McNeil
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.
Archita Roy – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Patsy Sommer Elementary School, Pearson Ranch Middle School, and McNeil High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support of my parents and older sister, who have created a life filled with opportunities, memories, and love. Sutrisna, my older sister, has been by my side my entire life and supported me in everything I wanted to accomplish. She is truly my other half, and I am so grateful for everything she’s done for me.
At Round Rock ISD, I have had many teachers who have significantly influenced my academic life. However, the teacher who has always supported me and helped me reach my dreams has to be Mr. Norwood. As my business teacher and DECA advisor, he created a tight-knit “DECA family” and made every student feel like they belonged. He has consistently supported me and helped me in any task I wanted to accomplish while teaching me how to be the best leader I can be.
I am also very thankful for the many teachers who have always believed in me and my endeavors: Mrs. Arcuri, Mrs. Windolph, Mrs. Fair, Mrs. Mury, and so many more.
What is a favorite memory about McNeil High School?
My best memories at McNeil High School have been with my DECA chapter. I loved going on competition trips to Atlanta and Florida, long nights organizing name tags with my officer team, and competing with my best friend at every competition. My favorite memory with these amazing people has to be this past ICDC in California. Hearing our chapter cheer for us as we placed fourth internationally was a huge memory. I loved every second of this trip, from going to our last chapter dinner to exploring Downtown Disney with the best team.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
When people say high school goes by in the blink of an eye, they’re not kidding. Enjoy every moment of it and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way! Don’t worry too much about the future; instead, focus on making memories with your classmates, teammates, or best friends.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and plan to study business. I hope to pursue a career in product management and work in the non-profit industry later on. I also plan to pursue higher education and complete my MBA.
Jeremy Moon – Salutatorian
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary School, Pearson Ranch Middle School, and McNeil High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
Throughout my school career, my friends have been my most valuable mentors, tutors, collaborators, and companions; I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. While all of my friends have been a huge influence on my life, there are three who have impacted me the most: Aniruddh, who has been the greatest leader I’ve ever met and someone I look up to as a role model; Andy, who introduced me to ultimate frisbee and has taught me so much through his positive energy and commitment; and Noah, who I’ve been with through everything and is someone I can always trust to be there for me.
What is a favorite memory about McNeil High School?
There are so many to choose from, but one of my favorites was our last football game against Steele HS. It was my last time being in the stands with our band, and I remember being so hyped when the score was tied going into halftime. Although we did not end up with the win, very few moments can match how happy and proud I was to be a McNeil student that day.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Don’t feel pressured to do everything, whether that’s joining all the prestigious clubs or taking all the advanced classes. I used to feel that way too, but I realized that it was better to focus on what I like to do and fully commit to those few things rather than be half-committed to many different things. Focusing on your passions will make your time more productive and enjoyable, plus you’ll have more stories to write about in your college applications.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to study computer science at Purdue University (Boiler Up!) while continuing to play music and ultimate frisbee. After that, I hope to become a software engineer and build cool programs!
Shreev Goyal – No. 3
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle School, McNeil High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
My academic journey has been greatly influenced by numerous teachers, counselors, and mentors. Among them, Mr. Decker and Mr. Emry stand out for their significant impact on me. Mr. Decker has been my mentor for the past three years, and Mr. Emry has guided me for all four years. It’s not just the classes I’ve taken with them, but also the afternoon discussions, problem-solving sessions, and excursions that have enhanced my passion for math and computer science, shaping my career in STEM.
What is a favorite memory from McNeil High School?
My favorite memories at McNeil High School are the Mu Alpha Theta Pi Day Parties. The different events, like the pi-recitation contest and the pi-estimathon, were fast-paced, adrenaline-filled competitions, where the winners would get to throw a pie in the officers’ faces. Unfortunately, being on the receiving end instead of the throwing end of the pie, I got pied a total of 5 times. Watching Mr. Decker and other officers getting pied, and everyone having a great time, are memories that I’ll cherish.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Hey newbies! High school is a journey, but here’s the key: knowledge is your superpower. Study up for your classes, but also chase what interests you. Participate, try new things, ask questions – that’s where the magic is. Stay curious, stay chill, and know that every experience is a chance to grow. Knowledge is your pedestal, and soon you’ll be standing on business.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin studying Computer Science in the Turing Honors Program (Thoughts and prayers are appreciated).
