Class of 2025

It’s funny, the things we remember. You might forget your fourth-grade science project, but you remember the exact color of your pencil box, and all the stickers that covered it. You remember the day in first grade when a boy taught you how to draw a star. The moments that form us happen over months, years, decades: gentle traces like water carving through a sand dune. I hope you remember your high school friends’ inside jokes, and the best water fountain in school, and the crazy realization that somewhere along the way, while you weren’t looking, you grew up. 

That’s why, every once in a while – graduations, birthdays, New Year’s Eve – we stop and think a little. To wonder if we’ve changed and how it happened. 

Our annual tradition here at The Buzz is to share our graduating neighbors’ future plans. As they leave the nest and transform from mischievous kindergarteners to high school graduates, we celebrate their achievements. Read on to see their favorite elementary school stories, what they wish they had known as kindergarteners, and what will always make them think of high school. 

Seniors, you did it. Congrats, Class of 2025!

Emily York – Horn Elementary, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Emily York is going to the University of Oklahoma and majoring in business. She would tell her kindergarten self: “Don’t be afraid of failure, challenge yourself, and find what makes you happy, which will drive your success.” The teacher who changed her life was Ms. Kathryn Eccles, ninth-grade English, because she not only shared her love of teaching with her students, but she served as a mentor and friend as they embarked on their high school journey. Her favorite high school memories were attending football games and pep rallies with her friends. Her dream job is to become a lawyer.

Aidan Pulido – St. Mark's Episcopal School, St. Thomas High School 

Aidan Pulido is headed to The University of Texas at Austin to major in biology on a pre-med pathway. He would tell his kindergarten self to be up for every challenge, even if it scares you; you will learn more and meet great people that way. His most influential teacher was his AP Physics teacher at St. Thomas High School, Mrs. Pam Masau, who challenged him to think critically while making physics enjoyable. He also says his kindergarten teacher, Ms. William, taught him kindness and love of learning. His favorite moment from high school was when the St. Thomas students broke the school record by raising over 1 million dollars in 2025 to go towards scholarships for deserving students. It was meaningful for him as he was one of the many students who benefited from the scholarships that St. Thomas gave out. Hoodies will always make him think of high school – “we live in hoodies, even in the 100-degree Texas heat.” His dream job is working in dermatology. 

Alanna Hillendahl – Horn Elementary, Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions 

Alanna Hillendahl is headed to Texas A&M University at Galveston, where she plans to major in Oceans and One Health. She’d tell her kindergarten self to have fun and make the most of being a kid, because one day you will look back and miss the simple joys of playing and laughing without a care in the world. The teacher who truly changed her life was Ms. Samone Randolph at Meyerland PVA, who “sparked my love for math. Her engaging teaching style and genuine care for her students made learning exciting and left a lasting impact on me.” One of her favorite high school moments was realizing how much she had grown from her first year to her last: “The moment I was able to explain how a medication affects the body using what I learned in my pharmacy class, I realized that all the late nights, hard work, and challenges had truly paid off.” Her dream job is to become an anesthesiologist. 

Daniyal Khan – Condit Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, The Awty International School 

Daniyal Khan will attend the UTSA to UT Austin CAP program and major in economics. He’d tell his kindergarten self to enjoy every minute of elementary school. His fourth-grade math teacher Ms. Andrea Schultz changed his life by teaching him to find enjoyment in everything he does. His favorite moment from high school was the 2023 Awty Connects trip, where he and his friends went to Germany and raced on Lime scooters down a big hill. He says that his Qatar World Cup soccer ball will always remind him of high school. He and his friends would play soccer together during their lunch and free periods, and he was always in charge of bringing the ball. His dream job is to be a pilot. His favorite elementary school memory is when he and his friends used to try catching lizards in the school garden.

Sofie Brandsberg-Dahl – The Fay School, The Awty International School 

Sofie Brandsberg-Dahl will be heading to University of California, Los Angeles to major in business economics. She would tell her kindergarten self: Don’t be afraid to be loud, messy, or different, because that’s where all the fun comes from. She says that Mr. Robert Rusnak, 11th-grade IB Global Politics, was the best teacher she has ever had, because he challenged her to think globally, speak up, and stay open-minded. Her favorite moment from high school was making it to the SPC finals with her soccer team senior year. Her team had never made it that far before. She’ll always remember the Parade of Flags at her school’s annual International Festival. “It's a senior tradition to walk a flag during the opening ceremony, and when it was my turn, it felt like a full circle moment after watching it all those years.” Her dream job would be working in international business or global development – something that lets her travel, speak different languages, and make a real impact on underserved communities.

