Round Rock
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.
Brennan Chiu – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary and Chisholm Trail Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Finals day in both Freshman English I and CSIII were absolutely amazing days. We did not have a final to do in either class, so on those days we would play huge games of smash brothers and we even played Catch Phrase with my English Teacher Mrs. Rieger. The smash brothers tournament in Mrs. Brekke’s class on the projector was also such a fun time and it reminded me that some of the most fun times I had Round Rock High School was in large part due to the company and community that surrounded me.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I want to say thank you to Mr. Pham and Ms. Kim. Y’all have been amazing teachers who inspired me to not just excel in the subjects they tought but to strive for larger goals beyond the classroom. They played key roles in my acadmemic success, and they were also super fun and chill to talk as they were always welcoming and encouraging. I also want to thank Mr. De Jongh for being an amazing club sponsor. My time as a CSUIL officer and member was amazing, and it is safe to say my experience of the club would not be the same without the dedication and resources Mr. De Jongh poured into the club in order to make the club has fun and amazing as it was.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, and I will be majoring in Statistics and Data Science.
Joyce Ma – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary and Cedar Valley Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
While I’ve had countless unforgettable memories over the last four years, my time in Student Council has included some of my favorites. I’ll never be able to forget just how lively and exciting the Homecoming season was as our officer team dived into candy-filled parades, filmed cinematic dress-up-days reels, and decorated the hallways across campus. On top of that, getting to be a part of Spirit of Giving has been one of my most meaningful experiences. With the help and kindness of our community, we gathered hundreds of gifts for kids across the district, and I’ll always hold close to my heart how many smiles and hugs we received that wintery morning.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
There have been so many incredible teachers I’ve had the fortune of learning from who have shaped my mindset, character, and career throughout high school. But, I especially want to say thank you to Mr. Snelson, Mr. Stoetzer, and Mrs. Sanders. Thank you Mr. Snelson for always bringing your smiles, support, and game breaks to class. Your endless humor and energy have taught me not to take things too seriously and that it’s okay to simply focus on the present. Thank you Mr. Stoetzer for making Physics I and Physics C so much easier to digest with your engaging demonstrations and jokes. You’ve helped facilitate my perseverance and academic growth in so many ways which I’ll undoubtedly carry with me as I continue my education. And finally to Mrs. Sanders, thank you for not only being the best Student Council sponsor but also one of my biggest role models, teaching me to always push the limits of my capabilities and to have an open mind. Lastly, I also owe everything to my parents and my sister, Maggy, who are the most supportive, loving, and inspiring people in my life. They teach me how to dream and push me to become the best version of myself every day.
What are your post-graduation plans?
In the fall, I’ll be attending Columbia University as a C. Prescott Davis Scholar and most likely studying Computer Science.
Trung Pham – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Callison Elementary, Cactus Ranch Elementary, and Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
If I had to choose—nine times out of ten—I would choose the Orchestra trip to the Six Flags near Dallas. Perhaps it was the thrill of riding the fastest roller coaster in Texas; perhaps it was the maniacal cackling of the friend strapped in next to me on said roller coaster. Or perhaps it was how my friends and I found terrifyingly absurd rides, and how we rode them anyway. Perhaps it was how the Texas sun lapped at me, and how I barely noticed because I was too busy having fun. And perhaps, it was all of it.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Quite a few actually. Let me start with my teachers. Ms. Keith, for the chaotic hi-jinks that breathed life into my four years in Orchestra. Mr. Boylan, for the infectious positivity he imbued through little things—like his pre-test pep talks. Madame Chao, for the grace she gave. Lestik, for the overwhelming kindness she showed, and for making Geoscience rock! And Mr. Ledgerwood, for being a suave role model in my middle school years. I also must mention my parents. They have been the ones aiding me behind the scenes, encouraging me, lifting me up, and standing with me. They give me a home to come back to, and lessons to better me. For all of that, they have shaped me.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I’ll be studying Economics at UT Austin!
Taj Bhattacharjee – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary and Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Something I’ve noticed is that many opportunities in high school are jumping-off points, and the real joy comes from making your own fun of them. Trips for UIL competitions, DECA meets, and events like Prom serve as interludes for the things you do beforehand and afterwards. I’ve loved going to all these events, but preparing for them and celebrating after alongside my friends has been all the more memorable.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Referring to the last 12 years of my life as “my” school career almost seems an affront; they’re less something entirely my own and more a product of contributions from the friends, family, and teachers around me. The impact of the former two is too big to pack into a few sentences, but they already know just how grateful I am. The same could be said for the latter, but I’d like to give it a shot. Mrs. Fletcher, you’re impossibly energetic and inspiring; your classroom’s being the first I stepped into after the pandemic really warmed me up to being in high school. Mr. Stoetzer, your eccentricity will always remain in my memory, trumped only by your dedication to teaching (I don’t know how you handle Physics C all by yourself!). Mr. DeJongh, you’re the most passionate and dedicated club sponsor I could ask for–two round trips to San Antonio prove that unequivocally. And if I might reach back to before high school, there are a few more. Mr. Chong, you’ll always be the GOAT, and I’m grateful for the excitement and fun that was always to be had in your class. Mrs. Dahn and Ms. Griffing, it would be impossible for me to forget spending my entire time in elementary school under your tutelage. Sincerely, thank you for fostering an early passion for learning within me, and thanks for helping me through the circumstances I was in back then.”
