Cedar Ridge High School
2024
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.
Emily Stock – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
I’m so grateful for my mom and her support and positive influence in my life. She inspires me to work hard and be a friend to everyone.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
My favorite memory at Cedar Ridge is playing on the volleyball team and winning a close game on homecoming night!
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
I would encourage incoming high school students to be proactive in their classes and adventurous in trying new things!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending Brigham Young University to study engineering or business.
Katherine Bong – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary, Ridgeview Middle School and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
So many people have made an incredible impact on my school career. To my parents, thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to achieve my full potential. To my elementary and middle school teachers, thank you for nurturing my growth and passions (excluding the time I was banned from reading in study hall and had to finish my books outside). And, of course, a big thank you to Mrs. Colclasure, who is always ready to celebrate my wins; Mrs. Torres, who puts up with my silly nonsense; and Coach Guttmann, who always brings fun stories and excitement to the classroom.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
My favorite memories of Cedar Ridge occurred while traveling for DECA. Though waking up at the crack of dawn to get on a flight with a 5-hour layover wasn’t exactly ideal, the incredible memories I made with new friends made everything worth it. Exploring new cities, having late-night talks with my roommates, and frantically packing at 4 am after an accidental nap on the couch are experiences I’ll treasure forever.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. High school is the best time to explore your interests, identity, and future goals before entering the real world. Pick up new hobbies and make new friends!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I’ll be attending Duke University to study neuroscience and economics as a pre-med student.
Colby Brown – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
Ms. White because she encouraged me to take hard classes and helped me be successful in them.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
My sophomore year.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Nothing good comes easily.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin.
Segen Kidane – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
So many people in my life have played a pivotal role in shaping me into who I am today. I’m especially grateful to my parents for always being the biggest cheerleaders in my academic endeavors and being there to turn out my bedroom light and put my things away after I fall asleep from a long day of procrastinating my work. In addition, I’m grateful to all the friends I’ve made throughout high school, helping me relish in all the fun moments in my high school experience.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
My favorite memory about CRHS was advancing to the HOSA Health Education state competition with my teammates Kirsten and Sai. I’ve never been one to participate in club competitions, but I’m so grateful for deciding to break out of my comfort zone this year. At the area competition, my teammates and I had some slip-ups in our speech, so we were very downhearted, convinced that we had no chance of advancing. The shock and thrill of being announced first place is a feeling I will never forget.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Some advice I’d like to share with upcoming high school students is to find a balance between academic focus and enjoying the high school experience. Many students enter high school with ambitious academic goals to prepare for college, and, while it’s important to prioritize education, people should be sure to take the time to have fun and savor the high school years. Remember, high school is a unique experience, and you likely won’t be seeing any of the people you grew up with again after graduation. So, don’t let your educational ambitions get in the way of branching out and having fun.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend Rice University where I’ll be majoring in biosciences. Following college, I hope to go to medical school to pursue a career as a pediatrician.
Kendall Jacobsmeyer – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
During my four years at Cedar Ridge, I have had so many exceptional teachers and I am grateful for every one of them. Although I can’t express all my gratitude in one paragraph, I’d like to thank Ms. Gabler for pushing me to think outside the box and helping me grow my love of engineering; Ms. Clark for all the very interesting conversations we have had about math, school, and life; and to Mr. Holland for his entertaining experiments and sharing his passion for science, making every concept exciting.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
Being part of the Cedar Ridge dance department has given me some of my favorite high school memories. From taking Dance 1 in 10th grade, the first dance class I’d ever taken, to joining the Nobility Ensemble Dance Team my senior year, this department has shown me how to be persistent even when I struggle, to always have confidence in my capabilities, and to have the courage to challenge myself. My time here has given me amazing friends, taught me many lessons beyond my academics, and has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will always cherish.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Take any class that interests you even if it’s something you’ve never done before and use flex time!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall to study engineering.
