Round Rock
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.
Soham Govande – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Chandler Oaks Elementary School, Walsh Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memories in high school were made with the Round Rock High School Hiking “Club” (we’re not officially registered with the school). Even though we aren’t a real club, we are a real community. Trekking through Austin’s hills and splashing through Round Rock’s rivers, I’ve met some of my best friends here.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
“There are too many great teachers at RRISD to pick just one. I feel deeply grateful for having such amazing educators, especially:
Mrs. Lawrence, my English teacher—for encouraging me to think and grow as a writer (also for making me actually enjoy poetry—something I never thought I’d say).
Mrs. Kennedy, my US Government teacher—for creating a humorous and fun classroom environment that fueled my desire to learn (and giving me an excuse to run through the hallways of the 1200 building—something on my bucket list since freshman year).
Mr. Rolofson, my US History, Seminar, and Research teacher—for his awesome country album that explores life lessons through country music.”
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I’ll explore the intersections of healthcare and technology at Stanford University.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After graduating from college, I plan to attend medical school or pursue a startup in biotechnology.
Andy Friedrich – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary School, Walsh Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The best memories I have of my time in Round Rock ISD have come from my time with the varsity tennis team. From cooking ramen at 1 a.m. on a trip to Kemah, hitting trick shots against the state champions, or spending all day together at tournaments, I’ve made some of my best friends and forged memories that I know I’ll never forget.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My most influential teacher at Round Rock ISD has been Coach Grobler. He’s helped me become a better tennis player, but beyond that, he’s taught me so much about what it means to be a leader and a good person. I cherish the lessons he’s bestowed on me and the friendship that I have with him, and I know he’s helped make me into the best version of myself.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and studying computer science and business in the dual-degree CSB Honors program.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I want to use both technical skills and business knowledge to be a leading contributor at a technology company or maybe even found a tech startup. It’s also important to me to get married and have a family.
Ayra Badarpura – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Jollyville Elementary School, Spicewood Elementary School, Sommer Elementary School, Walsh Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memories from my time in Round Rock ISD are from my experiences from being a part of the tennis team. I am eternally grateful for some of the friendships I have made through the team, as well as the mental growth that the sport has provided me. I fondly remember being huddled up in blankets while laying down in a hammock during spring tournaments and bonding with my tennis friends. During the fall, I would always look forward to Friday tournaments since the team’s energy was always high and we’d go out for dinner afterwards. These experiences truly made my high school journey memorable.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Throughout my time at Round Rock ISD, I’ve had several extraordinary teachers who have shaped my character, academic interests, and world view. In particular, I would like to thank Ms. Lestik for being a role model to me through her contagious enthusiasm for science and for encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone. I would also like to thank Ms. Lopez for cementing my passion for biology and for hearing my rants about my academic and personal lives. Lastly, I would like to thank Ms. Barrera for exposing me to different career paths and inspiring me to strive for bigger goals.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Rice University to major in either bioengineering or biosciences with a minor in business.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I hope to either attend medical school or create my own biotech startup company. However, I am still open to other career paths.
Suravi Karpe – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Brushy Creek Elementary School, Cedar Valley Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memory from school would definitely be the orange crush soda incident from 8th grade. I was eating lunch with my friends in Ms. Gregory’s classroom and had the ingenious idea of gifting my orange crush soda to the first person to walk through the door, but not without giving the can a vigorous shake to ensure the soda would essentially erupt in the unfortunate target’s face. We took turns shaking the can and prepared ourselves to offer the soda to whoever would walk through the door while being as nondescript as possible; however, right when we reached the doorway, a group of guys suddenly thrust the door open. Unprepared for their arrival, we burst out into unyielding laughter, leaving the visitors in utter confusion – to top it all off, I still offered them the can of soda as best as I could, but they obviously declined the suspicious favor, only heightening my laughter. I still think I have yet to laugh as hard as I did that day.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Without a doubt, Ms. Lisauckis, my TAG teacher from Brushy Creek Elementary, has to have been one of my most influential teachers. She gave me so much guidance during my formative years and ensured that I had a strong foundation, not just as a student, but as a person. I don’t think I’ve ever been as close to a teacher as I have to Ms. Gregory, my eighth-grade science teacher from Cedar Valley. She has given me so much knowledge – not just about tectonic plates and photosynthesis but also about life in general. Finally, I have to thank Ms. Nguyen, my English teacher this year, for teaching me to advocate for myself and helping me understand the value of my voice.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin. I’ll be studying neuroscience through the Dean’s Scholars Honors Program.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I hope to bake lots of bread from all over the world. Also, I plan on pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery.
