Round Rock ISD
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.
Isaiah Kim - Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Hill Country Christian School of Austin, Pearson Ranch Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Some of my favorite memories as a student have been the many great experiences I've had in orchestra, from the trips, concerts, and people! In particular, I loved the trip we took to the Midwest Clinic during my junior year. For the first time in our school's history, our orchestra was invited to perform at the event, and we spent the week before winter break in Chicago. It was great exploring the city (we visited the Shedd Aquarium, Willis Tower, Griffis Science/Industry Museum), but also amazing to spend that time with friends. I remember a particular evening when we left dinner and found it snowing - I found the whole environment to be magical, from the flakes drifting down and slowly accumulating to throwing slushy snowballs together with my friends.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
While definitely important to try your best as a student, don't overstress about the things that are out of your control! In the end, it's the memories and experiences that you'll take with you beyond school, so make sure to live in the moment and don't lose sight of the blessings in life.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I've had so many incredible teachers throughout my journey in RRISD who have helped me achieve all that I have today! Mr. Perdon was the first teacher in middle school to truly challenge me, and I'll forever be grateful for pushing me to think and learn critically. I'm so thankful for Mrs. Copeland for being an amazing engineering teacher, and always helping me connect and be passionate about STEM opportunities, not just in but also outside of class. I'm also appreciative of Mr. Decker for pushing me to always try my hardest, Mrs. Katz for her genuine and infectious love for all things science, and Mr. Luna for loving games as much as I do. Finally, I have to give a huge shoutout to Mr. Anderson for making orchestra such a special community for me - he's always made sure that orchestra is first and foremost a place to have fun and connect through music without stress and pressure, and his true passion for music always shows!
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I plan on attending the University of Texas at Austin to study electrical and computer engineering. I will be joining the Electrical and Computer Engineering Honors program, and eventually will work to earn a Master's degree.
Pradyumna Komirisetti - Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Brushy Creek Elementary, Cedar Valley Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Starting in elementary school, some of my favorite memories came from the annual Brushy Creek Carnivals, where I would roam the giant field with my friends, win as many games as possible to collect as much candy as I could, and end the day with a slice of pizza and a soda while watching the sunset with my parents. My favorite memory from middle school was the end-of-year field trip to Six Flags in 8th grade, where I rode "Superman" more times than I can count. Lastly, in high school, my favorite memories came from my ICDC trips to Anaheim, Orlando, and Atlanta, where I got to spend nearly a week with my best friends in another state on what was essentially a school-sponsored vacation.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Don’t spend time chasing butterflies; instead, build a beautiful garden and they will come on their own. Focus on cultivating your character, sharpening your skills, and nurturing your own happiness, and the right opportunities will follow naturally.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I have had so many influential teachers that naming just one would do the others a disservice. Mr. Holmes, for continuously inspiring me with his passion for his subject and his awareness of contemporary issues. Ms. Katz, for instilling in me a love of science through her enthusiasm and for always having fun labs. And Professor Walsh, for being the most down-to-earth instructor I’ve ever had - and for creating, for the first time, a class that didn't truly feel like a class, but rather an open, ongoing discussion where authentic thoughts and opinions could be freely shared.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in neuroscience. From there, my current plan is to go to medical school and become a physician!
Aryan Chadha - No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I remember field days in elementary school, running around with friends and enjoying school outside the classroom. In high school, late-night walks with friends became some of the moments I valued most because they gave me time to reflect, laugh, and appreciate the people around me. Looking back, those memories remind me that school was not just about academics, but also about the friendships and experiences that shaped me.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
One piece of advice I would give my younger self is to stop treating every grade or setback like it defines the future. School matters, but so does learning how to manage pressure, ask for help, and enjoy the people around you. I would tell myself to stay disciplined, but also to appreciate the experience instead of rushing through it.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I have been fortunate to have several teachers who shaped me in different ways. Ms. Chen was always kind to me and made me feel supported. Mr. Grubb taught me the importance of manners and how to carry myself with respect. Mr. Hanlon believed in me, and Mr. Holmes pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, which helped me grow both as a student and as a person.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I plan to major in Biology at the University of Texas at Austin.
Syon Balakrishnan - No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Kathy Caraway Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories is from 6th grade, when I built an arduino-based ticket counter for Ms. De La Garza's Discovery class to showcase at the PRMS STEM fair and realized for the first time how much I loved creating things with code. Something about seeing a program I wrote actually work in front of people made me feel like anything was possible.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Start building things before you feel ready, because the confidence comes from doing, not waiting. I'd spend too long thinking I needed more knowledge before I could create something real, but the most valuable lessons came from actually shipping projects and learning from what broke. Also don't be afraid to reach out to people you admire, since most are more willing to help than you'd expect.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Ms. Kyriazis, my 6th grade TAG Math teacher, was the first educator who made me feel like I could genuinely excel in advanced STEM, and that belief carried me through everything that followed. Mr. Emry introduced me to the world of cybersecurity and opened doors to opportunities I never knew existed, while Ms. Arcuri, Ms. Katz and Mr. Decker deepened that foundation through cybersecurity, quantum computing, scientific research, and the mathematics I'd carry into college-level coursework. I'm also incredibly grateful to Mr. Carpenter, Tchr. Crane, and Ms. Pickett for helping me build Model-UN into a club where students could debate, compete, and dominate conferences across Texas.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
This fall, I'll be attending Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science.
Bhavani Mayavaram - No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite RRISD memories are mainly from my extracurriculars. Whether it's car rides to Youth Council, our close-knit Girl Up meetings, or the many DECA trips, these moments have allowed me to connect with people I might never have met. Specifically, I enjoyed attending DECA ICDC in Orlando. I loved reconnecting with my school friends and my fellow district officers while running around Universal Studios. But, a close second would definitely be doing crosswords with my friends!
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would encourage my younger self to guide her actions with passion. It's easy to feel pressured to follow the high school "blueprint". It's important to remind yourself to follow your passions and that achieving your personal goals is the best type of success :)
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I have had many incredible teachers who have shaped my educational journey. In particular, I want to thank Ms. Kellogg for her thoughtful advice, always listening to my rants, and reminding me why I love learning. I'm also incredibly grateful for Mr. Norwood; your constant support and mentorship throughout the past 4 years were instrumental to my growth, both personal and as a leader. More importantly, thanks for always keeping your doors open to chat!
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania to study at the Wharton School of Business.
Urjith Mishra - No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memories from my time in Round Rock ISD definitely come from McNeil’s FRC Robotics team, the Robobots. I’ll never forget the fun I had on our robotics trips. While the days were filled with the excitement of fixing bugs and repairing the robot in between stressful matches, the real fun began when we exited the pits and returned to our hotel. My room was where all the fun took place, and every night we’d end up playing Super Smash Bros or doing something random together. Sometimes we mixed things up with late-night convenience store runs and whatever dumb ideas we came up with afterward.
Robotics taught me a lot more than just engineering and gave me some of my favorite high school memories. Thanks to Mr. Landwehr, Ved, Caden, Anthony, Abhinav, Nate, Gavin, Saharsh, Shaurya, Hari, and Kaushik for making robotics such a blast!
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would tell myself not to worry so much about school. I never studied a ton for tests and classes, but I did used to stress about my grades. Ultimately, a grade is just a number, and I think it’s important to develop yourself outside of academics. Whether that’s through athletics, extracurriculars, or just spending time with friends, following your passions will be more fulfilling than chasing perfection. School teaches you a lot, but my friends have taught me some of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in high school, so I want to give a couple of shoutouts to Jayden, who keeps inspiring me to work harder; Andy, who I promised a shoutout to last year; Devesh, Surya, and Shubhaang, who paid me a quarter each; and Eugene who owes me $3. Overall, just remember that the experiences and relationships you build along the way are what you’ll remember most.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Almost every teacher I’ve had since elementary school has had a lasting impact on me, and it would be unfair to pick just one of them. Here are just a few that I’d like to mention. First, Mr. Decker showed me that math is not just a boring lecture. Anytime I’ve had a question, even outside the curriculum, he’s always pushed me to chase the answer, and he even helped sponsor our school’s QED Math Club. Mr. Decker is like a modern-day Isaac Newton with the way he teaches calculus — if Newton had a few more gray hairs. Next, Mr. Seals has kept me engaged during every physics lecture and made each lab worthwhile. Some say he is as great a teacher as Leonhard Euler, and I would agree. The Holy Trinity of McNeil teachers is completed with Mrs. Eustice, who was able to break down the complexities of Le Chatelier’s principle while organizing CS Club UIL events with Mr. Tolleson and Mr. Emry. Robotics has left a huge impact on me which I owe to all the E-wing teachers for letting us stay after school and Mr. Landwehr who was a really good teacher and robotics coach. He was the Fletcher to my Neiman in robotics. From middle school, I must mention Mr. Perdon. If Mr. Decker was Isaac Newton, then Mr. Perdon must have been Pythagoras because he wasn’t given the tools of calculus to master his craft, but he still introduced me to proofs and my love of math.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
Next year, I'm going to attend the University of Texas at Austin to study Electrical and Computer Engineering and Business. Hook 'em Horns!
Gavin Wu - No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Brushy Creek Elementary, Cedar Valley Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
It’s so difficult to choose one memory, but there are a few that stand out. It felt horrendous in the moment, but eating The Reaper from Dave's Hot Chicken in the hotel room at an FRC competition with no bev on the side was pretty funny. Winning the state robotics championship and taking a nap with the banners was memorable too. I also remember some great times in soccer, especially when someone got pushed into a pool for throwing pepperonis at a team dinner.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Sleep is better than attendance. Keep living and have fun.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The most influential teacher I've ever had is most definitely Mrs. Schoener from elementary school. She gave me so many wonderful memories over the six years I had with her that they could never fit into this single response, but the lessons that have stayed with me most are the confidence to have grit and the importance of a lifelong curiosity.
I also want to give a big thanks to Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Decker, my two favorite math teachers. I will always remember how Mr. Lawrence turned algebra and geometry into a comedy show with his classic Welsh banter. He, along with the pilot helmet sitting in the back of the classroom, showed me the importance of creating an environment where we can laugh and grow at the same time. Mr. Decker, the calculus master, needs no introduction. His love for the subject truly shined through and left a lasting impact on me, and I enjoyed discussing barbeque and smokers in between lessons.
I also feel very fortunate to have come across two incredibly passionate English teachers, Ms. Contreras and Mrs. Balfour. I loved sitting in their classes, reading Life of Pi and A Farewell to Arms, and seeing how deeply they cared about what they taught. That love for humanities inspired me to think critically and better understand the world by finding the meaning beyond the page.
Lastly, I want to thank Mr. Landwehr for taking a chance on me in junior year and putting me through the robotics gauntlet. Robotics was rough at times, and to some extent drove me crazy, but I loved it. The constant obsession, about parts and CAD and whatever else, pushed me to my limits, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Going farther than we ever thought possible after the first competition, winning states, and competing at worlds are irreplaceable moments that made all the eighty hour weeks worth it.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I plan to attend the University of Texas, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Engineering Honors Program. After college, I'm not too sure. I'll definitely keep engineering and build cool stuff. Maybe I'll open a bakery. Who knows, life is more fun when it's not set in stone.
Eugene Jang - No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Patsy Sommer Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
I've made so many unforgettable memories during my time as a student at RRISD, with many of my favorite moments simply stemming from getting to know a wide variety of people and hanging out with friends. From acting as a hyena in The Lion King musical in elementary school to going on band trips in middle school, and building boats for Mr. Seals' physics class in high school (and seeing them miserably sink) for two years in a row, it has been really enjoyable and impactful to find where I belong, what I enjoy, and getting to know others who share the same interests.
Particularly, I would like to shoutout Samuel, Devesh, Jayden, and Isaiah for always inspiring me to do better and dealing with me throughout the past four years, and lastly but not least Urjith because I owe him $3 for NHS Trivia Night.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Always take initiative; whenever there is an opportunity to try something new, don't be afraid of failure or embarrassment and just do it - grades and rank don't define you at the end of the day, so strive to do your best and be open to learning new things. Also try not to fall asleep in Mr. Decker's class!!!
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Since there have been so many teachers that have been influential throughout my educational journey, it's impossible to choose just one. I would like to thank Mr. Perdon for being a rude awakening that I can't just slack off and that I need to actively try my best to attain desirable results, Mr. Seals for inspiring a love for physics through fun labs and eccentric demonstrations that wouldn't have been possible with any other teacher, and Mrs. Copeland for always being so passionate about engineering and inspiring me to be the same. Lastly, I would like to thank my precalculus teacher and Key Club sponsor, Mrs. Srinath, not only for her dedication to teaching, but also for teaching me so much more than math, such as what it means to be proactive in improving our community and the world.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I am currently planning to attend the University of Michigan for Electrical Engineering. After college, I plan to pursue a postgraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering and a career in semiconductors.
Abhiram Bhupatiraju - No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memories have almost always been made surrounded by my friends. Whether it was our weekly Cabo Bob's lunch runs, our “intense” PE basketball games, the debate trips to TFA State and national circuit tournaments, where sleep was a luxury we rarely had, or our post-AMC test discussions we had as we huddled around the whiteboard, I am truly grateful to the people who made high school an experience I will never forget.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
High school goes faster than you think, so live in the moment and have zero regrets. Also, nothing is more important than the relationships you develop so ensure you surround yourself with people that make you the best version of yourself. Also remember, Ms Pydyn was born one day but it wasn’t yesterday.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why? Every single teacher I have had has helped me grow and influenced me in a positive way, and I am grateful for their efforts. To name a few: Mr. Henderson, my debate coach freshman year, taught me how to think critically about the world and pushed me to act altruistically. I will always cherish our conversations at debate tournaments. Mr. Decker and Mr. Perdon were excellent math teachers who challenged me to see mathematics in everyday life, always encouraging my curiosity even when our after-school discussions ran a little long. Ms. Calhoun, my fifth grade teacher, fostered our creativity through so many different avenues. I will never forget the Rube Goldberg machine our entire class built together that stretched all the way across the classroom by the end of the year. And lastly my favorite teachers of all: my parents, Amma and Nanna. I will consider myself successful if I become even half the person you guys are.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin and majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Engineering Honors Program. I realize that a lot can change, both within my interests and also the ever-evolving landscape of technology. More than anything, I'm simply excited for the various paths that lie ahead as I eagerly await what the world ends up looking like in 4 years.
Joseph Lai - No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Elsa England Elementary, Pearson Ranch Middle, and McNeil High School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
As a student at RRISD since kindergarten, I've created countless unforgettable memories. From jumping out of our seats in the middle of a lecture because a goal had just been scored in the World Cup, to playing BOTC religiously with everyone in CS. The insignificant moments ended up meaning the most. Some of my favorite memories also come from ICDC Orlando. I cherish the random nights in April playing charades in the lobby of a Universal resort, and watching Mr. Norwood scout outside our rooms past 1 a.m. I'll also never forget trading for that prized China pin, eating the spiciest jerk chicken on CityWalk, and creating some of the closest friendships I'll ever have.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I didn't realize that soon, 12 years of my life will come to a close in just 12 days. I'm not a kid anymore, but if I could go back, I wouldn't tell myself how to be perfect. Instead, I would urge my elementary self to throw that rock down the slide and get sent to the principal again. I was always so afraid of doing wrong that I never let myself be a kid. I'd tell my middle school self to live out every moment because 8th grade and the daily routines at the stop sign wouldn't last forever. I’d tell my high school self that, yes, put your mind to climbing 40 ranks and chasing your dream school, but don't let the numbers define you. Time always felt infinite. Now, there are only 12 days left, and I finally understand what my past upperclassmen meant when they said to treasure it. So my advice is simple and rather cliché, but don't rush, and make sure to stay in each moment a little longer.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The people I've met along life's journey have molded me into the man I am today. To my elementary teachers, Mrs. Gregory and Mrs. Balakrishnan, you guided me along a path to success, pushing me academically in ways I still carry with me. In high school, I was blessed to have many outstanding educators who got to know me beyond a student. To Mrs. Goodwin and Mrs. Katz, thank you for supporting me and always believing in my ability to reach higher. Mrs. Srinath, thank you for your warm heart and the safe classroom you created. Mr. Lunz, your countless lectures were always fascinating. All jokes aside, thank you for introducing me to so many different educational games, helping us with the connections, and being someone to talk to. Mr. Brendon, our guitar lessons were always something to look forward to. Words cannot fully express how grateful I am for our conversations about anything and everything, along with the occasional strumming. Finally, to my number one influences, 媽媽, 爸爸, and Abby, thank you; I couldn't have done it without y'all. The unconditional support and love I received, regardless of my grades or mood, will forever remain the cornerstone of my success. I love you guys. Thank you.
What are your post-graduation plans? (EX: College you're attending and major, internships, jobs, etc.)
I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where I will be majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.