Sonya Pholsiri – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary School and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
In my school career, my family has been the most influential, as their support is what allowed me to focus on my academics and take part in extracurricular activities. I could not have gotten to where I am today without their encouragement. Additionally, I am grateful for the many teachers who have been impactful in my school career, and especially Mr. Holland, for his unwavering enthusiasm for physics and patience in answering my many questions. In band, I am also thankful for my teachers Mr. Rodriguez and West Fox for teaching me everything I know about percussion and giving me memories that will last a lifetime.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
I am grateful for all the memories I have made with friends, from card games in classes to trips with FBLA, and will remember the people whenever I look back on high school. One of my favorite memories from Cedar Ridge was the UIL 6A State Marching Band Contest in 2022. Our band got 3rd place and percussion got 1st, and it was thrilling to see that the blisters, long summer days, and late night rehearsals had paid off. Though the entire competition and results were exciting, my favorite part was the retreat and bus ride home where we shared our joy with each other. It was my first marching season, and I am forever grateful for the memories and community that band has given me.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Push yourself out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to explore your passions. I have made unforgettable memories and some of my closest friends from trying new activities that intimidated me at first. Make the most out of high school and enjoy it while it lasts!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am attending the University of Texas at Austin to study Informatics.
Arushi Adhikary- No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
My time at school has been far from easy or simple and I’m all the more grateful for all the help I’ve had throughout it. My teachers have given me insight into where I would like to take my future and how. Every friend I’ve made has given me an endless wealth of new perspectives and memories that I have relied on, and will continue to rely on, in order to get through the hardest days. And of course, my family has been irreplaceable – from their continuous faith in my abilities, support for my health, and love for who I am and who I may one day become.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
A favorite memory about Cedar Ridge is advancing to the International Leadership Conference my senior year with HOSA after placing 1st in the state! The state competition was in Galveston and while I was there, I ate at all kinds of new places, bonded with people from all over Texas, and successfully competed despite going to the wrong place 4 separate times. Whether it was late-night swims, musicless dancing at the beach, or nervous last minute pep talks, I had a great time.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Get involved and try everything! Join whatever clubs and classes pique your interest and do your best to push past your comfort zone. The new people and experiences gained always outweigh the nerves you feel and give you so much to learn from.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I’m attending Texas A&M at College Station to study Biomedical Engineering and join their E2EnMed program.
Ella Paquette – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary School and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
My parents have been most influential to me in my school career. From private school to public school, they have always pushed me to do my very best and never doubted my passion and desire for excellence. Additionally, they have been a huge encouragement in my faith which has provided a great sense of peace and comfort in the stress of school.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
All my favorite memories at Cedar Ridge have taken place within the Theatre department. From playing Hermia in Midsummer to Jane in Mary Poppins, rehearsing and performing with my friends has brought a huge smile to my face. I especially loved dancing to Soulja Boy at 4 a.m. at the school with all my friends after the Zombie Experience.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
As much as grades do matter, be intentional with who you spend time with. Grades shouldn’t ever stop you from doing what you love with people who love you.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending Texas A&M University and majoring in Business.
Joseph Valasagandla – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary School, Cedar Valley Middle School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
My sister Shireen by far has been the most influential person. She is my rock and I am forever grateful for you. Thanks also to my parents for putting up with me this whole time. I want to thank Ms. Torres for being so thoughtful, caring, and fun-loving. You are an amazing teacher I’ll never forget and you bring a unique joy to learning. I also want to thank Mrs. Moore Vann for always encouraging me to do better and redefine my abilities to write.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
My favorite memory about Cedar Ridge is going on trips for Swimming. Our San Angelo trips were so fun and memorable, and I’ll never forget the determination it took to win the Spirit Awards every year. My friends and Coach Mark made the team family.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Don’t stress about getting everything perfect, just embrace the earning journey and let your curiosity guide you to new heights.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and majoring in biology.
Roya Callia – No. 10
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
My parents because they have always pushed me to do my best and their support has allowed me to pursue all of my interests and find what I’m most passionate about.
What is a favorite memory about Cedar Ridge High School?
My favorite memories from Cedar Ridge all come from the football games, especially homecoming. It was a great way for me to show up and support the school and be able to hangout with all of my friends. I loved getting to dress up and follow the themes.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
My advice would be to get involved, join clubs that interest you, and take new classes outside of your comfort zone. You never know what you’ll enjoy the most. The best classes I took were the electives I never would’ve normally taken.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to continue my education at The University of Texas in Austin studying Economics.