Sanjana Vishwanath – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Great Oaks Elementary School, Cedar Valley Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memory in Round Rock ISD is in eighth grade when my friends and I would eat lunch in our advisory classroom with Ms. Gregory. I remember Karina and Misbah showing Siona and I NCT 127’s Cherry Bomb and NCT Dream’s Chewing Gum music videos on repeat for several lunch days. Utterly mesmerized by the bright visuals and performances, we fell down the K-Pop rabbit hole. At the end of eighth grade, our school held a class trip to Six Flags, so of course Siona and I spent the entire two hour bus ride listening to every song NCT and Seventeen had to offer. Those lunches definitely created lasting bonds as Karina and I went to NCT 127’s concert together in 2019 and we even performed their song, Superhuman, at her quinceañera.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Ms. Gregory, my eighth grade science and advisory teacher, was undoubtedly my most influential teacher. I still remember the day she came up to me saying she had a plan to paint her ceiling tiles with the periodic table, and wanted me to lead that project. I was overcome with a newfound sense of confidence and self-efficacy I didn’t even know existed in me. Between letting my friends and I keep her at school much after the bells rang, providing us with endless snacks, and allowing us to blast our rather interesting choice in music on her speakers, she made me feel welcomed and safe to express myself. As cheesy as it sounds, anytime I am faced with a challenge, I tell myself that Ms. Gregory would believe in me.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
This fall, I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study computer science.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I hope to pursue a career in software engineering and eventually work at a video game design company.
Jadon Swearingen – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary, Chisholm Trail Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The best memory of my time in Round Rock ISD is my first cross country meet. It was the first time I had the true feeling of belonging to a team that was bigger than me. No matter how good or bad I did, I was still able to cheer along for others to do their best.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The most influential teacher was Coach Moon. He is always there with advice when you need it, and always pushing others to be the best they can be. Even when he is having problems, he still appears cheerful and upbeat.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
SMU Lyle school of engineering honors program, studying computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college I hope to get a job on the leading edge of technology, hopefully working for a company such as SpaceX.
Cathy Martin – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary, Walsh Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memories of Round Rock ISD are all of the times I have gotten to perform with the Dragonettes. Dancing on the football field and the stage with all of my friends has been so special!
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My fifth grade teacher Mrs. Sealy made a big impact on me as a student. She taught me to be a leader both in and out of the classroom and to always be curious!
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to major in Biochemistry as a member of the College of Natural Science Polymathic Scholars Honors Program! Hook ‘em!
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college I hope to attend graduate school and continue research in the science field.
Adarsh Ashok – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary, Chisholm Trail Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memory at RRISD would have to involve my time as part of Round Rock Dragon Band. Going on countless cramped bus rides and endless rehearsals helped build my character and determination. I made lifelong friends and connections through playing music.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Mr. Janssens and Ms. Kennedy have been my most influential teachers. I had Mr. Janssens for AP Statistics and Multivariable calculus. His entertaining Powerpoints and puns always kept me engaged during math. I enjoyed learning about AP Government from Ms. Kennedy because she always added a personal touch about herself to her lessons.
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 computer science and mathematics.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to work at a startup that specializes in Artificial Intelligence.
Sophia Richert – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Round Rock High School
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memories in Round Rock ISD are a culmination of all the mundane class periods in which I got the gratification of learning and collaborating with my peers.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I’ve been impacted most by Mrs. Esparza because her teaching and the intentionality of her writing/speaking has taught me how to articulate complex thoughts, leading me to develop confidence in myself and the importance of my ideas.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Cornell with a plan to study computer science.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to pursue a career in data science or engineering.
Nicholas Dienstbier – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary, Chisholm Trail Middle School and Round Rock High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Many Thursday nights of the soccer season during my Sophomore year, the team would go to Gatti Land to have a team dinner. These meals, eating cheap, downright bad pizza huddled around a table in the corner of a buffet were some of my favorite moments during the program, and I’ll certainly miss those nights.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Mrs. Denkler, she provided a wonderful basis for my learning and ignited a genuine interest in math that has lasted throughout my academic career. She also emphasized presentation and communication skills which has been vital in my success as a student.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will attend Texas A&M University to study computer science.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
A career in software development, potentially with some entrepreneurial endeavors.
