Westwood
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.
Harry Liu – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Fern Bluff Elementary, Spicewood Elementary, and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I’ve definitely had my best experiences while waiting in the blazing Orlando and cooler LA heat alongside my best friends at Disney and Universal. From screaming at the Tower of Terror drop to flying hands in Space Mountain to losing my voice from laughing maniacally on all the other rides, thank you to all my friends for helping me make these once-in-a-lifetime memories. Y’all let me see life for its beauty 🫶
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Chalk, thank you for truly being the most wonderful teacher, bringing whimsy to every class with unrivaled creativity, and I honestly wish I could take your class for more years. You’ve rekindled my joy for reading and introduced me to fascinating new authors like Camus, Murakami, Cervantes, and many more. Mr. Blaine, thank you for teaching me a brand new way of learning that has kept me excited to learn more about economics this entire year. I would also like to thank Mme. Macharia for teaching me how to navigate the stress and other challenges that came throughout high school. Last, but not least, I would like to thank Mr. Youn for creating the most fun learning atmosphere, along with having the best music playlist out there for work time.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Johns Hopkins University. I plan to double major in neuroscience and philosophy or anthropology (I haven’t decided on which one yet) and explore any further interests in these fields.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I hope to pursue a PhD-MD in neuroscience. Afterwards, I’m not too sure what I’ll pursue.
Yujie Bailey Zhang – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Canyon Creek Elementary and Grisham Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
While it’s hard to choose just one memory, some of my favorites include traveling for DECA ICDC, attending student council summer camp, and taking part in the Sundancer traditions. More than anything, though, my time at Round Rock ISD has been truly unforgettable because of the relationships I’ve built over these past four years. It’s the little moments—the spontaneous Mojo runs, the yap sessions during brain breaks, and the after-school atrium meetups—that have given me these memories and friendships I’ll cherish the most.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Throughout my time in Round Rock ISD, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible teachers, directors, and faculty who have truly shaped me into the person I am today. I am deeply grateful for all of them. I would like to give a few special shoutouts: to Mrs. Weir and Mrs. Martin, thank you for encouraging me to express my creativity; to Mrs. Drake, thank you for making physics so compelling and for always giving the best analogies; to Mr. Sullivan, thank you for setting a true example of what a teacher should be—timely, organized, and deeply dedicated; and to Mr. Blaine, thank you for pushing me to “ride the wave” and for transforming my perspective on learning.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan on attending Stanford University to study the intersections of medicine, technology, and anthropology on the pre-med track.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
After college, I aspire to become a doctor and start a medical technology company. Ultimately, I want to give back to the community through philanthropy.
Zackery Huang – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Laurel Mountain Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Probably working with the students at LME as part of the PALS program. It’s always the highlight of my week to see them, and I’ve grown so much through my time with PALS. I highly recommend any sophomore to consider applying in their junior year.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Ms. Lee, my kindergarten teacher. I still have vivid memories of how kind and understanding she was to me. I’m sure 5-year-old me was a handful, and I’m grateful for how she made every day engaging.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I’m planning on attending Duke University, studying Computer Science and Economics.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I hope to continue doing game development. It’s a medium I’m really passionate about, and working in the industry would be a dream. But going into quantitative finance is also an alternative if I’m not able to find any opportunities.
Grace Huh – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Laurel Mountain Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I enjoyed exploring the canyon beside my middle school and going to the carnivals as an elementary schooler. During high school, my favorite memories are times spent talking with friends during lunch and after school.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I’ve had so many wonderful teachers throughout my life. Among them, I want to thank Mrs. Wieland for helping me look past my drawbacks and towards ways to improve, Mr. Ziebell for showing me the fun side of math and statistics, Mrs. Shrull for pushing me towards my greatest potential, and Ms. Pickett for introducing me to a variety of creative outlets.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I’m going to attend Stanford University in the fall to study engineering.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I want to continue my studies in graduate school and earn a PhD so that I can gain expertise to help me work on improving the world.
Isabella Shi – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Spicewood Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Whether we were laughing or suffering together, my favorite memories will always be those spent with my friends. I will forever cherish my time on SunDancers—from late nights spent delusionally cleaning the Westwood locker rooms, to chaotically hype bus rides home after football games, to heartfelt exchanges before taking the Escapade stage one last time—each one holds a special place in my heart. I will also never forget the countless memories DECA has brought me. Whether we were at home cramming our written report or on our 3rd trip to Disney, each moment has brought me closer to my best friends.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I feel grateful to every one of my teachers, who have all made class something to look forward to with their unique touches. It’s very hard to list just one influential teacher, but I’d like to thank a few in particular. Mr. Blaine, thank you for changing the way I approach learning. Most importantly, thank you for introducing me to the standing desk, it’s something I will carry with me forever. Mr. Chalk, thank you for two years of endless creativity and fun. I will miss never knowing what you have planned next for my improv partner and me. Mr. Sullivan, thank you for your dedication and endless understanding. Lastly, thank you to Ms. Petrunak and Ms. Drummond, your positivity has pushed me to improve beyond my imagination.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan on attending Cornell University to study at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I am still not sure about my post-college plans. I am interested in international business, but I’m also excited to explore a variety of career paths in college!
Yuqing Liu – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Some of my favorite memories at Westwood include competing in Science Olympiad with my friends, playing poker with my biology tablemates, and eating free snacks from the various club events.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I would like to thank all my teachers for their support and guidance throughout my time at Westwood. In particular, thank you Mr. Blaine for challenging me to think on the spot during economics and thank you Mrs. Wieland for supporting me in studying chemistry and encouraging a growth mindset.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending MIT to study Chemistry and Computer Science.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
Not sure yet! Pharmaceutical chemist, software engineer… or maybe even an ornithologist?
Akaash Reddy – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Laurel Mountain Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My best memories were undoubtedly as a part of Westwood Robotics. From the sleepless, grueling nights iterating on my robot with my team to the never-ending grind of my final tournament were all incredible—thank you to Tomahawk for being my team throughout it all. I’ve never put more time and effort into anything in my life, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
It’s impossible to give that label to just one person. Thank you, Mr. Chalk and Mr. Blaine, for having the absolute best classes in my high school career. I’ve never been challenged in the same way your classes did, and I’ve learned unforgettable lessons from you both. Thank you both for being a grounding force throughout it all—for reminding me what it means to be a student and a person. Thank you, Mr. Sullivan, for making calculus enjoyable—you’ve been an incredibly consistent teacher in the past two years, and I’ve appreciated it greatly. Thank you, Mr. Mickel, for being far and away the best computer science teacher I’ve had—you were an incredible factor in turning my interest in computer science into an actual passion. Finally, thank you to Mr. Hulsey and Mr. Creer for sponsoring the club I put so much of my life into. It’s been an arduous task, but you were both amazing in your own right.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, where I will study computer science. I plan to double major in math and potentially minor in robotics.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I hope to pursue a graduate degree in a computer science-related field. Otherwise, I’m not too sure. I’ll see what life has in store for me!
Arjun Bhardwaj – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Canyon Creek Elementary and Grisham Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories from Round Rock ISD has to be traveling for DECA State and ICDC during my senior year. Between dangerous amounts of sleep, snack and energy drink runs nearing our curfew times, and intense games of charades while waiting in line for the Universal rides, it was pure chaos in the best way possible. Shoutout to Samarth and Aarvin (my DECA partners) for being part of the madness. DECA -and honestly all of the clubs I was part of- made school so much more than just academics; it’s where I found some of my best memories and closest friends.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Picking one teacher is extremely difficult. Each teacher I’ve had the pleasure of learning from has played a huge role in helping me grow and develop as a student. Thank you to Mr. Taylor for making every engineering class feel like an adventure, whether through your awesome taste in music or your unwavering support and guidance through a failed test design. The knowledge I gained and the hands-on experiences helped strengthen my passion for engineering. Thank you to Mrs. Trembley for teaching me early on to focus on the process, embrace mistakes, and trust the journey, which is much more important than just getting things right on the first try. Thank you to Mr. Blaine for ensuring that I not only learned but mastered and owned the material you taught. You always pushed me to do my best (even if that meant waking me up from a nap or joking about my wardrobe choices mid-class). Mr. Youn, you’re the king of dad jokes, and you made AP Stats way more fun than it had any right to be. And last but not least, thank you to Mrs. Harwick for always keeping me engaged — whether it was about rock bands, teacher gossip, or just solid life advice that helped me grow as a person.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I’ll be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study Electrical/Computer Engineering and Business through the Texas ECB Honors Program.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
Although I am unsure of the exact career I’d like to pursue, I’m primarily interested in technology R&D and the intersection of business and innovation in the field. I’m also considering the possibility of starting my own company in the future.
Minsung Kim – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Caraway Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Westwood Choirs Madrigal Festival—from stressing on the bus for an hour because my friend overslept, to arriving mere minutes before our scheduled performance time, to scrambling on-stage with oversized blazers and blue jeans, to winning trophies in three separate categories (a first for Westwood)—this experience is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. In that moment, celebrating with my closest friends, I saw how far we’d come: no longer were we the masked-up, quiet ensemble from my freshman year, but a tight-knit family—one shaped by years of laughter and hardship—dedicated to making a sound we could all be proud of. I’ll forever be grateful to have grown up with this choir by my side.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I have had the privilege to learn under a number of incredibly influential educators. I would like to give special thanks to some—Mr. Blaine, for teaching me to “ride the wave” and take full ownership of my learning, permanently redefining how I approach my education; Mr. Fritch, for teaching me which hands are most favorable to play in Texas Hold ‘em; Dr. Lim and Mr. Scheiber, for inspiring my love for the biological sciences and bearing with me for countless hours while I conducted my IB science experiments; Mr. Clapp, for demonstrating an unrivaled genuine passion in teaching and literature, and for the countless philosophical debates about music, or knowledge, or Oppenheimer; and finally, my choir directors (Mr. Clark, Ms. DeGraaf, Mrs. King, Mr. Vara), for supporting my musical journey over the last six years, enabling some of the most magical experiences of my life.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Princeton University to study Molecular Biology on the pre-medicine track.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career in the medical field. I am unsure of which specialty I would like to pursue—but I am open-minded as to what comes in the future.
Annika Anumalla – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Laurel Mountain Elementary and Canyon Vista Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
In fifth grade, my teacher Mrs. Castro would often take us to an outdoor area behind the school that we called “The Preserve.” There, we’d build birdhouses, set up fountains, and take close-up pictures of colorful spiders and unique plants. I learned how to use different tools, identify plants and animals, and appreciate the world around me, all while having the best time with my classmates.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I am so grateful for all the teachers I have had throughout my years at RRISD. My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Castro, inspired me every day to step out of my comfort zone; my chemistry teachers, Mrs. Wieland and Mr. Griesel, have helped me truly cherish the learning process; Mr. Scheiber helped me through biology with so much enthusiasm; Mrs. Drake was always there to explain physics in such an engaging manner; Mr. Clapp challenged me to think more deeply about literature; Madame Macharia has provided me with so much encouragement and support throughout high school.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study biochemistry on the premed track.
What do you hope to pursue after you attend college?
I hope to attend medical school and eventually become an orthopedic surgeon.
