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 Cedar Ridge High School. The Top 10 students were asked to answer a series of questions about their journey through Round Rock ISD and their next steps.
Maya Villa – Valedictorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Voigt Elementary, Joe Lee Johnson Elementary, Hernandez Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
In my junior year of high school, my robotics team was participating in our final run of the BEST Robotics competition. I remember helping my team go all out and, for the regional competition itself, I was actually able to put on the Rowdy the Raider costume to represent our school. Our name ended up being called for the BEST Marketing Presentation award, and picking it up in costume while my whole team cheered for our accomplishment filled me with a joy I cannot describe. Our team also won 1st place in nearly all categories at the competition, a first in our school's history!
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would tell my younger self to always shoot for the stars.
Transitioning from middle to high school, I grew the mentality that my background and previous experiences should not dictate who I should become. I am of low socioeconomic status and first generation, and I felt held back compared to my peers due to that. Now, as my years of high school went on, I realized that I can be so much more than what those things indicate. I have achieved things that my freshman self never thought could be possible.
So, all of that said, I would tell myself that I can become whoever I want to be no matter what anyone else says and that I can achieve the goals I vaguely set for myself that had once seemed as far away as the stars themselves.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
My most influential teacher has to be Marie Isokpunwu (Mrs. I) who was my engineering teacher for my first and last year in high school and the CRHS robotics team(s) sponsor.
Due to transitioning from Hernandez Middle School to CRHS, I didn't know any of my peers entering high school, and being a naturally timid person, that filled me with such a great fear such that when I attended Raider Renaissance, I was physically shaking. However, at the club fair, Mrs. I was the first person who offered me conversation and even remembered me on the first day of school. Since then, not only did she help develop my work ethic through her class, but she also provided me information about the opportunities available to me such as our CRHS robotics team.
She has seen me at my best and my worst. She has offered words of wisdom in our conversations throughout the robotics seasons of competition. She was the mentor I so greatly needed throughout high school, and I am forever grateful for her. She inspired me to continue engineering and pursue what I am most passionate about.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Robotics.
Caitlin Wong – Salutatorian
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary and Ridgeview Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Whether it was playing cards with friends in classes, performing at concerts with orchestra, or planning for the STEM fair with my Women in STEM officer team, every moment was a memorable one. Memories that especially stand out to me were the ones with our Cedar Ridge DECA chapter. From early morning planning sessions to evening calls working on new DECA projects and events, I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Cedar Ridge High School’s DECA president this past year and get closer with our members. Spending time at ICDC with some of my best friends exploring exhibit booths, wandering the Atlanta aquarium and Coca Cola Museum, meeting new friends from the leadership academies, and standing on stage were experiences that I’ll never forget and memories that I’ll forever cherish. Thank you to all of my friends, family, and teachers who have made all of my experiences with Round Rock ISD so fun these past 12 years!
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Always say yes. When I was younger, I thought I had to stick with what I was “good at” or what made sense on paper. But, most of my most cherished memories came from doing things that I almost didn’t try. Saying yes meant joining DECA even as a computer science major, and somehow finding myself traveling across the country with friends. Saying yes meant I may have stepped into rooms feeling unprepared, but I left it feeling more confident each time. And maybe not every yes will lead to something big, but every experience teaches us something, may it be about our interests, our character, or what we’re capable of. So, don’t wait until you feel ready. Just say “yes” first and figure it out along the way.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
From Forest Creek elementary to Ridgeview middle school to Cedar Ridge, there have been so many teachers and educators that I’ve had the fortune of learning from. To all of my teachers, I owe to you my gratitude for shaping my mindset, character, and work ethic throughout high school. I especially want to say thank you to a few in particular. Mrs. Rockhold, thank you for your unwavering support and care in all of your students’ efforts and goals throughout AP Capstone and beyond. Thank you to Mr. Holland, Mrs. Clark, and Ms. Palombi, your passion for physics and calculus makes learning such difficult concepts enjoyable and understandable. Mrs. Freesemann and Mr. Alexander, I could not have asked for better DECA advisors. Thank you for all of your support this past year, helping us turn every crazy idea into concrete plans and real events for our chapter. To Ms. Isokpunwu, Mrs. Overman, and our Advanced Academics director Mrs. Swain, thanks for being amazing club sponsors, we really wouldn’t be able to do anything without your efforts. And finally, thank you to my counselor, Mrs. Bell, for your expert guidance these past four years, your cheerfulness always makes my day.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, where I will be studying computer science with the Robotics Honors Program. Hook ‘em!
