McNeil
High School
2025
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.
Keerthana Mangalpally – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Kathy Caraway Elementary School, Elsa England Elementary School, and Pearson Ranch Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I’ve made so many cherished memories throughout my time in school, but the one that stands out to me the most is senior sunrise. I remember gathering early in the morning in the student parking lot with my classmates and laying a picnic blanket out on the grass. It may not have been the most elaborate occasion, but sitting there with my friends eating brie, grapes, and chocolate chip cookies before the first day of school began felt truly special—marking the beginning of an end.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
It’s difficult to name just one teacher when so many have had such a profound impact on my high school experience. Mr. Decker, for perpetually challenging me with his tests and quizzes and always having an interesting story to tell. Ms. Kellogg, for her kindness and thoughtful advice. Ms. Balfour, for being understanding and never judgmental. Mr. Holmes, for making his classroom a safe space and being patient with my senioritis. Ms. Katz, for her biology puns and contagious enthusiasm for science.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am planning to attend the University of Texas at Austin for electrical and computer engineering.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I hope to pursue a career in computer engineering and possibly graduate studies in the future.
Harun Syed – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Patsy Sommer Elementary School and Pearson Ranch Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memories, unsurprisingly, have mostly come outside of the classroom. Starting in elementary school, our Shakespeare performances were always something to look forward to, and a source of a lot of my lasting friendships. In middle school, playing Minecraft with friends while in a Google Meet for class is an experience I will always cherish, and one that I will miss dearly. Moving into high school, some of my favorite memories have come from my time on the soccer team. Being able to make playoffs was a great way to end my time on the team and Coach Kidd’s time as a high school soccer coach. Additionally, using C lunch and 3rd period to go eat at UT’s dining hall for the final few months of school has been a great time as well, even though we occasionally don’t make it back for Mr. Seals’ thrilling physics lectures.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
To name one specific teacher would be impossible as there are a plethora of people who I would not be here without, so I want to show appreciation to a few key faces.
Public figures B. Lou and Zias have shown me that the scientific method can be applied in the real world, not just the classroom, as their educational content and genuine pursuit of knowledge has seeped into my own academic endeavors, inspiring me everyday. Thank you to my elementary TAG teachers Mrs. Balakrishnan and Mrs. Rupert-Stratton for developing my love of learning at such a young age–though at times the workload in your classes was somewhat burdensome, the writing and analytical skills cultivated in those years has been life-changing for me and so many others. Lastly, Mrs. Katz and Mrs. Park both showed me that tough scientific and mathematical concepts could almost be fun if you looked at them from the right angle.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the Unviersity of Texas at Austin majoring in the Canfield Business Honors program, likely seeking a second major.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
Not fully sure yet, but thinking about going to law school, if my rapping career doesn’t take off.
Krithik Sama – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest North Elementary and Pearson Ranch Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD was when our VEX robotics team qualified for the state competition. After months of late afternoons building and testing our robot, overcoming technical failures, and redesigning our drive system, it all paid off at the regional tournament. I’ll never forget the feeling of pride and excitement when they called our team’s name as tournament champions. It was a moment that I will cherish forever and reminded me how rewarding teamwork, perseverance, and creative problem-solving can be.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My most influential teachers have been Ms. Tutuc and Ms. Copeland. Ms. Tutuc made learning French exciting and helped me see how languages open doors to different cultures. Ms. Copeland, on the other hand, inspired me to dive into engineering with a hands-on approach, making me think creatively and solve problems in new ways (especially ones with circuits). Their combined guidance has shaped my desire to apply creativity in the field of technology.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am attending the University of Texas at Austin and joining the ECB Honors Program (Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering and Canfield Business Honors).
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I hope to pursue a Master’s in electrical and computer engineering. Afterwards, I aim to become an engineer in the semiconductor space, where I can work on designing and optimizing the tiny but powerful chips that drive everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. Eventually, I want to take what I’ve learned and start my own company, building products that push the boundaries of what’s possible with hardware and software.
