Early College High School
2025
Top 10
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.
Christine Gibson – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Hernandez Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my fondest memory at Round Rock ISD would be the last day of 8th grade. Due to COVID, the campus was virtually empty but that gave me the chance to have a long, insightful conversation with one of my teachers. I still carry that conversation with me today, and it has shaped my future aspirations significantly.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
While many teachers and staff at ECHS have impacted me, Dr. Valerie Laugier, my high school counselor, stands out the most. Her unmatched dedication to my college, career, and personal growth has been life-changing. She consistently went above and beyond to ensure I had the resources and support I needed, and I’m truly grateful support.
What are your post-graduation plans?
This fall, I’ll be attending Syracuse University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in public administration through a 4+1 program.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
After completing my degrees, I plan to attend law school and work at the intersection of the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. My long-term goal is to serve as an in-house counsel or corporate social responsibility officer, and eventually, lead a nonprofit organization as its CEO.
Sara Zavaleta – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary and Cedar Valley Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
All of my friends and teachers that supported me through the years!
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My most impactful teachers have been Mr. Keith Clinscales, Mr. Josh Hanlon, and Ms. Amy Tijerina. They all supported me and truly cared about my successes.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will attend Texas Christian University and will major in nursing.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
After college I hope to go back to school to earn my Nursing Anesthesia Degree.
Siri Sahasra Bandam – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary and Pearson Ranch 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 last day of fifth grade during our field day. It was a day filled with laughter, games, and happy memories with my friends before we all went our separate ways to middle school. I remember the excitement of competing in different activities, cheering each other on, and just enjoying the moment without any stress. It was one of those rare days where everything felt light and joyful, and it’s stuck with me all these years.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Kubicek has been my most influential teacher. As my chemistry and physics teacher, he not only taught me the foundations of science but also helped me discover my love for engineering. I enjoyed all the hands-on projects like building catapults, mousetrap cars, and birdhouses. His classes were where I first realized how much I enjoyed problem-solving and understanding how things work on a deeper level. But beyond academics, Mr. Kubicek was a steady source of support throughout high school. He believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself and reminded me that I was capable of more than I gave myself credit for. I’ll always be grateful for the impact he’s had on both my academic journey and personal growth!
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Biomedical Engineering on the pre-med track. During my time at UT Austin, I hope to get involved in research focused on medical devices or regenerative medicine and pursue internships that provide hands-on experience in both clinical and engineering settings. My goal is to combine my passion for engineering and medicine to create innovative solutions that improve healthcare accessibility for underserved communities.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
After college, I hope to attend medical school and eventually become a surgeon who uses both engineering and medicine to make healthcare more accessible. I want to work with underserved communities, especially those who face barriers to quality care. With my background in biomedical engineering, I hope to create practical, affordable solutions that actually reach the people who need them most.
Usman Khan – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Caldwell Heights Elementary
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories at Round Rock ISD was during gym class at Caldwell Heights Elementary, where health and fitness were woven into learning in fun, creative ways. I vividly remember the day we played with a giant rainbow parachute, working together to fill it with air until it bloomed around us. As I sat inside, surrounded by color, the dull gray walls of the gym disappeared, replaced by a dazzling world that felt magical. In that moment, I realized that school wasn’t just about academics, it was about wonder, connection, and being fully present in our experiences. To me, that’s what true education is all about.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Senora Lucero was my Spanish 3 and 4 teacher, and she is probably the only teacher I feel I could talk to about more than just school, but myself. There have been very few teachers that I feel like actually care and live for the education of their students, and it is clear that Senora Lucero holds a deep compassion for every student she has met and taught at ECHS. When I think of the “role model” teacher who stands for everything that we want our education system to highlight, I will always think of just one teacher.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Majoring in Biology at UT Austin College of Natural Sciences.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I want to pursue a career in Neurosurgery.
Sophia Reass – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Old Town Elementary and Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
From freshman to senior year, some of my favorite memories have happened in advisory. I can’t pinpoint any exact memory I love the most, but anytime we were able to talk about what was going on in our lives and laugh with each other will always be special to me. It was our way to de-stress, and it really bonded my advisory group into the tight-knit group that it is now. It has become a tradition to start every advisory period with a recap of what has happened since the last time we met. What I love most is that I have seen it help our underclassmen feel like there is a place where their feelings can be heard after seeing the students in my grade-level open up, be honest about life, and genuinely care about what is going on in theirs.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
There are a lot of teachers that have shaped who I am as a student and a young adult, but one of the most inspirational has been my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Julia Spencer (who I knew as Ms. Humphrey at the time), at Old Town Elementary. She is one of the most kind-hearted and resilient people I have had the pleasure to have had in my life. When I had been mistreated by one of my peers, Mrs. Spencer fought for me relentlessly, all while making sure I never felt like I was alone. Her actions taught me how to be an advocate, not only for myself, but for everyone I cared about. The care she gave to all of her students in ensuring that they felt safe and loved helped ignite the passion for advocacy I have that is at the center of all my goals.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Loyola University Chicago as a political science major with plans to double major in creative writing or journalism. While pursuing my academic interests at Loyola, I will also be dancing with Ballet Chicago as a member of their studio company.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
After graduating from college, I plan to continue dancing as a member of a professional ballet company. I want to use my education in political science to better advocate for others through the arts. As my career develops, I hope to become a choreographer and teacher that helps shape the ballet world into a place that is welcoming and connects with people from every background.