Tyler Boulton – No. 3
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Herrington Elementary (K-1), Forest Creek Elementary (2-5), and Ridgeview Middle School
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Getting a sub 18 minute 5k at the Eastview cross country race.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Focus on the learning. Getting all 100s is not super applicable for the rest of your life, but gaining knowledge and coming to love the process of expanding your knowledge will bring valuable skills, lifelong learning, and less stress during school.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Spake was my Algebra 2 and Precalculus teacher, and he helped me enjoy problem solving when I didn’t know all the steps. He helped me get better at figuring things out, and he was also a super awesome person.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to attend college at BYU, and serve a two-year church mission after 1 year of college
Ariana Van Westen – No. 4
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary and Ridgeview Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memories at Round Rock ISD have been shaped by the mundane moments that make school enjoyable. I always look forward to the end of the school year where we just play games in every class. These moments laughing with friends are what have made high school memorable.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
If I could give advice to my younger self, I would say to get out of your comfort zone more. Talk to more people, go to more events, say yes more. You never know when a small interaction could turn into a meaningful connection. Also, don't be too locked in that you forget to enjoy your youth. Experiencing joy is what makes life wonderful!
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I'm so appreciative of all the teachers who have guided me through my journey. I'd like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Rockhold, who goes above and beyond to ensure that her students succeed, both in her class and in the future. I would also like to thank Mrs. White, Mr. Spake, and Mr. Holland for teaching their STEM classes with passion that has inspired me to pursue engineering. Finally, I want to thank my elementary TAG teachers, Mrs. Riedlinger and Mrs. Jezisek, for creating an enriching classroom environment that empowered me to love learning.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study chemical engineering. Hook 'em!
Thomas Faulkner – No. 5
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary and Ridgeview Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memories were the times I spent on the tennis team. The tennis team is where I met some of my lifelong friends. It was a pleasure practicing with them in and outside of school. Going out to eat after tournaments, cracking jokes, and getting to go on trips to other schools will always be some of my fondest memories.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would tell my younger self to not worry so much about getting grades. After sophomore year, I started worrying less about getting 100's and only learning material to achieve a high grade, and I started focusing more on learning material just to learn. It sounds contradictory, but focusing less on grades led me to understand what I was learning at a deeper level which actually translated to higher scores on tests in return.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
The most influential teachers I have had were my elementary teachers, Mrs. Jezisek and Mrs. Reidlinger. I was in the TAG program, so I had these teachers throughout my entirety of elementary school. One piece of advice they always fixated on was having a growth mindset. I didn't realize it at the time, but adopting a growth mindset helped me overcome adversity in both sports and in the classroom. School did not come without failures, but I was prepared early on with how to move past my failures, and that was one of the greatest lessons I have learned.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am attending Rose Hulman Institute of Technology to study Computer Engineering for 4 years. Rose Hulman is also where I plan to acquire an internship at Telemetry Sports.
Lily Farkas – No. 6
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary and Ridgeview Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
Some of my most meaningful moments have been celebrating milestones with my closest friends, especially during senior year. The friends I have made over the years have been extremely supportive and are an inspiration to me every day. Whether it was college decisions, all of the "lasts", or spontaneous get-togethers, being surrounded by the people I've grown up with has made this time so meaningful. These experiences remind me of the journey I've had here, and they are memories I will always cherish.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
Time goes by quickly, and the parts of high school you will remember are the times spent with your friends making memories. Stay disciplined, but don’t dwell too much on the little things. Everything works out in the end!
