Westwood
High School
2024
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.
David Li – Valedictorian
Which Round Rock ISD campuses did you attend?
Spicewood Elementary, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
Thank you to all the teachers I’ve had throughout high school for teaching me on both an academic and personal level. I want to specifically thank Mr. Blaine who’s classes challenged me to always think on my feet. Mr. Chalk who’s classes are one of a kind, both frightening and exciting at the same time. Mr. Sullivan who’s been the most consistent teacher I’ve learned to count on throughout the years.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
My experience at Westwood is mostly a blur. However, stand out moments include various debate trips throughout the year and DECA ICDC. Through all of the excitement, I’ve met so many inspiring people who have shaped me as a person.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Keep good company.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending Stanford University undecided. I’m interested in the intersections of technology, public policy, and urban studies.
Minseong Jung – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
All of my teachers and staff members have been influential to me. I would like to give special thanks to Mrs. Wieland for helping me become further interested in chemistry through her encouraging teaching; to Mr. Ziebell for making our Statistics class so enjoyable; to Mr. Clapp for being a very approachable teacher; and to Mr. Garcia for helping me familiarize myself with Westwood. Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to thank both of my parents for always standing beside me and supporting me.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
Sometimes it’s hard to pick just one favorite memory. However, the bonds I’ve formed with friends and the interactions we’ve shared stand out. I found warmth and a sense of belonging through these interactions. These memories will always be what I remember most about Westwood.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
The day I started high school and the day I first moved to Westwood feel like yesterday. It is important to note that time flies. Enjoy and cherish your high school life, and try different things to discover your interests.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I will be majoring in Chemical Engineering. Following college, my plans are completely open, and I hope to discover what I want to pursue over the next few years.
Riya Patil – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Canyon Vista Middle School and Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
I have been fortunate to learn from so many exceptional teachers that it is difficult to choose; I’d like to highlight a few in particular.
Firstly, thank you to Madame Macharia and Mr. Blaine for being two of my biggest inspirations.
Madame Macharia, thank you for your constant compassion and care, for fostering my linguistic interests, and opening my mind to unique global perspectives as you connect French to lessons on our personal identities and values. Je vous remercie mille fois!
Mr. Blaine, thank you for transforming the way I approach learning. Thank you for instilling in me a commitment to always strive for full ownership of my learning, introducing me to the fascinating world of economics, and challenging me to become a better writer. I will always appreciate the energy and dedication with which you teach.
Next, thank you to… Mr. McBrearty, for challenging us with tricky debates in TOK and thoughtfully encouraging us to reflect on the real goals of education; to Mr. Mickel, for some of the most engaging computer science lectures; to Mrs. Wieland, for encouraging a growth mindset; and lastly, to all of my orchestra directors for supporting my musical journey over the last 7 years.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
My favorite memories are always those full of laughter with friends both inside and outside of class: “riding the wave” through cold-calls in Economics, getting competitive over Blooket games in French, frantically typing as fast as we can during CS design challenges, coming up with silly analogies during Biology study sessions, and spontaneously running to the Alamo and back while at the Orchestra TMEA convention.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Focus on learning above all else, and remember to truly enjoy and engage fully with every one of your classes. Take care of yourself: it is a lot easier to wake up early and study, rather than late at night when you’re already tired from a long day of school. Stay grounded in your intrinsic purpose in each endeavor: don’t worry about the results as long as you are working with integrity, everything else will fall into place. If there’s anything new you want to learn, no matter how daunting, just take the risk and do it. You never know where it will take you, and you might find a new hobby in the process! Surround yourself with the friends that inspire you to be the best version of yourself, and cherish the moments you share together.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania and pursuing a double degree in Biochemistry and Behavioral Economics, under the Benjamin Franklin Scholars honors program. I also hope to continue exploring my interests in computer science and linguistics. I’m excited to see where the next few years take me!
