Early College High School
2022
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.
Alyssa Tran – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Caraway Elementary School, Wells Branch Elementary School, Chisholm Trail Middle School and Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The best memories I’ve made at Round Rock ISD are from the times I’ve laughed with my friends in class and at lunch. In the moments between the fun, I realized I had found people that I had grown completely comfortable with. Prom was definitely my favorite day though!
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The teacher who has influenced me the most during my time at Round Rock ISD is Mrs. Mattox, my choir director. Mrs. Mattox helped me gain confidence in myself. In her class I learned how to reflect on myself and chase improvement. I also got to explore my love of singing with her.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
Next year, I will study mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas on a full ride scholarship. As I study mechanical engineering, I will also take environmental studies classes. Taking Environmental Science this senior year made me realize how much I love science and how much I appreciate clean innovation. After high school graduation, I start my participation in the UTD Clark Summer Research Program. I plan to continue participating in research throughout college.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I hope to work in sustainable design!
Ashley Gonzalez – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Early College High School and Austin Community College.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memory is coming back from quarantine and seeing all of my friends. This senior year has been filled with many great memories with my friends, and I will forever be grateful for them.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Mr. Stewart has been my most influential teacher! He has encouraged me to always do my best and never give up, as well as to always follow your passions in life. My love for creative writing came stemmed from his class, and I am forever grateful for not only the academic knowledge he taught me, but also how to become a more successful and better person overall!
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Dallas. I will be majoring in Early Child Learning and Development, with a minor in Healthcare Studies.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to become a Physician Assistant!
Mario Alberto II Gomez Elizondo – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memory has to be performing at the talent show for my Folklorico club. After months of hard work putting together a routine and perfecting it, it’s satisfying to know that our hard work pulled through.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Ms. Picazo (Amar Picazo) has been my most influential teacher due to her selflessness, kindheartedness, understanding, and willing attitude to not only be there for me through these last four years, but for all her students.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and majoring in psychology.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to be able to pursue a career as a school psychologist working for an independent school district, perhaps Round Rock ISD.
Misbah Ahmad – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Deepwood Elementary School, Brushy Creek Elementary School, Cedar Valley Middle School and Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The best memory I had while in Round Rock ISD has to be 2020, the last day before spring break. It was the day of my high school’s “Owl Con” where the schools’ clubs and students gather for a day-long festival of activities and food. It was a moment of time where I felt genuinely happy to be surrounded by my friends and to experience many different cultures through food and presentation. Leading up to that point, I had no idea how my life would change within the coming weeks, but I felt at peace while at home because I got to spend my last moments at school having fun.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The most influential teacher I’ve had in my life has been my fourth grade and fifth grade TAG teacher, Mrs. Schoener. She was the first teacher that made me feel bigger than just a kid in a classroom, and taught me many life lessons through her own wonderful stories and through my own mistakes. She always encouraged our creativity and allowed us to present our little passion projects even if it was a silly little song or a play my friends and I had written at recess. Every moment in her classroom felt magical and special, and I will always cherish those memories.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin with a double major in Communications and Leadership and Textile and Apparel.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
While I am still unsure of my career path, I hope to one day start a sustainable clothing business to sell designs curated for hijabis. As a hijabi who loves fashion, it’s quite hard to find clothing that I actually want to wear within the modest parameters that I value. Instead of finding hacks or loopholes, I want to give hijabis a space where they can love fashion without having to layer ten pieces together or face the scrutiny of the public.
Lohesh Penikalapati – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The best memory I have in Round Rock ISD was the first OwlCon I experienced freshmen year as I was able to hang out and check out all the school clubs and see what they were about.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The most influential teacher I had would be Mr. Lynch, my Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus teacher at ECHS. Mr. Lynch was my most influential teacher as not only was he always there to answer my questions but he also taught me to enjoy learning no matter how difficult it may be.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Texas A&M for computer science.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After graduating Texas A&M, I plan on going to graduate school for computer science and then becoming a data scientist.