What are your post-graduation plans?
I’ve got a lot of things I’d like to do, and the first of them is making the most of my time at UT Austin studying Computer Science. With the experiences I’ll have there, I’d love to see the world, and maybe even build something that can change it. Who’s to say?
John Friedrich – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary and Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memory from Round Rock High School is traveling to Anaheim for the DECA ICDC trip. From cooking ramen at midnight after a day at Disney World, to staying up until 3 a.m. playing games, befriending strangers in beautiful neighborhoods, or rounding a bend to suddenly find ourselves in Hollywood, I forged lifelong friendships and made memories I’ll always cherish.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The most influential person in my school career is my older brother, Andy. For many years, he’s been both my best friend and my mentor, teaching me valuable lessons about all aspects of life. In school, he paved the way for me — showing me how to succeed while still making time for fun. I would never have achieved half as much without his guidance, support, and brotherhood.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study computer science
Olivia Tallent – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Round Rock High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite Round Rock High School memory is waking up early to run with my team. While waking up early was rarely fun, being able to struggle through workouts or find new running trails with a group of supportive people was an amazing experience. After weeks of practice, it was incredibly fulfilling to be able to race with my friends and watch as they found their incredible breakthroughs. The moment when we finally reached our season long goal of qualifying for state in cross country was one I will never forget. In that moment, all of the setbacks faded away and all of the work and dedication was worthwhile.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The person that had the biggest influence on my high school career is Coach Mathis. Going into my junior year I was fatigued in every area of my life. It was through his belief in me that I was able to regain confidence in my athletics and find a new love for the sport of running. I take this confidence now into every area of my life, bringing me closer to my academic goals as well. On the academic side, I am immensely grateful for Mrs. Fletcher who reinspired my love for more creative pursuits in her English class. Through her class I regained my love of writing which is something that I will always cherish.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to attend Colorado School of Mines as a Harvey Scholar. I will study Computer Science and be part of the Grandey Honors Program. I am also committed to run on their Cross Country and Track team.
Page Tan – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memory from Round Rock High School was going on the Six Flags trip with the orchestra. Whether it was trying to connect to my friend’s hotspot from the bus behind me, forcing my group to go on intense rides, or trying to buy a pin while the register was broken and we were about to leave, my time on that trip was packed with excitement. Although I was too tired from the day to stay awake during the Dallas Symphony’s performance of Mahler 5, it was still an amazing experience hearing the ending.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The most influential person in my school career has been Mr. Stoetzer. Although physics seemed intimidating at first, I enjoyed his in-depth lectures that helped me comprehend the complexities of physics. Through his class, I discovered my love for physics, specifically electromagnetism from AP Physics E&M. This helped me to discover my path toward electrical and computer engineering.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending UT Austin, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Mariana Miranda-Henriquez – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Round Rock High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memories from Round Rock have been going to the homecoming games with my friends and painting my parking spot with my sister.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The most influential people have been my parents, and it’s because of their love and support that I’ve had the confidence to make it as far as I have.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am going to study chemical engineering at UT Austin and later on I hope to further specialize in materials development or biomedical engineering.
Riley Nguyen – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Cactus Ranch Elementary and Walsh Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Out of all my experiences in RRHS, my favorite has to go to all the early morning practices for swim. In the moment, I hated waking up so early just to hop into a cold pool, but as the years have passed, I’ve grown to miss them, along with the racing and days of playing water polo and sharks & minnows. It was a blast getting to swim and become closer with the people I’ve been glad to call my teammates these past 4 years.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My sister has been the single biggest influence throughout my schooling. Being the older child, she went through everything before me, setting the standard and giving me an example for what I should strive to do in my own life. She’s the one who showed me how to navigate this massive school while also showing me how to become a better person all throughout.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, where I will be spending the next 4 years.
Kathryn Lock – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary and Chisholm Trail Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Early mornings and late nights spent with Student Council and DECA. Whether it was scraping melted candy off the road after the Homecoming Parade or wrapping piles of presents the day before our Spirit of Giving event, I’ve loved being able to work alongside such inspiring and dedicated leaders on the Student Council Executive team. And I think DECA ICDC trips are the only time I’ll ever have the adrenaline to get to the airport at 4AM and run around Universal Studios with my friends until 11PM. From anxiously awaiting competition results with my teammates to getting absolutely drenched after riding Ripsaw Falls, I’ll never forget these moments.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I’m so thankful to have had such amazing teachers who have each shaped me into the person I am today. I’d like to highlight a few in particular. Mr. Tidwell, thank you for fostering my creativity–I hope your loquat tree is still going strong. Mr. Ohanian, thank you for your wisdom and advice. You truly have a talent for explaining the stock market in a way that made sense to me even as a middle schooler. Mrs. Sanders, thank you for your endless kindness. Student Council has become a second family to me. Mr. Oliver, I could not have asked for a better DECA sponsor, you make my job easy. Thank you for your patience and flexibility with our growing chapter. And Ms. Nguyen, your passion and commitment to making Asian American Studies a course at RRHS has inspired me to treasure my culture and family history. I am so glad I made the last minute schedule change for Asian American Studies. Of course, I wouldn’t be here without my family. Thank you to my parents for chauffeuring me to all of my school activities and supporting me in every way; and to my older brothers for their (mostly) helpful advice.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a double major in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Honors and Canfield Business Honors Program.