Matthew Illian – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
C.D. Fulkes Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I’ve enjoyed the freedom and personal responsibility from taking dual credit classes. Although my school never had a building, I quite enjoyed it because I could always eat outside or around the college campus. Having those sorts of freedoms helped me to pre-develop a professionality and more importantly, a knowledge of the resources available to me.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Sra. Sandra Lucero was my Spanish III and IV teacher and has encouraged me to work hard in what I am interested in. She gave me extra resources while taking her classes to improve my Spanish, and through my self-study under her guidance, I took the AAPPL test and proved fluency in Spanish. She did not just teach me the content, she taught me how to learn. ¡Gracias Sra.!
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be studying Communications for a B. A. at Texas State University. During this time, I will also be studying German and Mass Communications. I hope to be accepted to the presidential leadership program offered at TXST during this time, and will also be heavily involved in campus ministry. After that, I will be enrolling in seminary for a Master’s in Divinity, and hopefully a Doctorate in Theology.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I aspire to become a pastor, though I think many professions in the Christian ministry field would be fulfilling to me. I am thankful to the leadership within my current church for providing a foundational example of the day-to-day ministries, and to my mom for her service as our church administrator.
Madison Kim – No. 7
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?
Going to an Early College High School (with no building), it’s safe to say my favorite experiences are unique to our campus. I’ll never forget the days my friends and I would all huddle under one mere umbrella to shield us from the pouring rain, or witnessing other students go down like dominoes from a heat stroke. There was always a sense of unity when we’d collectively complain about a horrible ACC professor. On a more positive note, the memories of hanging out with my friends in the parking lot or getting food together during lunch are so special to me. I’ve made four long years of memories here and whether positive or negative, I will cherish these times forever.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I’m grateful for all the teachers and professors who’ve played a huge role in shaping my high school experience, but I’d like to show special gratitude to a few. Mr. Kubicek, whose passion for STEM was reflected in the way he explained concepts and never failed to crack a Chemistry joke. Mr. Clinscales, who always kept us grounded while reminding us to work toward our goals. Señora Lucero, who encouraged me to grow both as an English and Spanish student, and to put my best foot forward no matter what. I am eternally grateful and will forever be in debt to these wonderful educators who have made me the person I am today.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Case Western Reserve University to study Aerospace Engineering.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
After college, I hope to pursue a career in aviation.
Oz Dieckmann – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Purple Sage Elementary and Grisham Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite times were those small breaks between exams and upcoming units in my ACC classes. They were like a grace period where I could sit back and be proud of my accomplishments, reflecting on what to improve next time. Then, I could mess around with my friends or sprint across the field to release my pent-up energy.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Kubicek has supported me in and out of the classroom. As his chemistry student, I attended tutorials nearly every day, sometimes twice daily, and he was happy to help each time. When I ran for an NHS position, he gave me feedback and answered my many questions. He encouraged my curiosity, and I learned tremendously from it.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will attend the University of Texas at Austin and earn my B.S. in Arts and Entertainment Technologies, focusing on video game design. During that time, I will also pursue internships to join the workforce as soon as possible and get my ideas out into the world!
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I plan to enter the video game industry as an aspiring game designer.
Gwendolyn Hanna – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Chisholm Trail Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memory has been in my class Peer Assistance Leadership and Service(PALS). I got the opportunity to connect with my elementary school palee. I was able to make a difference in the lives of these students and it inspired me to want to be a Pediatric Occupational therapist. With this career, I can continue to help youth achieve goals they never thought possible.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The most influential teacher was Mr. Starkweather. He taught by EDUC 1301 class, and he taught me how to be successful in college. Before I took his class I was struggling with how to write college level essays. He spent a lot of time helping me improve my writing skills. He also helped me build confidence to take college classes at Austin Community College. With his help I am proud to finish an associate degree while in high school.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Tarleton State University for kinesiology
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I hope to become an Occupational Therapist.