Thisath De Silva – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Herrington Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School, Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memory was the first day back to school after online classes ended. It was so exciting to see my friends again. I hadn’t seen them in over a year so it was so exciting to see how much they had changed.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I will say that all the teachers were really nice and relaxed and this school. To that I will add that Mrs. Brady has always been so nice to me. She’s just an overall inspiring person and I am glad she was one my teachers.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will attend Texas A&M College Station and study Engineering.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I hope to get a job in an Engineering related field and hopefully live in Texas if these house prices ever go down.
Lucas Brantner – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Walsh Middle School, Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memory was simply hanging out with friends in between classes because we simply get to enjoy each other.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Amar Picazo has been the most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD because she was always a positive influence no matter what.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
Texas Tech University, Mechanical Engineering.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to eventually start my own engineering firm.
Samantha Stuck – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Herrington Elementary, Hopewell Middle School, Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
One of my best memories from Round Rock ISD was my 5th grade field day. In the morning, I was in charge of the outside stations for the younger grades and I remember loving that I could boss around all of the kids. After a few hours, I got to have my turn and play games with my friends on the field. I remember falling many times, scraping my knees, getting cuts on my arms from the inflatable slides, and not caring about it because I was having so much fun. After the day was over, I remember dressing out of my drenched clothes, slightly sunburned and tired, and walking to my parent’s car after saying all of my goodbyes for the day.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My most influential teacher was Mrs. Dinkins who was my 8th-grade science teacher at Hopewell Middle School. She always did her best to make her students feel safe, heard, and cared for. She was the class period that I always looked forward to going to because she always had some positivity that was always needed.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I plan to attend Austin Community College and transfer to the University of Texas at Austin and I will be majoring in Education Instruction.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After graduating college, I plan on becoming a teacher. I’ve always wanted to help people or at least make an influence on them and I plan to grow up to finally do that.
Suho Ikeda – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memory of Round Rock ISD is the talent show during my sophomore year. The event was memorable since not only the talent show itself was really enjoyable to see but it also was the last school event before COVID. Since I could not participate in any large events during my junior year, the talent show was most memorable.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Mr. Jones.
I had Mr.Jones as my family father(?) for four years. During that four years, he helped me vastly in academics and life outside of school. His assistance especially stood out during my sophomore year when my family had a visa problem, and we had to go to Japan to renew our visas. At the time, I was still working on my classes (since it was during the school year) and had no idea how to manage my homework. Then, Mr.Jones assigned me to a new Google classroom and posted daily information about what his class covered. Thanks to his effort, I could catch up with the coursework and succeed academically. With this instance of his diligence towards the student (with other instances), Mr. Jones is my favorite and influential educator in Round Rock ISD.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
Texas A&M University, Engineering (General for now)
What do you hope to pursue after college?
Some occupation in Engineering field.
Raiza Cruz – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary, Hopewell Middle School, and Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The best memory would be Owl Con 2020, where every club at ECHS was able to showcase various things. There was food from different cultures, an art gallery, and other clubs would sell items such as bookmarks, pins, stickers, etc. The talent show was also held on the same day so it was exciting to see students showcase their talents to everyone.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The most influential teacher during my educational journey would be Mr. Stewart. He was my practical writing teacher, EDUC professor, and English 2 teacher. Having him as a teacher for 2 years definitely helped me in improving my writing. He cares about his students and will always be there if you ever need extra support. His in class activities like the Metamorphosis and Macbeth units were also really fun and engaging. The teachers and professors that I have had during my experience all helped shape me into the student I am today and I appreciate all of them.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Austin Community College to pursue my prerequisites and then plan to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin, where I will be studying pharmacy.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to receive my PharmD and become a retail pharmacist. I want to use the skills that I obtain through my profession to help others through my knowledge of medicine and expand our understanding of medicine through research.
