to get my MBA after college and become a Chief Marketing Officer.
Amy Chodorow - No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Herrington and hopewell
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories in this school district was being part of a moment where everyone came together, whether it was a big event, a game, or a project. There was a strong sense of community and support that made it feel special. I remember feeling proud to be part of something bigger than just myself. The experience helped me build connections and grow both academically and personally. It’s a memory that really captures what makes this district meaningful to me.
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 is to try harder during freshman and sophomore year. It’s easy to think those years don’t matter as much, but they really set the foundation for everything that comes later. Putting in more effort early on would have made things less stressful down the road. I’d remind myself that consistency is more important than last-minute effort. Starting strong makes a big difference.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Ms. Miller, the elementary school librarian. She was very nice and helped me fuel my love of reading. The elementary school library was my favorite place to be in Round Rock ISD, ever.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
My post-graduation plans are to continue my education and work toward a career that I’m passionate about. I plan to attend college and focus on building skills that will help me succeed in my field. Along the way, I hope to gain real-world experience through internships or part-time work. I also want to keep growing personally and taking advantage of new opportunities. Overall, I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes me.