Stony Point
High School
2023
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.
Joy Chen – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Hopewell Middle School and Stony Point High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
FBLA gave me the opportunity to make amazing, amazing friends and network with like-minded people from across the state and nation. When I went to the FBLA nationals at Chicago in the summer of 2022, we explored the city of Chicago to the fullest everyday, and the tears, joy, and hugs were all what made it an incomparable experience. I also had the best time with my fellow officer team and all the members at the FBLA State Leadership Conference for both 2022 and 2023. Walking on the Galveston beach, being chased by seagulls, competing and winning along with other members, and the late nights at our hotel are all the best memories I had.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I am very grateful for Ms. Schaefer and Ms. Robertson from 6th grade for helping me in adapting to the new environment when I first moved to the U.S.
Their tireless efforts were what allowed me to exit the ESL program as soon as I did, so I am appreciative and lucky to be able to credit their impactful contributions towards my success now.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I’m 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 college?
I plan to get a Master’s degree in ECE, then work in the finance/tech industry and also travel the world.
Michael Venson – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
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?
I wouldn’t say that I have a single best memory, but all of my favorite memories have been when my friends and I are talking and laughing until the point that our stomachs hurt and we were crying on the floor.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Mrs. Smith (when I knew her it was Ms. Reed) at Teravista Elementary. She made learning interactive and fun and she was more than a teacher to me.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Hampton University and studying biology on the pre-med track.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to go on to medical school and become a neurologist.
Julia Rautaneva – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
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?
Some of my most memorable experiences have come from being part of the swim team during my first two years of high school. I enjoyed swimming at meets, spending time with teammates, and seeing friends from other teams.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
During my time at Round Rock ISD, I have had many influential teachers. In terms of recent years, I’d like to thank Mrs. Eblen, Mrs. Holthouser, Mr. White, Mr. Dudycha, and Mrs. Cherry for making learning fun and providing encouragement.
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 biology.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I hope to pursue a career in healthcare.
Jatin Kommera – No. 4
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 most memorable experience is probably the HOSA San Antonio Spurs field trip my freshman year. Walking along the riverwalk and spending time with the people that would become my closest friends in high school is a memory that I will hold closely forever.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Perren, has been my most influential teacher. She is one of the most caring and empathetic people I know. Every single day, Mrs. Perren would bring a contagious optimistic attitude to class and made sure that none of her students were left out. She is a teacher that truly cares about her students and has motivated me to pursue my goals.
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 neuroscience.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career in emergency medicine or EMS.
Anand Swami – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff 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?
It’s hard to pick just one, but the best memory that I had was probably field day in Kindergarten. Aside from that, Mr. Thomas’ class this year comes in a close second, it was a blast.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
It’s hard to pick just one teacher as I’ve had a lot that were great (shoutout to Ms. Eblen and Ms. Miao, who were probably the most helpful and kind teachers I’ve had in their respective subjects, so thanks for that. I really wish y’all had become my teachers earlier). If I had to pick just one though, I would definitely pick Ms. Tarpley. Besides having spent four years having classes with her, Ms. Tarpley has been someone that has consistently fostered my passion for learning languages. The relaxed, safe, and stress-free (albeit sometimes goofy) frankly made it stand out as one of the few rooms as campus where I felt completely comfortable. As well as being a laid-back and teacher, she was always open to listening to any problems I had while also lending compassionate advice, and I really enjoyed being her teacher’s aide this past year.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Texas A&M University at College Station for general engineering.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I really don’t know. A job probably?
David Duran-Hernandez – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary School in the 5th grade, Walsh Middle School, and Stony Point High School
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Throughout elementary school I went to three different schools, so I never really stuck with one group of friends; however, Walsh Middle School was the beginning of my longest lasting relationships/friendships I’ve ever had. I developed running buddies, soccer teammates, and friends I can call family. Transitioning into high school was a little tougher because we all went to different high schools, Westwood, Round Rock, and Stony Point, but we managed and still are managing to carry on our conversations and jokes that will last a life time.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My soccer coaches and science teachers at Stony Point High School have had the biggest impact on me. It started with Coach Pool as he convinced me to play soccer all four years of high school. Following was Coach Sanchez the final half of high school as he taught me to have confidence and discipline in any situation regardless of the score of the game. In the classroom however, David Kring (Biology), Dylan Dudycha (IB Biology junior year), and Elyssa Cherry(IB Biology and Chemistry senior year), guided my passion and love for science. There was never a down moment in their classes and when things seemed difficult they made it so simple and fluid to understand.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending The University of Texas at Austin and I will be majoring in Neuroscience and doing pre-med.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to continue the medical path going into medical school and become a surgeon.
