Stony Point
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.
Karen Heckel – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary, Hopewell Middle School and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memory would be seeing my lifelong friends at Pay it Forward meetings sophomore year. To me, being a part of Round Rock ISD has been a privilege as I have been able to grow up with my friends Ken, Jada, Beth, and Michelle. Not many people can say they went to elementary school or middle school with their best friends, so seeing the people I love and am still close to graduating alongside me means the world. Together we have shared many texts, calls, and laughs, and I hope the same remains true as they all go on to live successful lives as an optometrist, anesthesiologist, physician assistant, and nurse respectively.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Two of my most influential teachers are Mrs. Blanton and Sr. Schreck. I had Mrs. Blanton for Advanced English II sophomore year, but I never quite stopped showing up to her class after that. From choosing my junior classes to choosing a college, Mrs. Blanton has had a great impact on all of my decisions. She is never shy to lend an ear or words of advice. Her optimism and positive outlook on life has helped balance my bad days. I can always count on Mrs. Blanton’s room to be open for me and my friends, Glinda and Michaela, to come and bother her. Not to mention, she usually has snacks. Her support has gotten me through a lot these past few years, and I am sincerely grateful for her.
I have had Sr. Schreck for every year of high school from Advanced Spanish II to AP Spanish V. He has always believed in me, and encouraged me to take the AP Spanish test a year early on which I received a 4. I have always looked up to him coming from a Hispanic background and similar upbringing. He genuinely loves teaching, and I admire his devotion. His laid-back nature reminds me to take it easy once in a while. I will also forever be thankful for the opportunity Sr. Schreck provided me in allowing me to lead Stony Point’s Pay it Forward organization for three years. I learned so much from him beyond Spanish, and I attribute most of my success to his guidance.
Some notable mentions are my 5th grade Language Arts teacher Mrs. Stoebe and my 6th grade Math teacher Ms. Dart. They reminded me not to doubt my abilities and always commended me on my accomplishments in the classroom.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Duke University on a full-ride scholarship, where I plan to study Biology on the Pre-Med track.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I hope to become a medical doctor and specialize in pediatrics.
Sydney Hearn – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Chandler Oaks Elementary School, Walsh Middle School and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memory has been getting to develop really strong friendships through the IB program.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Ms. Eblen, Lesley…She supported me throughout my senior year of high school and encouraged me to finish the year strong.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will attend University of Texas at Austin and study biochemistry.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college I hope to pursue a career in the field of biomedical research.
Kenadie Gordon – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Double File Trail Elementary School, Teravista Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
There are endless memories from my time in Round Rock ISD that I will forever cherish, so choosing one would be nearly impossible. Some of my best memories from elementary school were field days each year, getting to be apart of broadcast 4th and 5th Grade, and Leadership days. As for middle school 8th Grade Formal and Cheerleading were the highlights of my time at Hopewell. Lastly, my best high school memories would have to be prom my junior year, HOSA trips, and football season as a cheerleader freshman and sophomore year and as part of Blue Crew my junior and senior year.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I will be forever grateful for every teacher that I had the opportunity to interact with in my 13 years in Round Rock ISD as all of my teachers had an impact on my education. I want to give a special thank you to my Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Maria Hamilton who always believed in me even from such a young age. Mrs. Kristi McGhee, my second grade teacher who taught me to stay resilient and fight for perfection. Ms. Elyssa Cherry, my IB Biology teacher who taught me that sometimes you have to go with your gut and keep on moving. There are many other teachers who have impacted me within the past 13 years (Mr. Ryan White, Mrs. Lesley Eblen, Mr. Kyle Bell, Ms. Kristina Moyer, Mr. Shawn Sullivan, Mrs. Leanne Martin, Mr. Alex Von Lehmden, Mrs. Karen York, Mrs. Patricia Reese, Mrs. Kelsey Roach, and Mrs. Tonda Holland) all of which I am also grateful for as they were amazing mentors who taught me valuable lessons and have shaped me into the student I am today.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas Permian Basin on a full-ride scholarship. I plan to study Biochemistry with a minor in Criminal Justice studies on the pre-med track and as part of the honors program.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college I hope to continue my education in medical school to achieve my ultimate career goal of forensic pathology.
Nico Marquez – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memory is when I went on the 2022 FBLA State Leadership Conference because we got to compete in business events, win awards, explore the streets of Galveston, and build lasting friendships.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My most influential teacher is Mr. Ripley, our FBLA sponsor, because he’s shown me the importance of being adaptable to any situation.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will attend UPenn Wharton School of Business and Penn Engineering; Dual Degree Program studying Business and Computer Science.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to pursue a career in the tech industry, starting as a software engineer and later founding a successful startup in the future.
Pari Vachhani – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I think the best memory I had in my time in Round Rock ISD would be attending HOSA State my senior year. My team participated in MRC Partnership, and it was amazing to see how our group effort paid off! Exploring Galveston with my friends, while competing for our potential advancement to Internationals was so enjoyable, especially with the fact that we did advance to the next round! Shout out to Stony Point HOSA and our sponsors Mrs. York and Mrs. Thornton for doing so much for us!