Kanishk Sama – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest North Elementary School and Pearson Ranch Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
The biggest highlights for me as a student at RRISD have to be my ICDC trips to Orlando and Anaheim. I absolutely loved the electric mix of competition and friendship, whether that was rehearsing intense business presentations at midnight or bonding with passionate teams from different states and countries. The countless rehearsals—driven by what may have been an excessive need to perfect every syllable—felt overwhelming at times, but seeing our hard work pay off made it all worth it. I also loved making lasting memories with my friends by visiting local food spots, gaming in the hotel room, and going on the rides at Disneyland and Universal Studios.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
It’s so difficult to choose just one teacher because every teacher fostered an amazing environment to grow and learn. Mrs. Tutuc, my AP French teacher, constantly encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me gain confidence in myself. Mr. Decker, my Calculus teacher, challenged me to dig deeper and truly understand the fundamentals. Last but not least, Mr. Seals made complex physics concepts feel exciting and approachable, which helped spark my curiosity and love for problem-solving. Overall, I cannot thank my teachers enough for shaping my growth both as a student and a person.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduating, I plan on attending the University of Texas at Austin through the Texas ECB program, where I will double major in Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering and Canfield Business Honors.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
Following college, I hope to pursue a career in the computer engineering field, with the hopes of venturing into the field of entrepreneurship one day.
Prayus Mishra – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Wells Branch Elementary, Joe Lee Johnson Elementary, and Chisholm Trail Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Looking back, my mind can’t handpick a single memory but instead reflects upon the bouquet of experiences that have shaped my time here. Early morning track practices where my mom often had to drag me out of bed, inexplicably having club meetings or doctor appointments every 4th/8th period, and mindlessly roaming around trips with friends are all memories I’ll forever cherish. Moreover, meeting such a diverse and enriching group of people and finding a connection with them-or gaining a new perspective from our conversations- made me feel fulfilled and happy; perhaps this is the most important takeaway from my time here.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Every teacher and mentor has positively impacted my life and helped me grow, but I’d like to thank a few influential ones. My elementary school science teachers Dr. Bill Nye, Dr. B Lou, and Dr. Zias inspired me to have a genuine pursuit of knowledge at an early age, while talks with the attendance lady regarding my truancy warning made me realize that maybe I’d been having too much fun senior year. On a more serious note, Mrs. Warren and Mr. Bush’s infectious enthusiasm fueled my love for science; Mr. Longino and Mrs. Balfour inspired me to never stop appreciating the humanities, for they reveal so much about our lives and enable us to act altruistically. Mr. Decker and Mr. Ohanian were excellent math teachers who mentored me beyond academics toward becoming a better leader and man. And lastly, thank you to my most important and favorite teachers: my parents- I love y’all beyond what words can express.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Harvard to major in neuroscience.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
While I am interested in attending medical school and becoming a doctor, I realize that a lot can change in four years. Instead, I’m simply excited about the various paths that lie ahead as I happily tread the tightrope of life.
Peter Nguyen – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Wells Branch Elementary, Joe Lee Johnson Elementary, and Chisholm Trail Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Honestly, just meeting new people and spending time with friends have been some of my favorite memories at McNeil. Whether it be playing card games during finals week of sophomore year or ditching 4th/8th to get food or boba with friends during junior year, I will forever be thankful for the experiences that have made the past four years a blast.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The teachers that had the most impact on me would have to be Mrs. Copeland and Mr. Seals. Mrs. Copeland, my engineering teacher, was the person who really sparked my interest in pursuing a future in electrical engineering. Her ability to teach and create such a welcoming environment for her students allowed me to develop a genuine passion for electronics. Mr. Seals, my AP Physics 1 and C teacher, was actually able to turn physics, a pretty boring subject, into a fun class. Whether it be all the interactive labs we’d do or the strange demonstrations he’d perform in front of the class, he was an incredible teacher who made me actually like physics.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Engineering Honors Program.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
After college, I hope to pursue a career as an electrical engineer and apply my skills to innovative technologies that create sustainable and efficient systems.
Manu Yenikapati – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary and Pearson Ranch Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories as a student at RRISD is getting to go on school sponsored trips. I remember specifically going to New Orleans for a debate tournament, and that was a really cool experience.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
It is impossible for me to name one teacher that was most influential, but I can name teachers like Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Tutuc, Mrs. Balfour, Ms. Kellogg, and Mr. Standifer. They are all awesome people that are clearly very passionate about what they teach.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduating, I plan to go to the University of Texas at Austin to study neuroscience.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
After college, I hope to attend medical school to become a physician.