Julius Bergstrom – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Hernandez 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 that I have from my time in Round Rock ISD are my freshman year and junior year marching band shows. These two years allowed me to meet some of the most important and influential people in my high school career, and there were many role models that I aspired to learn from. There was a very strong sense of community and culture, and the students, directors, and student leaders allowed for the creation of a space that was fun and enjoyable while maintaining the core traditions and values of the Stony Point band. The experiences largely shaped who I am today, and I especially enjoyed performing the saxophone solo in my junior year show and conducting as drum major my senior year.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I have had the opportunity to meet many influential teachers, but I would first like to talk about Mr. Greene, the percussion director. He took charge when the band was in a struggling position my junior year, and allowed the overall year for marching to be fairly successful for the circumstances given. He also checked in with the drum majors my senior year and helped alleviate some of the pressure and stress, and was overall a core part of my experience in band. Mr. Dudycha and Ms. Cherry made IB Biology HL very enjoyable, and it became one of my favorite subjects because they were my teachers. Mr. Bell was insanely smart and his personality made his class the most interesting classroom environment at Stony Point, and although this isn’t necessarily a teacher, the sophomores and juniors in the saxophone section when I was a freshman taught me many important things about high school life.
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 international business.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to pursue a career in international business, working for an American company that operates in Japan.
Madeleine Helmcamp – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
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?
My best memory from Round Rock ISD was the HOSA Six Flags field trip I went on in my junior year. I love rollercoasters and had a great time with my friends.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My most influential teacher has been Mr. White, who has been my teacher for three years throughout my IB experience. I know he really cares about all his students and he encouraged me to keep working whenever I got overwhelmed with all the requirements of IB. I will always remember the daily quotes he sent in our remind.
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 Public Health on a pre-med track.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I want to become a dermatologist.
Thea Islam – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Linda 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 senior year in itself has been most memorable for me. I’ve made and reconnected with a lot of friends, and I can’t count the number of times they’ve panic-studied with me, made me laugh until I can’t breathe, and taken the long way home so we could talk in the car for a bit longer. It’s definitely given me many moments to remember and people I know I can rely on both now and after high school. Being a Yearbook Editor-In-Chief and advancing to State for UIL Journalism has also been amazing. I’m thankful that I got the opportunity to find my own little family there and discover my personal strengths.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I’ve had many influential teachers that I’d just list if I could, and I’ll recognize a few that I’m thankful for. Mrs. Cherry has taught me to not put so much pressure on myself and to care more about my well-being. Mrs. Eblen has been such an abundant source of positivity and encouragement, and she is the reason why I remember to have confidence in my skills. Mrs. Mireles has made me feel comfortable enough to extend my creative boundaries, and she never fails to let me know she’s there to help. Finally, Mrs. Nichols has given me an in-school family to feel like I’m a part of and doesn’t ever hesitate to lend an ear.
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 Psychology BA major.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I plan to attend law school to become a lawyer. Currently, I hope to become a civil rights lawyer and defend marginalized groups that are systematically disadvantaged.
Amogh Shashidhar – No. 10
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?
I’ve made a lot of memories during my time in Round Rock ISD. However, my most memorable experience would have to be HOSA area competition my senior year. In addition to participating in the MRC competition and advancing to state, I was able to spend time with friends, which made the experience more enjoyable.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My most influential teacher would have to be my third grade teacher, Ms. Wike (now Mrs. King). Ms. Wike constantly encouraged me to be the best version of myself. Without her guidance, I wouldn’t be the student that I am today. I would also like to thank all my other teachers, from elementary to high school, who have supported me over the years.
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 biochemistry.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After college, I hope to attend medical school and eventually pursue a career in the field of cardiology.