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I think my most influential teacher has to be Mrs. Victoria Collins-Becker, my Number Sense Coach. She made getting to school at 7:30 in the morning worth the time, especially with her comedic sense of humor. Not to mention, her selfless attitude to ensure the best for her Number Sense students; all the college and practical life advice, letters of recommendations written, and emotional support she has given to me will be something I will be eternally grateful for! Mrs. CB = The Ultimate Teacher
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin in the College of Natural Sciences to study biochemistry on the pre-med track.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to pursue a career in the medical field, currently wanting to be a psychiatrist!
Julia Thompson – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary School, Herrington Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memory from my time in Round Rock ISD was when I performed Macbeth in my 5th grade class. When I was entering 5th grade I was a quiet person who usually didn’t speak up and mostly kept to myself. My 5th grade teacher, Mr. Jeffery, pushed me both academically and creatively with unique lessons such as our performances of Shakespeare’s plays. I know that without the experience of performing Macbeth in front of various audiences I would never have had the courage to join programs such as orchestra or the ability to apply myself so well in all of my classes.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
When discussing influential teachers I must mention my yearbook advisor, Mrs. Nichols, who is one of the most caring teachers I have ever had. She encourages and wants the best for all of her students and is one of my biggest supporters. Further, my orchestra director, Mrs. Sozansky, is without a doubt one of the most influential people in my life. She has supported me through all my endeavors, has helped me to grow as a person, and has served as a role model of mine for years. As I look back through the years I know I have many people to thank, but if it weren’t for the hard work, love, and enthusiasm of Mrs. Nichols and Mrs. Sozansky I know for a fact I wouldn’t be the person I am today and because of that, I will always be grateful for meeting them.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin as a part of the Jefferson Scholars Program to study history and political sciences.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I am planning on going to law school. My dream is to either help people with disabilities through law as a civil rights lawyer or to go into policy-making to help pass inclusive legislation.
Jillian Anderson – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Teravista Elementary, Hopewell Middle School and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memory is the HOSA State competition in San Antonio my freshman year. It was the first time I felt like I really found my place, and those that I hung out with were big role models for me. Ever since that trip, I have had more confidence and drive towards my future.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
It’s so hard to choose just one influential person, but of the many amazing teachers Mrs. Anita Oliver and Mrs. Karen York RN, BSN, have affected me the most. Mrs. Oliver inspired me in elementary by guiding me and giving me a way to express myself through broadcasting while developing leadership skills. Mrs. York has mentored me through high school and has taught me so much about what makes an amazing health professional. Both have inspired me and helped me become who I am today.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Texas A&M University studying molecular and cellular neuroscience.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I plan on attending medical school to become a physician, and I would like to specialize in neurology or women’s health.
Farah Kazi – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Chandler Oaks Elementary, Walsh Middle School and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My favorite memories have always been in orchestra. One of my best memories was when we performed at our school’s auditorium opening in January 2019; we received a standing ovation.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My most influential teacher in RRISD was Madame Tarpley, my French teacher for the past four years. She’s one of the sweetest teachers I know, and I’ve always enjoyed the conversations we had and stories she told during lunch. Because of her, I was very successful in my IB French IO and I know I will do well on my exams.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and majoring in Psychology (B.S.)
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to become a clinical psychiatrist.
Aneesh Oberoi – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The 2022 FBLA Galveston trip was very memorable to me as we did so much that it felt like I had been there for a week, despite it only being three days. My group placed highly in competition, and we also participated in many fun events such as walks on the beach, playing in the pool, etc.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Mr. Henry has been my most influential teacher. The way he discussed literary topics in relation with real life events was very influential to my development in English. He made reading and class discussions something I would look forward to and is the most genuine teacher I’ve ever had.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Vanderbilt University to study biology.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to become a cardiologist and to one day found my own medical practice.
Alejandro Zamudio – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Caldwell Heights Elementary School, Herrington Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The best memories I have come from the time I have spent with my high school Baseball teammates this year. Being apart of this family has brought me some of the best memories of playing baseball and bonding with my teammates. From the bus rides to games to the team events held every week, I am truly grateful for all the great memories the season brought and the great times spent with my teammates.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My third grade teacher (Mrs. Salvati) and my fifth grade teacher (Mrs. Key) were some of the biggest sources of motivation to me in Elementary as they always encouraged me to strive for my best. My Theory of Knowledge teacher (Mr. White) was a huge source of encouragement and motivation for everyone during my Junior and Senior year of IB as he always had this positive mindset and outlook that he brought to every class and helped make our learning in both his class and others more engaging. Lastly, my high school baseball coaches (Coach Creek, Coach Larson, Coach Bounds and Coach Johnson) have been some of the biggest sources of motivation these last two year as they have offered lessons that have been helpful to me both on and off the field. To all these people, I thank you very much for everything you have done for me and I couldn’t be more grateful.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin where I plan to study in statistics and data science at the College of Natural Science.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to become a Data Analyst and work in the Data Analytics department of a Major League Baseball team.