Though my post-college plans are quite open to change, I currently hope to pursue medical school. I’m particularly interested in exploring global health policy and integrative health.
Ethan Tang – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Spicewood Elementary, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
Throughout my school career, each of my teachers have helped guide and support me to where I am today. In particular, I want to thank Mr. Sullivan for challenging me in new ways and for making learning engaging and enjoyable. His dedication truly made a difference in my education and growth as a student. I’m also grateful to my directors, Mr. Turpin, Mrs. Dacy, and Mr. Winters, for fostering my passion for music and teaching me what it means to truly be invested in a program. Their mentorship has taught me discipline and has been instrumental in shaping who I am.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
Some of my favorite memories at Westwood were through the unforgettable experiences made in band. From exploring the city of Chicago alongside friends to the magical moments of our Disney trip, these experiences will stay with me for a lifetime.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
For students starting high school next year, remember to set goals and push yourself while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Embrace new experiences and don’t forget to have fun along the way.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study Computer Science. After college, I will most likely pursue a career in a related field.
Rachel Cai – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Canyon Creek Elementary School, Grisham Middle School, and Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
I feel grateful towards each and every one of my teachers that I have encountered, as they have all encouraged me to challenge myself and grow as a learner. It’s very hard to list just one influential teacher, so I’d like to especially thank a few. Mr. Scheiber, for answering all of my countless questions, pouring so much passion into his teaching, and helping me discover my love for biology and the human body. Mr. Man, for uncovering the complexities of the brain while never failing to make me laugh. Coach Smith, for being so encouraging and supportive not only on the court but also in all of my life’s ventures. Mr. Blaine, for opening my eyes to a new way of learning and always being so passionate while teaching, even if I’m not always riding the wave. Lastly, Mrs. Wang, for always being so caring and thoughtful to all of her students. I will forever be thankful for all of the lessons and knowledge that my teachers have shared with me, and I would not be the person I am today without all of your guidance and support.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
The past four years being a part of Westwood Volleyball have been a truly unforgettable experience. I will forever treasure all of the pregame hype circles, late night karaoke sessions on the bus, trips to Fraulein (even if they ended up with me in crutches), and incredible celebrations on and off the court. From entering as a shy and closed-off freshman to being the varsity co-captain my senior year, I have learned how to open up, communicate, and lead others while discovering and staying true to myself. I am forever grateful for all of the encouragement and support from my coaches and teammates that allowed me to have the courage to be my genuine and authentic self. I will forever cherish the memories I have made with my team, and I would not be the person I am today without these experiences.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
My greatest piece of advice for incoming freshmen is to not be afraid to be yourself and to not think twice about trying new things. I know that high school can seem very daunting, but I promise that you will find your group of people if you show your true self. Join that cool club and try that new hobby — you never know if you’ll like something unless you try. High school is an incredible time to discover your passions and make memories to last a lifetime, so cast your net out and take risks. Embrace and treasure every moment because it will be over before you know it!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study biology on the pre-med track. After that, I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career in the medical field. I’m unsure of exactly what kind of physician I want to be, but I’d love to become some kind of specialty doctor!