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
I am incredibly grateful for all of my teachers, as each has played a role in shaping who I am today. I am especially appreciative to Mrs. White for sparking my passion for chemistry and for always having faith in her students, even when things would get challenging. Her words of advice and support will stick with me forever. I want to thank Sr. Jimenez for his constant encouragement and for believing in me and my dreams, he has truly been the best support. Lastly, I would like to give appreciation to Mr. Zhu for his everyday positivity, his love for teaching, and for taking the time to care about his students so deeply.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to attend Texas A&M University majoring in Biology for pre-nursing with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Perween Ahmad – No. 7
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary and Ridgeview Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
My favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD are ones where I'm surrounded by all of my amazing friends. In particular, competing at ICDC in Atlanta this year for DECA was exceedingly exciting. From trading pins with people from all over the country, to preparing for roleplays, to exploring Atlanta, I had such a wonderful time with all of my friends that I will forever cherish.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
If I could give any piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to take any opportunity you get. Whether it seems too small, too big, out of reach, impossible, go for it. You never know what is waiting for you unless you take that chance.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
All of my teachers from my time at Round Rock ISD have played a meaningful role in shaping my success and the person I am today. I'd like to highlight a few who have made a lasting impact. Mrs. White, my Chemistry teacher, who made chemistry exciting, and it was through her class that I discovered my true passion for science. Mrs. Torres, my AP Biology teacher, who is always there for her students and never failed to put a smile on my face. Mrs. Freesemann and Mr. Alexander, my DECA advisors, who dedicated countless hours and effort to make DECA the absolute best it could possibly be. Mrs. Kimm, my health science teacher, who played a pivotal role in strengthening my interest in healthcare. Finally, I’d like to thank my family- their endless support inspires me to work hard everyday and I couldn’t have done anything without them.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study Biochemistry.
Tirzah Waters – No. 8
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Kathy Caraway Elementary School and Ridgeview Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories as a Cedar Ridge student was traveling with the Cedar Ridge swim team to San Angelo for an invitational swim meet. I was finally able to travel with the team during my sophomore year, and I enjoyed cheering for all of my teammates in every race they participated in. The energy at this invitational meet was very special, because everyone was very excited to race and compete as a team. Also, when we weren't racing, we competed for the spirit prize and won with our cheers and dancing as we supported our teams from the stands.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would say do not try to do everything all at once. In high school there are far more activities than anyone has time to do, so it is important to pick and choose the activities you want to participate in. I have definitely gotten worn out, or felt bad missing out on events and activities, but it helped me to focus on doing a few things well, rather than everything all at once.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mrs. Moran has been my most influential teacher because her high standards and passion for AP Human Geography laid the foundation for my entire learning experience at Cedar Ridge. In AP Human Geography, I also learned how to pace my own learning by breaking down huge assignments into little bits of work every day. AP Human Geography also gave me an entirely new perspective on the world, as I got to learn about all of the different ways that the entire world is connected through culture, ideas, supply chains, and trade. Mrs. Moran always encouraged me to do my best, and helped to build good study discipline for the rest of my high school career.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to study biomedical engineering at Wheaton University. I also plan to get a pre-medical certificate and go to medical school to become a Pediatrician.
Ethan Nguyen – No. 9
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Forest Creek Elementary, Challenger School, and Ridgeview Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
One of my favorite memories was talking to friends during passing periods. I liked getting to know people and walking in the hallways, and it gave me a little energy boost before class.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I would tell my younger self to be more motivated and ambitious. Also, I would say to remember to make time for the people you care about and appreciate the people who care about you.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
One of my most influential teachers has been my physics teacher, Mr. Holland. I could really see the passion he had for science and sharing his knowledge with his students. And his kindness and dedication, whether that's staying late after school for tutorials or just printing out a paper for me, is really inspiring to me.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to attend the University of California, Los Angeles, for four years as an Astrophysics major.
Kyle Lehman – No. 10
What campuses in Round Rock ISD did you attend?
Blackland Prairie Elementary School and Ridgeview Middle School.
What is one of your favorite memories as a student at Round Rock ISD?
The Zombie Experience, football games and Senior Sunrise come to mind as great moments. Additionally, my time with UIL Math over the last four years contained many Saturday memories: bus trips, playing UNO in school cafeterias, junk food and pizza, friendly competition and lots of laughter and friendships.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about school or your experience as a student?
I’d encourage students to join one or two clubs that interest them. The friends you make and the time you spend with peers that share that interest really do make your life more meaningful. Make the time to participate in high school traditions, no matter how silly. Those are the memories you’ll come back to time and time again.
Who has been your most influential teacher/educator, and why?
Mr. Holland has been a mentor to me. He has a contagious enthusiasm about engineering and physics each and every day. His engagement and love for his subject has inspired me to pursue electrical engineering. Additionally, Ms. Overman has been deeply impactful as a statistics teacher, a supportive and generous UIL Math coach, and an unwavering supporter over these last four years.
What are your post-graduation plans?
This fall I will attend Texas A&M at College Station. I have been accepted directly into the College of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as A&M’s Craig and Galen Brown Engineering Honors program with the goal of earning a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering.