Westwood
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.
Emilia Cichocki – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Kathy Caraway Elementary School, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Some of my favorite memories come from end-of-semester winter parties at Caraway. We’d play games, decorate cookies, or watch movies while moving from class to class for different activities. I’d always look forward to showing off my haphazardly-constructed plastic ornaments and spending time with my friends, surrounded by the liveliness of the last days before break.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Throughout my time at Round Rock ISD, I’ve been fortunate to encounter so many wonderful teachers, each of which have shaped my worldview and character. In particular, I’d like to give thanks to Mr. Scheiber for answering my many questions, running his class with an impressive degree of efficiency, and always being prepared to help us navigate IB; to Mrs. Wang, for going out of her way to help me improve my Chinese, for her unceasing encouragement, and for her dedication to each of her students; and to Mr. McB, for teaching me to appreciate the world through literature, lending me his books, and sparking meaningful conversation.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Rice University, where I plan to study neuroscience and linguistics.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I’d like to attend medical school, or receive an advanced degree in neuroscience and eventually pursue a research career.
Prithiv Premkumar – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My time as a student in Round Rock ISD has been quite eventful. Among the plethora of fantastic memories, my stint as a member of Westwood Speech and Debate stands out. I made so many friends who treated me like I was not an imposter, instead creating a sense that we were a crew. It was suspiciously fun, as I would have never thought an academic activity centered on researching obscure topics would be so fun! The tasks we completed together solidified our bonds, creating an out of this world experience that I would never trade.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
It would be unfair to single out just one teacher as I have been fortunate to have many incredible educators who have nurtured my growth and development. My French teacher Mme. Macharia introduced to me a whole new linguistic sphere that allowed me to expand my horizons. My English and theory of knowledge teacher Mr. McBrearty broadened my mind through literature and philosophy. My economics teacher Mr. Blaine enlightened me to new perspectives of analyzing the world. My Social Studies UIL coach Ms. Bass enabled me to learn and compete about history, an important topic that’s often ignored. My Physics and Chemistry teachers, Mrs. Drake and Mrs. Wieland, introduced me to better and more interesting ways of evaluating the natural world and increased my passion of science. Both Mrs. Wells and Mr. Sullivan, my math teachers, played pivotal roles in cultivating my passion for mathematics. I have had so many amazing teachers that I am definitely going to run out of characters before I thank them all!
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Georgia Tech University to study Computer Science.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree and then reassess my goals from there.
Kavita Kohli – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Spicewood Elementary School, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Throughout my time at Round Rock ISD, I’ve had so many incredible experiences. Although I can’t pick just one, my favorite memories have come from time spent with friends—whether it was during Spicewood’s Outdoor School, this year at DECA ICDC, or even just mornings at the IB colony. I’m so glad to have met and created memories with such amazing people.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I feel grateful to each of my teachers, all of whom have encouraged me to challenge myself and think critically. I’d like to thank a few teachers in particular; Mr. Blaine, thank you for changing the way I think about learning and fostering my growth as a student and person. Mr. Siler, thank you for making DECA such a meaningful experience and for supporting my development as a leader. Mr. Garza, thank you for encouraging my interest in investing and providing me with avenues to explore the field of finance. Mr. McB, thank you for being so understanding, kind, and approachable, and for guiding me through the most difficult parts of the IB program.
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 will be studying business under the Canfield Business Honors Program.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
Although I am unsure of the exact career I’d like to pursue, I’m interested in ESG investing and the intersection of business and sustainability.
