Early College High School
2023
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.
Aidan Cournoyer – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary, Walsh Middle School, and Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
It’s hard to pin down an isolated favorite memory, as Round Rock ISD has been the home for all my education up until now. If I had to choose something, I think I’d highlight the in-betweens: walking to and from class, and simply getting to know those around me! While I know I’ll look back on more than just that, above all, I think I’ll miss being in this atmosphere and community.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I’ve been fortunate enough that I can say this is a hard question, but to narrow it down I’d say Prof. Starkweather, my EDUC 1300 professor, and Mr. Kubicek, my physics teacher, and NHS coordinator. Professor Starkweather inspired me to push myself, and taught me to take classes seriously, while Mr. Kubicek has always been my home base on campus. Both have done wonders for me not only as a student, but as a person I can be proud of.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I’ll be attending the University of Texas at Austin for psychology, within Liberal Arts Honors, or LAH. I hope to additionally minor in statistics, and eventually pursue a doctorate degree.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
More college. When I’m finally done, I hope to research and teach at a university.
Alexander Guerrero – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Caldwell Heights 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 I have of Round Rock ISD would have to be the day that I finished Middle School. I was so excited to start fresh, to make something better of myself, and to attend Early College High School. I was not very much of a good student in my middle School years, so this opportunity really made me feel like I had a second chance.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I have had several influential teachers throughout my time in the Round Rock Independent School District. From Caldwell Heights, I remember Mrs. Urieta, Mrs. Voegelman, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Stern, Mr. Carter, and finally the teacher that I spent the most time with (and who I feel impacted me the most over the duration of my time in Elementary School), Mrs. Rhonda Rash. From Middle School at Hopewell, I remember Mrs. Sides, Mrs. Moyer, Mrs. Claudia Faulkner, and Mrs. Byrd as being my most influential teachers. From my High School experience, I remember Mrs. Wagliardo, Mrs. Ross, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Spillers, Mr. Clinscales, Coach Meyer, Mrs. Brady, Mr. Stewart, Mrs. Laugier, and Mr. Kubicek as being my most influential teachers. To say that one teacher was the most influential in my life would be a lie. Every teacher gives a different experience and shapes students in different ways, so I feel that I have to acknowledge that all of the teachers listed, and even those not listed, were influential in my time in Round Rock ISD.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study economics.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to pursue a career as a Government Economist or a job related to the field of finance.
Hilario Villanueva – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The first day of kindergarten, because it was the day that started it all.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Mr. Whitfield, because he was my first teacher and guide into Round Rock ISD.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a biology major with pre-med.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to be able to pursue a medical career.
Omi Kassahun – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Chisholm Trail Middle School and Early College High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memories are the times I spent with my friends.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Julian Jones for supporting extracurricular pursuits.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Howard University to study sociology and legal studies.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I plan to attend law school.
Jake Bryant – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School, Early College High School, and Round Rock ACC.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I don’t have any one memory; all the time I spent with friends hanging out and going on trips was easily the most memorable.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Jennifer Zuba, my eleventh-grade English Composition teacher. She was by far the most encouraging and friendly individual I’ve met and genuinely helped me/pushed me to pursue my dreams.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas to study business administration.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After graduating I plan to a finance or executive position in the corporate sector.
Amelia Kim – No. 6
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?
I formed the best memories at Early College High School whenever I was with my friends. In/out of class, in clubs, at lunch, and at any school event, the numerous conversations we had were hilarious and memorable.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Mr. Kubicek has been my most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD. I had him as my Physics and Advisory teacher (two years). He began conversations with me, helping me feel more comfortable asking teachers for help.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I’ll be studying Nursing (undecided college) and enrolling in an accelerated BSN track to become an RN in two years.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I am pursuing a career in nursing.
Stella Huang – No. 7
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?
It would be impossible to give a definite “best” memory. I believe that everything that happened, everyone I met, and all the obstacles I broke through are there for their own reason; every time I reflected on them I get a different lesson or thought out of it, and there is no doubt that they are all special by itself. I am thankful for the friends I am able to make, the lessons I am able to learn from others, and those who prepared me for the future. That said, the best memory I have of my time in Round Rock ISD is none other than the entire time I am here.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I think Mr. Clinscales is the most influential teacher I have had. Despite many students say that he is always the “tough military man”, I think he is a really nice person. I learned multiple lessons in different aspects, mainly academic and life experience, from him; it can start from as small as being the NHS president to as big as future career problems as well as all sort of future readiness things. I truly appreciate the way he gives his very honest, albeit sometimes brutal, experiences from his life.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Dallas as a biology major (yes, I may or may not just dug a hole for myself to jump in).
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to pursue dentistry.
Eva Keirns – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Purple Sage Elementary, Grisham Middle School, and Early College High School
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memory from my time in Round Rock ISD is me and my friends sitting around the lunch table talking, laughing, and joking around.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My most influential teacher was my eight grade math teacher Kalee Criner, before I took her class, I didn’t believe in myself. I didn’t believe I was smart or even capable of half the things I have accomplished. She helped me believe in myself and made me more confident and secure in both my academic and personal life.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Texas Woman’s University and double majoring in fashion design and merchandising.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college I hope to go into fashion and follow my dream.
Ella Thi Tran – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School, and Early College High School.
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 computer science.
Anish Patel – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Hernandez 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 that I have from my time in Round Rock ISD comes from the first day of school after quarantine. Everyone was just so excited to see each other and see how they had changed over the year that we had been apart.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD was Mr. Jones in my freshman year of Early College High School. I really enjoyed Mr. Jones’ approach to his World Geography class and the way many of our assignments were based on current world events. I also just liked his attitude towards teaching and how he would always try his best to be positive.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be studying computer science at The University of Texas at Dallas.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college I hope to become a software engineer!
