Niobe Gomez – Valedictorian

Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Brushy Creek Elementary School, Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, and Round Rock Early College High School

Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
My teachers Mrs. Picazo and Mr. Kubicek have been my biggest supporters in my school career. Mrs. Picazo is like a second mother to me and she has helped me discover my culture. Mr. Kubicek has helped me understand my passion for engineering and discover my connection to STEM.

What is a favorite memory about Round Rock Early College High School?
My favorite memory has to be meeting my friends one-by-one in Freshman year. Even when learning in pod styled classes during the pandemic, we found ways to connect inside and outside of school. They are still my best friends today and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Take your freshman year seriously, but also have fun. It is always important to focus on your mental health and don’t put more on your plate than you can handle. Also, make friends that you can be your true self around!

What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending Texas Tech University, Majoring in Mechanical Engineering!

Katherine Martinez – No. 3

Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Round Rock ISD Early College High School

Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
As basic as this answer is, my mom was the most influential. During my high school journey, I had to remember who I was doing this for. I wanted to finish high school to make her proud. This is to show my appreciation to 16 year-old Ana, who came to this country with no support or knowledge of what this country is like. This is an accomplishment for me but also for her. She raised my sister and I without my father, even when everyone around her said she could not. Her motivation to prove everyone wrong and better herself pushed me to try my hardest. I had to make sure to get the most out of the opportunities I have been offered.

What is a favorite memory about Round Rock Early College High School?
My favorite memory/memories is studying for ACC finals. The whole grade would work together and share their study guide resources. There could have been a classmate I’ve only talked to once, and we’d send each other all of our notes and study together.

What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
I’d advise them to pay attention to all of the resources around them. Both the school and the community offer academic and individual advancement. We cannot take advantage of these if we do not seek them.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to go to the University of Texas McCombs School of Business. I will go in as an undeclared business major (all freshmen business students) and hope to follow an accounting path.

Wesley Craig – No. 5

Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Cedar Valley Middle School and Round Rock Early College High School

Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
I believe Mr. Clinscales has been the most influential in my life because he gave me the courage to believe in myself to expand my horizons and try new outlets that I never previously imagined I would partake in. He always treated me like an adult, which helped me mature into the person I am today. Without him, I do not think I would have taken advantage of the opportunities that the Lord has presented before me through these years.

What is a favorite memory about Round Rock Early College High School?
I have many favorite memories including the solar eclipse, NHS Induction, and Halloween Bash.

What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Take advantage of every opportunity possible. You will only take away as much of your high school experience as how much effort you put into making it special. This special time will be the time to propel yourself apart from your peers and achieve future success. Start doing your best as soon as you can.

What are your plans for after graduation?
My plans after graduation is to attend Houston Christian University. I plan to graduate in about 2 years for my undergraduate degree in Business Administration. Afterwards, I hope to get a job in Houston while still working toward my graduate degree in the same field. My hope is to eventually pay forward the generosity and love my community has shown me through my personal business or involvement elsewhere.

Andrew Latham – No. 7

Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Linda Herrington Elementary, Hopewell Middle School, and Round Rock Early College High School

Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
My dad has been the most influential in my school career, as he has been there with me every step of the way. From coming home with a sticker to join Boy Scouts in first grade, to helping me apply for colleges and giving me the space to come when I am stressed regarding work, he has always been there for me to help me accomplish my desires in life. He has pushed me to try my best in everything I do, whether it be grades, or everyday tasks, he has helped me build up a mindset that will last me a lifetime. I am incredibly thankful for my dad, and appreciate what he has done for me.

What is a favorite memory about Round Rock Early College High School?
My favorite memory about ECHS is the calculus class that I took with Mr. Spillers in 11th grade. This class really took math to the next level, and helped me push my understanding and knowledge of math. Each day I looked forward to coming back to class to learn more due to the structure of the class and learning model in the second semester. I enjoyed getting to meet, talk, and work with new people. I loved each and everyday of that class, and it has really raised the bar of what a math class should be.

What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
My advice is to take advantage of each opportunity you get, and don’t always get your head caught up in academics. Take the time to hang out with your friend, family, or loved ones, because you won’t always have that time there later. Take risks on assignments, try something new versus what you’ve done, because in the end, you’ll end up enjoying it and learning a lot more. If I could go back and fix one thing, it would be to not be so caught up in trying to play the numbers game with GPA, and rather spending the time on the quality of my education and relationships with my peers. Looking back, the times where I learned the most were the times where I tried something new, and while it didn’t always follow a numeric rubric, it taught me the most.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to attend Texas A&M University at College Station to pursue a masters degree in Aerospace engineering. I hope to one day be able to be the next step towards venturing to other planets, and creating a more sustainable future both on earth and other planets.

Ashley Gilbert – No. 9

Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Round Rock Early College High School

Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
My parents have been the most influential in my high school career as they encouraged me to attend an early college high school which has allowed me to graduate with an Associate’s of Arts degree. I am extremely thankful for their support throughout these four years and I hope to continue to make them proud as I advance my education.

What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
To students starting high school next year, I would advise that they get out of their comfort zone and do things that scare them.

What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I will be attending Texas A&M University in College Station and majoring in Animal Science. From there, I plan on applying to vet school and acquiring a DVM in hopes of one day becoming a companion animal veterinarian.