Judy Li, No. 3

What college will you be attending next year?
The University of Texas at Austin to study Business.

What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cedar Valley Middle School

Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
McNeil English teacher Linda Hengst has been my most influential teacher. I’ve had her for two years and she has really helped me grow both as a writer and as a person. Her passion for what she teaches and for learning in general is contagious and makes her class one of my favorites.

Hope Lawrence, No. 4

What college will you be attending next year?
I’m going to Rice University. I do not have a firm decision on my major but something concerning conservation and renewable energy.

What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Brushy Creek Elementary School and Cedar Valley Middle School

Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My elementary school TAG teacher, Kathy Lisauckis, was my influential teacher. By believing in me, she made me realize my own potential, if only I work hard enough to achieve it, and by encouraging all of my various interests, she led me to finding my passion. I will always be grateful for her kindness and guidance.

Matthew Golia, No. 5

What college will you be attending next year?
The University of Texas at Austin to study Electrical Engineering

What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary and Chisholm Trail Middle School

Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
Mr. Walter Lee has influenced me the most because he challenged me by teaching difficult concepts and inspired me to pursue electrical engineering.

Ishav Desai, No. 6

What college will you be attending next year?
The University of Texas at Austin to study computer science.

What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Brushy Creek and Patsy Sommer elementary schools and Cedar Valley Middle School

Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
Ms. Eustice has been my most influential teacher because she helped spur an interest in the sciences for me and actively encouraged me to dig deeper and always grow my understanding of how fundamental processes worked. She is extremely dedicated to her students and always brought out the best in me.

Katherine Perks, No. 7

What college will you be attending next year?
The University of Texas at Austin to study Neuroscience.

What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Brushy Creek Elementary School and Cedar Valley Middle School

Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My most influential teacher were my AP English teachers Linda Hengst and Erin Balfour, the dynamic duo that taught me everything from how to appreciate Hemingway’s obsession with rain to how to love and celebrate humanity through both its trials and triumphs. They have been my greatest mentors and inspiration, and I owe much of my academic and personal success to them.

Max Bao, No. 8

What college will you be attending next year?
Emory University to study Neuroscience.

What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cedar Valley Middle School

Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My freshman English teacher Ms. Frink has influenced me the most because she is a very kind and caring person.

Natalie Malluru, No. 9

What college will you be attending next year?
University of Texas at San Antonio to study Biology

What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
McNeil

Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My McNeil English Teacher Erin Balfour has influenced me the most. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she truly makes learning effortless. She not only improved my writing, but also my critical thinking. Mrs.Balfour taught me to embrace my mistakes and that failure is life’s greatest teacher.

Spence Blood, No. 10

What college will you be attending next year?
The University of Southern California to study Global Health on the pre-med track

What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest North Elementary, Patsy Sommer Elementary, and Cedar Valley Middle School

Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD?
My most influential teacher has been my English teacher, Mrs. Grace Edsel. She challenges me to reach my full potential, demonstrated by the fact she gave me my first B. But in addition to being a great teacher, she has been a supportive mentor by offering her advice whenever I need it and showing me the value in being a lifelong learner, which I know will stay with me long after high school. Also, her renowned fashion sense has hopefully taught me a thing or two about dressing sharp myself.