Olivia Yang – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Kathy Caraway Elementary School, Spicewood Elementary School, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
During one of our last basketball team dinners, I found myself sitting around a backyard campfire with a group of girls I have spent four years and hundreds of hours with. As we burnt marshmallows and attempted terrible celebrity impressions, I was reminded of the laughter, sweat, and tears we had shared together. From pre-game mosh pits to late-night bus rides, small moments and strong relationships like the ones I made with my teammates have been the most rewarding parts of high school. And to the seniors (Ali, Vic, Kenzie, Kylie, and Grace): y’all are the only people who could make me look forward to 16s.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I have learned a tremendous amount from each of my teachers, but to a few who taught me beyond the curriculum: Mr. Chalk, thank you for two years of thinking beyond the obvious, not only in writing but in interpreting the world. Mr. Blaine, you changed my approach to learning. Thank you for helping me retire my Rolodex. Coach Payton, you taught me about grit and toughness in just six months. Mrs. Hovenkamp, you helped me find my passion. Lastly, thank you to Mr. Siler for four years of growth. I can’t express how much I appreciate you all for cheering, challenging, and changing me for the better.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania to study Finance and Business Analytics at the Wharton School of Business.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I am still not sure about my post-college plans, but I hope to eventually transition into social impact consulting. It’s also a dream of mine to open an animal rescue.
Brian Jeon – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary School, Cedar Valley Middle School, Pearson Ranch Middle School, and Westwood High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My best memories are ones spent with my friends, especially through Debate, HOSA, or DECA. From late night cram sessions to bonding over skipped meals during tournaments to intense soccer games, these extracurriculars have brought me closer than ever to my unforgettable friends.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I’d like to thank all my teachers for shaping my academic and personal life. I would not be where I am today without all your support. To pick one teacher is extremely difficult, so I’ll list who come to mind. Firstly, Mr. Perdon who challenged my abilities and made me permanently afraid of the words “postulate” and “induction.” Mr. Blaine for teaching me how to learn and introducing me to the subject that will be the next four years of my life. Mr. McB who, although we only had half a semester together, I could always count on for an entertaining and thought-provoking conversation. Mrs. Smith and Mr. Munoz for introducing me to some of my favorite books of all time and some great Harkness discussions. And of course, Mr. Cochran for showing me that it was possible for me to succeed in and have fun in a STEM course (even organic chemistry…).
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Harvard University and studying Government and Economics.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I hope to pursue a career in law! I’m unsure what specific branch but currently interested in affordable housing or contracts.
Aneesh Vanguri – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Laurel Mountain Elementary School, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Westwood and Round Rock ISD have given me countless incredible memories, but nothing beat Computer Science 3. Alongside a great education, I made good friends there that I can truly trust. Whether we were powering through coding assignments so we could challenge each other to browser games, or slowly going insane trying to figure out how LC3 works, every day was exciting.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I’ve had too many incredible teachers to name them all, but there are a few, in particular, I’d like to thank. Mr. Hance and Mr. Holmstrom, thank you both for fostering my love for learning that’s still strong after all these years. Mr. Chalk, thank you for putting up with many dumb jokes and melting my mind with the most memorable course I’ve ever taken. Sra. Llanos, thank you for using your class to share not just the Spanish language but its culture and worldview too. Lastly, Mr. Mickel, thank you for being both an engaging teacher and a great role model.
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’ll study Biochemistry as a member of the Dean’s Scholars Honors Program.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I want to enter the medical field, but I’m unsure whether I want to practice medicine as a doctor or study treatments as a researcher. I hope the next four years at college will help me decide!
Amoli Agarwal – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Laurel Mountain Elementary School, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
My memories from IB Theory of Knowledge are the ones that I look back on most fondly. I remember my immediate excitement the first time I walked into class to see the question “What is knowledge?” on the board. Our deep conversations about the concepts of belief and religion, attempts at translating the complexity of E.E. Cummings into multiple languages, and group projects constructing ideal schooling systems challenged me to think differently and question my previous ideas. But most of all, I remember the slightly concerned and bewildered look on Mr. McB’s face as we mass ordered boba into the room (more than once), although we always made sure to get an extra drink for him.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
All of my teachers have helped me develop into the person I am today. I would like to give special thanks to Mr. Scheiber for encouraging my love for understanding the complexities of biology and opening my eyes to the possibilities of research; to Madame Macharia for instilling in me a love for the French language and allowing me to learn about the world from different perspectives; to Ms. Catuogno for creating such a welcoming environment in the pressroom and helping me gain the confidence to not only tell important stories, but also lead other reporters in doing so; and to Dr. Plocher for pushing me out of my comfort zone and challenging me to critically examine the reasons behind works of literature.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending Dartmouth College to study Biological Sciences and Philosophy.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
My future plans are completely open. Whether I end up working in public health, pursuing a career in medical academia, starting a business, or practicing law, I am excited to see how I transform over the next four years!
Jyotsna Arunkumar – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The FBLA State trip to Galveston my senior year. I loved spending time with friends – walking an hour after we missed our bus by 30 seconds, sharing a tub of melted ice cream, seeing jellyfish at the aquarium, and watching movies into the night stand out among many memorable moments.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
So many teachers have had a positive influence on me. Thank you Mrs. Key for making IB such a welcoming and positive experience. To Mrs. Howitt, thank you for always being there for me. Thank you Mr. Blaine for teaching me how to learn, and how to love learning. Mrs. Wieland, I’m so grateful for your endless patience and encouragement. Finally, thank you Mr. McB for always making time to have a conversation.
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.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I haven’t thought that far yet, but I will most likely pursue further education in a related field.
Ethan Liu – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Westwood High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
The events for Mu Alpha Theta are some of my fondest memories. Being president of the club helped me get over my imposter syndrome and take myself seriously. I felt as though I had an opportunity to help students learn, grow, and enjoy themselves through mathematics, and I’m so thankful for this chance to work with some of the finest students among us.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
I personally feel a deep sense of gratitude to a significant majority of my teachers throughout my education journey. There are many teachers I’d like to recognize and thank: Ms. Wells for being a fantastic math teacher that put tremendous amounts of effort into making the learning experience intuitive and engaging, as well as for being someone I felt like I could trust and vent to. Dr. Plocher, for making my literature class feel fair, challenging, and rewarding, as well as for his teaching style that was equal parts light-hearted and insightful. Mr. McBrearty, for having a refreshingly fun presence and for his capacity to ask thought-provoking questions which helped me investigate my suspicions about the universe and make clear my own individual perspective on the world. Mrs. Saenz, for focusing on the content rather than the grades and introducing me to aspects of academics I had thus far had little contact with. I will take these valuable lessons I learned from these teachers and many more with me as I take the next steps in my education and ultimately my future career.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this August. I will be studying Mathematics and Computer Science.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
I’m not sure! Life’s too complicated. I wouldn’t want to reject any possibilities.
Shannon Gu – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Westwood High School.
What’s the best memory you have of your time in Round Rock ISD? Why?
Being a member and a leader of the Warrior Pride Ensemble Dance Team is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. Over the past four years, Pride has taught me to embrace my natural perseverance, to be confident in my abilities, and to have the courage to challenge myself. I am so grateful to be a part of this caring and uplifting family that always supports each other. Performing with Pride, whether it is the Homecoming game, a pep rally, Escapade, or Merge, is so special because I can feel the emotion and stage presence of every single member. We dance together as one team, and I am honored to be a part of Pride. This team shaped me into who I am today, and it will continue to influence me in the future. The memories I have made with Pride are things that I will forever cherish in my heart.
Who has been your most influential teacher in Round Rock ISD? Why?
It is impossible to pick one teacher who has greatly influenced me during my time at Westwood because every teach has changed me in one way or another. I want to give special thanks to Mrs. Wieland for sparking my interest in chemistry and making class an enjoyable experience during the pandemic; to Mr. Cochran and Ms. Fischbach for being the best IB Chemistry duo and having such bright personalities that always makes my day; to Mrs. Wang for being a mentor for me throughout my high school journey; to my directors, Ms. Flores and Ms. G, for giving me the opportunity to shine on stage and dance my heart out; to Mr. McB and Mr. Azmat for teaching my favorite class of all high school—TOK, classes with you are so fun, engaging, and thought provoking; to Dr. Plocher for carrying me through IB Literature and actually enjoying literature pieces that I thought I would never be able to comprehend; to Mrs. Key for being a kind, welcoming, and supportive IB Coordinator who actively listens to all the students and holds the entire IB program together.
What college will you be attending next year? What will you be studying?
I will be at the University of Texas at Austin with a major in Chemistry.
What do you hope to pursue after college?
As of right now, I am still debating between graduate school and medical school, but I want to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on drug discovery or medicinal chemistry.