Sophia Huang – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Spicewood Elementary, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
I can’t possibly limit my answer to one person, but I’d like to thank my teachers in art and English for much of my growth throughout my school career. To my art teachers, Ms. Loera, Mr. Ram, and Mr. Garza, thank you for providing me with a space that has allowed me to develop a sense of identity alongside my art and possible carpal tunnel syndrome. I am beyond grateful for your encouragement and kindness. To my English teachers, Mrs. Cullen, thank you for teaching me to value my own writing. Mr. Chalk, thank you for the most creative and unforgettable classes I’ve had the opportunity to take, consistently challenging my understanding of the English language, and pushing me to embrace oddities, complexities, and detail. The countless pens and ink refills I have sacrificed to your class are a small price to pay for all that I’ve learned.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
I can’t pinpoint a singular favorite memory, but I’ve always found myself the happiest in art classrooms. There is a sense of security and comfort that I find in my artistic exploits that can’t be replicated anywhere else, alongside something undeniably sacred about the nonsense conversations and endless entertainment that come with being a part of a loud art table. To all my teachers, I’d like to let you know that we have spent half a class block sorting you by where we think you buy groceries.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Drop out. Escape the madness while you can (I’m only kind of joking). But in all seriousness, your high school experience is heavily dependent on what you choose to value and how you choose to value it. Value your grades for the ranking and the numbers might just consume you. Value your mental health and you might just find a truancy letter in the mail. Value knowledge and growth and your genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to learn will make everything more enjoyable. If that isn’t your truth, gaslight yourself! You love learning! You can’t wait to derive an equation for charging a capacitor! You love writing essays about Abigail Adams’ use of tonal shifts to convey her mild disappointment in her son! Exploit the illusory truth effect! Ultimately, remember to be aware of and kind to yourself and the people around you (your teachers are just as frustrated and exhausted as you are). At the end of the day, I think you’ll find that we’re all just suffering the consequences of underfunding and an unforgiving society that expects you to have the vast majority of your life planned out before you can legally purchase a can of spray paint.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan on attending Purdue University to study Computer Science. While I’m currently entertaining the idea of graduate school and research, life is simply too unpredictable and I am too young and inexperienced to pry into anyone’s future, much less my own.
Emma Dong – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Great Oaks Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle School, and Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
Numerous influential figures have shaped me into the person I am today, but I would like to give a special thank you to one specific group: my teachers. I’ve had so many incredible teachers who have all played a significant role in shaping not just my academic journey but also my personal growth. Thank you, Mrs. Wang, for being the best Chinese teacher and club sponsor, for your unfaltering encouragement and unwavering dedication to teaching, for your endless support and care, and for always being there for me to vent. Thank you, Mr. Fritch, for teaching me that I’m not as atrociously bad at history as I thought I was and for showing me that I have the potential to adapt and learn. Thank you, Mrs. Wells, for the effort you put into creating a fun, welcoming, and engaging learning environment every class and for always being understanding and eager to help us.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
It is impossible to narrow down all my favorite memories from my time at Westwood to a singular moment. From late-night cram sessions to multiple Disney trips, I’ve formed countless memories that I will cherish forever. But if I must name a few, it would be the Chinese club meetings where we made and ate dumplings for Chinese New Year and the trips for DECA ICDC.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
I’d love to be cliche and say don’t stress too much, but I think recognizing that you will have stressful days and learning how to deal with that stress is much more valuable advice (and more realistic).
What are your plans for after graduation?
In the near future, I will be attending Carnegie Mellon University to study computer science. After that, I’m not sure yet 🙂
Brooke Xu – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Pond Springs Elementary, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
So many teachers have had a positive impact on me, but I’d like to give a little special gratitude to a few. To Mr. Blaine, your teaching blossomed my interest in economics and reignited my love for learning. I admire your hard work and ceaseless dedication to your students. To Mr. Chalk, thank you for teaching me to think beyond the obvious. I’ll miss both your unique assignments and creative mind. Madame Macharia, thank you for teaching me a beautiful language and for the kindness you show to your students. To Mr. Sullivan, thanks for always being accommodating to tennis conflicts and being an amazing teacher. Mrs. Matthews, you taught the only history class I ever found enjoyable and all those reading guides and curve packets definitely improved my work ethic. Thank you Mr. Youn for your jokes and support that got me through pre-calc and stats.
Lastly, I want to thank my biggest supporters, my parents. To Mom and Dad, you have always supported me without pressuring me, and it has gotten me to where I am today. You gave me my self-drive and taught me how to chase my own dreams. Thank you.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
Some of my favorite Westwood memories are from my sophomore year. Coming out of a virtual start to high school, it felt relieving and surreal to roam hallways filled with both familiar and unfamiliar faces. I reminisce about the carefree orange day lunches composed of equal parts eating and laughing. I remember a joy so mundane, yet priceless, evoked from roaming hotel hallways during 2022 DECA State. Lastly, I’ll never forget the euphoria buzzing in the air from winning state in 2023 with the tennis team, and the laughter-filled conversations I had over team dinners and post-practice boba with some of my favorite people.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
My biggest piece of advice (although cliche) is to stay true to yourself. It’s easy to default to doing what everyone else is, especially if you don’t yet understand yourself. I believe high school is an important period of growth and self-reflection—a time to explore and begin piecing together who you really are. So, be bold, express yourself, and have fun. Despite Westwood’s competitive environment, just remember that everything will turn out as it is meant to, and nothing is ever that serious!
What are your plans for after graduation?
I’ll be studying Operations Research and Financial Engineering at Princeton University for the next four years. Currently, the plan is to pursue a career in finance afterwards, but I hope to find and explore other career paths that interest me in college.
Dominic Schwarzenbach – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Canyon Vista Middle School and Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
Each and everyone of my teachers has shaped my high school experience in ways that I can’t even begin to quantify. Thank you Madame Macharia; you approach education with unmatched diligence, creativity, and passion, something I can only hope to emulate in my own post-secondary pursuits. Thank you McB; from letting me juggle a soccer ball in your room, to hearing out my absurd TOK takes, you created a classroom atmosphere that I will remember for years. Thank you Mr. Mott; whether it was “smart cars” or chess and brawl stars in your class, you were always funny, kind, and down to earth. Thank you Mr. Blaine; you moved me to the front row every day, snapped me out of snoozes, and cold-called in my worst moments. You genuinely cared about each student, and I would take many more years of your class if I could. Finally, thank you Coach Coy and Coach Payten. Thank you for your unconditional support, your endless dedication, and your contagious enthusiasm.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
My favorite memory from Westwood is Cross Country Regionals in my Junior year (shoutout Shreyus, Will, Preston, James, Zach, Ganesh, and Priya). Four hours of sleep, racing our hearts out, somehow making it to State, a celebratory gas station trip, freestyling on the bus, followed by many more activities that I’ll abstain from mentioning here. Cross Country has been my greatest source of joy in the past four years, and it has brought me closer to some of the most inspiring people that I will ever meet.
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
Be yourself, invest in your future, have fun, and take risks.
“Life is too serious to be taken seriously” – some guy.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Texas to study Electrical Engineering and Business in the Texas ECB Honors Program.
Aditya Madhan – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Patsy Sommer Elementary School, Cedar Valley Middle School, and Westwood High School
Who has been most influential in your school career? Why?
All of my teachers have been tremendously influential throughout my time in school, but I’d like to give special thanks to Mr. Ziebell, Mrs. Howitt, and Mr. Sullivan, who taught me how to not only learn but also communicate mathematics to others effectively. I’d also like to thank Mr. Mott and Mr. Rogers for making IB Physics such a chaotic but fun class. Finally, I’d like to thank Mr. Blaine for helping me become a better writer, even when I didn’t believe becoming a better writer was possible.
What is a favorite memory about Westwood?
I’ve had a lot of amazing experiences in Westwood, but if I had to choose one, I would pick the times a few of my classmates and I would continue to stay in our IB Physics class after the bell rung just for the fun of working through moment of inertia integrals or proving properties of isothermal and adiabatic expansions (all of us were a little crazy in junior year).
What is some advice you’d like to share for students starting high school next year?
NEVER procrastinate. One huge reason I enjoyed high school so much was because I chose to finish assignments early, which relieved stress and allowed me to do the things I wanted to do with my time. I cannot understate how much more free time I had just by maintaining that discipline.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to pursue a degree in Computer Science in the Turing Scholars program at University of Texas at Austin.