Aditya Patwardhan – No. 4
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Pearson Ranch Middle School and McNeil High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
There are many teachers who have significantly influenced me in my school career. In middle school, Mr. C taught two of the more difficult classes I took in Round Rock ISD, BIM and Gateway, and I’m grateful for his emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking. Meanwhile, Mr. Perdon helped me enjoy geometry and the logical nature of proofs, and Mr. Petrey was welcoming when I was new to the school. Among teachers at McNeil, I want to thank Mr. Emry for his sponsorship of multiple computer science activities, such as the UIL Computer Science team and NASA App Development Challenge, and for pushing me to do my best. Mr. Henderson and Mr. Andrews, my debate teachers, taught me about various philosophies and influenced the way I view the world. Last but not least, Madame Tutuc is the chillest teacher on campus and constantly strove to create a supportive environment.
What is a favorite memory about McNeil High School?
One of my favorite memories from McNeil is UIL Regionals in San Antonio. From visiting BucEe’s to the Computer Science event finishing three hours late in 10th grade and a roommate never receiving their DoorDash order, my trips to UIL Region have produced memories I will never forget!
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Work hard in your classes, but make sure to also have fun. These are the final four years before college, so enjoy them to the fullest!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I hope to pursue a career related to computer science, perhaps as a software engineer, or doing research and pursuing further studies. I’m particularly interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and am excited to see what opportunities will exist in a few years!
Meenu Meyyappan – No. 5
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Pearson Ranch Middle School, McNeil High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
There have been multiple people who have been influential throughout my school career; my brother would definitely be one of them. In every instance of my time as a high school student, he has always had my back, whether it be mentoring or even cracking jokes during times of stress to boost my positive energy. My parents have played a vital role in helping me navigate my interests and identify a career path aligned with my passions. The McNeil staff members have been extremely encouraging and continuously pushed me to be the best that I can be. My friends have always been there for me and with them, even the toughest moments are fun.
What is a favorite memory from McNeil High School?
Emceeing at the pep rallies would by far be my most favorite memory at McNeil High School. Surrounded by thousands of other Mavericks, the adrenaline rushed through me as the students cheered, sending chills through my body. The cheers of each class during the class challenge revealed the unmatched Maverick spirit flowing through my veins and those of every other person in the room. I could feel the boost in morale of the entire gym as the Maverick fight song played. The experience as a whole was undoubtedly exciting and unforgettable.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
It’s the belief in yourself that makes the difference between success and failure.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be studying at the University of Texas at Austin in the McCombs School of Business as a part of the Canfield Business Honors Program. Following college, I am looking to pursue a career in business.
Chaarvi Garg – No. 6
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
McNeil High School, Pearson Ranch Middle School, Patsy Sommer Elementary, and Great Oaks Elementary
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
I’ve had many different people that have been incredibly influential throughout high school. My parents and my older brother have always supported me through everything that I do, and I wouldn’t be here without them. There are many teachers that I want to recognize for making me fall in love with learning: Mr. Norwood, for always being supportive whenever I needed any help; Mrs. Rathgeber, for making me fall back in love with reading; and Mrs. Windolph, for teaching lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life.
What is a favorite memory from McNeil High School?
Looking back through high school, I have a lot of memories that I hold close. My favorites ones were made during the ICDC trips that I’ve had the opportunity to go on these past three years. I’ll never forget the nights after competition with my friends, going on all the rides at Disney Land, and meeting so many amazing people from all over the world. Specifically, I attended ICDC this past month in Anaheim, and placed fourth! This was an unforgettable trip and definitely one of my favorite moments.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
One of the biggest pieces of advice I have would be to always be open to new opportunities and experiences. This is when you can truly find yourself, so take advantage of it!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I’m attending the University of Texas at Austin to study business. I hope to eventually work in either the non-profit space as a project/programs manager or pursue a career in law and social work.
Tarun Patanjali – No. 7
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Ridgeview Middle School, Pearson Ranch High School and McNeil High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
Throughout my school career, there have been many influential people who have supported me and helped me become who I am today. Firstly, there were the great teachers of McNeil including my AP Psychology teacher Ms. Kellogg, my AP Physics 1 teacher Mr. Prince, and my computer science teacher Mr. Emry. Each of these teachers taught in unique and fun ways, which allowed me to actually enjoy the content in the subjects! My twin sister Tara was very influential, as she encouraged me to keep trying and pursuing success. Finally, my friends made school a much more enjoyable experience.
What is a favorite memory from McNeil High School?
My favorite memory from McNeil High School was hands-down the DECA ICDC trips I took to Anaheim and Orlando. This competition was the accumulation of the effort I had put into DECA throughout the year, and it was great being able to relax a little bit and have fun in the middle of the school year. Through these trips, I was able to network with other like-minded individuals, get to know other McNeil students even further, and also go to Disneyland and Universal Studios.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
The piece of advice I’m about to share might be the most overstated, but I feel like it is the most important: don’t procrastinate, trust me! Throughout high school, I would be pretty proactive in doing assignments and turning them in earlier than the deadline, which made high school so much more enjoyable. Many of my friends procrastinated on assignments and projects, so they drowned in all the work they had accumulated and weren’t able to enjoy school as much.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending The University of Texas at Austin to study computer science and hope to create a business.
Inchara Kashyap – No. 8
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary School, Pearson Ranch Middle School, and McNeil High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
I am grateful to all the Round Rock ISD teachers who have shaped the person I am today.
Special thanks to Mrs. Pydyn for recognizing my aptitude in AP Statistics during my sophomore year; this was pivotal in solidifying my career aspirations in Data Science. Ms. Kellogg’s innovative teachings elevated my creativity to the next level, while Mr. Norwood’s dynamic business classes equipped me with valuable professional skills. Additionally, Mrs. Hedlund, Mr. Holmes, Ms. Adams, and Ms. Bowers facilitated incredible learning opportunities, catalyzing a deepened academic exploration and a broader global perspective.
What is a favorite memory about McNeil High School?
Among the many enriching experiences during my academic journey at Round Rock ISD, my involvement in the National English Honor Society shines as the most impactful. Serving as the president for two consecutive years, I spearheaded notable growth and delivered substantial positive contributions to the organization. With English literature being one of my favorite subjects, it was exciting to develop creative pedagogical strategies and orchestrate multifaceted club programs, to enhance student engagement and expand membership. This endeavor was both rewarding and memorable.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Engage in diverse volunteering experiences, including at least one passion project, focusing on meaningful contributions rather than merely clocking hours. You will be amazed by the breath of insights and personal enrichments you’ll gain. My involvement in tutoring English to underprivileged children in rural India for four years not only brought an immense fulfillment with their remarkable progress but also broadened my worldview, offering insights into societal challenges and the transformative power of education.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study Informatics. I aspire to build a career as a Data Scientist, specializing in crafting intelligent AI solutions, while also advocating for the empowerment of women in technology.
Ethan Huang – No. 9
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary School, Pearson Ranch Middle School, and McNeil High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
The most influential person in my school career and my life has been my mom. From helping me with my math homework in elementary school to guiding me through college applications, she’s been there to support me every step of the way. Without her constantly pushing me to strive for more, I never would’ve achieved half the things I’ve been able to. I’m also so thankful for my dad and my sisters, Isabelle and Carolyn, for always having my back. Lastly, I’m very grateful to my 3rd and 5th grade teachers, Mrs. Swyers and Mrs. Shirtekar, for helping me become more confident in myself all those years ago.
What is a favorite memory from McNeil High School?
Most of my best memories from McNeil come from my time in the band. This past year especially, I’ve had some of my favorite experiences. Celebrating our successes at TMC and the Lone Star Classic, playing for the student section on Friday nights, traveling to and exploring Boston – these are memories I’ll cherish forever, and I hope the friendships I’ve made will last just as long. Outside of band, the best memories I have from high school come from the people I’ve spent it with. I’ll always look fondly back on lunch times where I’d drive to a friend’s place to play Mario Kart, group projects that ended in late nights at my house, and conversations I had in passing as I walked through the halls.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Take every opportunity you can get! Going into McNeil, I was pretty hesitant to try unfamiliar things, but by stepping out of my comfort zone, I’ve been able to have a super fulfilling high school experience. Join clubs, meet new people, go to events, try different classes – do anything that might teach you something or provide a new experience.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to attend Rice University in the fall to study architecture!
Noah Higgins – No. 10
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Wells Branch Elementary School, Elsa England Elementary School, Pearson Ranch Middle School and McNeil High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
My friends have been very influential to me, three in particular I would like to mention. Nicholas, who always knows how to make me laugh, and who reminds me not to take myself too seriously. Michael, who keeps me grounded and reminds me of my responsibilities. Lastly, Jeremy, who in his words is “just there,” though perhaps a better way to say it is that he’s always there.
What is a favorite memory from McNeil High School?
My favorite memory from McNeil is going to Indianapolis with the McNeil Wind Ensemble, where Aniruddh found his final clue. It was great spending time with friends and getting to perform in front of so many people. I grew closer to the people around me and made new friends as well. All in all, it was a very boeffy trip.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Don’t let anyone else tell you what you can’t do. You know yourself better than anyone else, and you know how to push yourself to grow. If you let someone else restrict your abilities, you won’t accomplish as much as you should.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am attending Texas A&M University to major in computer science, after which I plan to have a career as a software developer. Gig ’em aggies!