Andy Zhou – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Patsy Sommer Elementary, Great Oaks Elementary, Elsa England Elementary, and Pearson Ranch Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One that stands out is performing in BOA San Antonio Super-Regional Finals. Those finals are the most competitive in the nation and having that be my last performance felt like a celebration of everything that I so loved about my four years in the McNeil Band. The many people I met and worked alongside made it all the more special. Lastly, while that moment is certainly grand, I know that it will be the little moments I miss the most: the shared daily highs and lows, the familiar faces in the hallways, and most of all, the goofy jokes.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I feel very fortunate to have had so many great teachers throughout my life that I feel grateful for, so at the risk of going over the word count or sounding formulaic, here are the most influential teachers, each of whom impacted my life for the better. Mrs. Reat, Mr. Grubb, and Mr. Hanlon all helped elementary-school-me recognize his own talent. Out of my middle school teachers, I’m especially grateful to Ms. Mann, who was the first teacher to make me feel completely comfortable just being myself, to Mr. Perdon, who taught me to nerd out about Magic the Gathering and kept me challenged even during virtual year, and to Mrs. Leo and Mr. Eickbusch, who made me fall in love with band in middle school. In high school, I had the privilege of having many amazing teachers, but I’m especially thankful to Mrs. Park, who gave me the confidence to aim higher than I thought I was capable of, to Mrs. Balfour, for always being someone I could confide in, to Mr. Decker, for the most entertaining lectures, to Ms. Keeney, who always had a way of making me feel understood, to Mr. Romano, for his support of McNeil’s Ultimate Frisbee Club and carrying on Trivia Nights, to Herr Kregel, who has been a fantastic role model for me the past four years, to Coach Vazquez, my cross-country day one who met us where we were at and pushed us to new heights, to Mrs. Graham, whose support empowered me to reach for the stars, and to Mr. Dimiceli, who taught me so much more about life than music (and he’s a pretty darn good music teacher). Lastly, my friends have also been some of my greatest teachers, motivating me on a daily basis, but I want to make a couple special shoutouts to the Tree Wizard himself, Mr. Jeremy Moon, who inspires me with his work ethic and comedy, Suhaan, who inspires me to commit to my goals, and to Urjith and Jayden, who inspire me to keep striving for better.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I’m going to the University of Texas at Austin to study Statistics and Data Science. At UT, I plan to play on the Ultimate Frisbee team and “get gooder at fribby”.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I’m leaving post-college plans as an open-ended question for “college me”. Truthfully, I don’t really know, and as high school has taught me: a whole lot can change in just four years.
Emily Joseph – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary and Pearson Ranch Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD was recreating iconic commercials for our spring NHS Trivia Night. From pitching free TEMU PlayStations to hiding snacks behind the stage before the event started, Trivia Night was unforgettable. Despite the occasional stress—like the constant requests to update points—serving as president of NHS has been an integral part of my high school experience. Close behind were our trips to ICDC. From reinvigorating my love for theme parks to teaching me the importance of punctuality (iykyk), DECA has introduced me to my closest friends and helped me become a leader.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Throughout high school, I’ve been fortunate to have many influential teachers and mentors. Ms. Copeland and Ms. Windolph helped solidify my passion for STEM and were always there to listen, whether I needed to vent about my day or talk through a project. I’m also grateful to my club sponsors: Mr. Peacock, who could always make me laugh, and Mr. Emry, who was always down for a last-minute Girls Who Code meeting and casually brought in Apple execs to our tiny gatherings. Most importantly, I want to thank my family. Amma, Appa, and my little sister Eva have been my greatest educators. To Amma and Appa, thank you for being my rocks and reminding me that one grade wasn’t the end of the world. And to Eva, my biggest cheerleader, who was just as excited as I was when I aced a test or opened a college decision.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin to study Electrical and Computer Engineering in the ECE Honors Program. Hook ’em!
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I want to pursue a career in software engineering. One day, I hope to work within the Texas Education Agency’s Research Department, using data-driven techniques to address inequities and support students across the state.
Leo Zheng – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Chandler Oaks Elementary, Brushy Creek Elementary, and Cedar Valley Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories at McNeil is making BOA San Antonio Finals for the first time in school history to end my marching band career. After four years of hard work and improvement, it felt good to have all my effort pay off as my last time to march was with all my friends in front of the biggest crowd. Many of my other favorite memories have been spending time with friends, recent memories like running a 5k with friends the morning before prom or waking up early on senior skip day to see the sunrise on a cloudy day.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Over the past 12 years, I have had countless influential teachers, making it difficult to choose just one. At Brushy Creek Elementary School, my TAG teacher, Mrs. Schoener, taught me how to use my intelligence for good rather than wasting it away by doing nothing. My 6th-grade math teacher, Ms. Sur, recognized my talents in math and science and introduced me to engineering through the TAME Club at Cedar Valley Middle School. At McNeil High School, Mr. Seals helped me discover my aptitude for physics through AP Physics 1 and 2, creating a fun and interactive class full of experiments and projects. The most exciting project was in Physics 2 when we built an Optimus Prime cardboard boat to sail across a swimming pool.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Materials Science and Engineering.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
After my undergraduate, I hope to pursue a Masters in Materials Science and Engineering and a career as a materials engineer to create sustainable and innovative materials.