Nadia Jett – The Imani School, The Kinkaid School, Episcopal High School 

Nadia Jett is going to Howard University, majoring in biology and chemistry. The advice she’d give her kindergarten self is: “Don’t spend hours wishing for the future or the past, but ground yourself in the present.” Her favorite elementary school memory was buying junk food for the first time when they took a field trip to Fiesta. She is grateful for Mrs. Katie Samson, her freshman Biology teacher and AP Biology teacher senior year, for showing her students how she was a real person: “Mrs. Samson showed us how Biology relates to caffeine, her love for birding, and her obsession with trying to beat the AP board. She inspires me to be myself, and advocate for my needs, and respect others.” Her dream job is no job. Her favorite moment from high school was creating the first African American club that celebrated African American culture, and starting a dodgeball tournament fundraiser. She says, “Students from every race came to compete and I really saw the community that I intended to build come to life.”

Suri Mehta – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, St. Agnes Academy 

Suri Mehta is off to The University of Texas at Austin, where she will double major in youth and community studies and government. She would tell her kindergarten self to believe in herself and never give up. Suri says that Ms. Sharon Gehbauer, her 10th-grade English teacher at St. Agnes, changed her life by teaching her that writing isn’t just about structure – it’s about finding your voice and sharing your perspective with courage. Her favorite moment from high school was performing a Bollywood dance with her friends at the annual cultural pageant. She says the energy, music, and joy were unforgettable. Her best friends will always remind her of high school: “We went through all the highs and lows together, creating memories, sharing laughs, and supporting each other through it all.” Her dream job is to be a family lawyer who advocates for young kids.

John W. Ratchford – Condit Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory 

John W. Ratchford is heading to Auburn University to study industrial engineering. He would tell his kindergarten self, “Lock in, more than you think.” John says Dr. Scott Berger changed his life, both because of how he taught inside the classroom and his ability to connect with his students outside the classroom. His favorite high school memories are playing Wavelength and other games with his friends at the end of the school year, when most of his classes were done and he basically only had free periods left. His dream job: “Anything that makes me good money.”

Maddie Leung – Veritas Christian Academy of Houston, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Maddie Leung is headed to The University of Texas at Austin to major in biology with a minor in business. She would tell her kindergarten self: When things get hard, make sure to count it all joy. She says her third-grade teacher Mrs. Kim Hering was the kindest person; “she taught me to never stop reading and to always pursue knowledge with excellence.” She’ll never forget “classy” lunch – that’s what she and her friends called getting off-campus lunch together. Her dream job is becoming a specialist clinician, Chief Medical Officer, and mom.

Lindsay Tennant – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Lindsay Tennant is off to The University of Texas at Austin to major in biology. She would tell her kindergarten self to stay friends with the Condit girls; “We are all still very strong friends, and I don't know what my life would be like without them!” Mr. Gregory Switzer, her world culture teacher and debate coach at Pin Oak, was her favorite teacher because he was always there for his students and was the teacher that everyone loved. His door was always open. Her favorite high school memory was going to Cabo for her senior spring break with her friends. Her dream job is to be a doctor, specifically a surgeon, and be able to participate in research at the same time. Her best story from elementary school is when she moved to Abu Dhabi and sang a song that she wrote with her friends in front of the whole school, and the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi and his whole family ended up watching the performance.

Sarah Lack – Horn Elementary, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Sarah Lack is headed to The University of Texas at Austin, where she plans to major in kinesiology on a pre-med track. Her advice to her kindergarten self would be: “Don’t trust my big brother when he tells me that my best friend’s phone number is 911. Sorry Bellaire PD!” Her most influential teacher was Ms. Colleen Heughan, AP Statistics, because “she was open and honest with students, and we had real life discussions.” Her favorite moment from high school was when their lacrosse team won the division championship in her freshman year. The devious licks Tik Tok trend will always remind her of high school. Her dream job is as a sports medicine physician.

Grace Dholakia – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Grace Dholakia is heading to The University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in psychology. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be to enjoy the little things. One teacher that changed her life was Coach Johnson at Condit, her P.E. teacher throughout all of elementary school. He showed her what it meant to be a leader and instilled in her the importance of perseverance. Her favorite moment from high school was getting to cheer at the state championship game for the boys’ basketball team at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Her best story from elementary school is getting super excited when she won the One Direction Basket at fall carnival in fourth grade. The song “Power” by Kanye West will always remind her of high school because their band played that song at every football game while she was a cheerleader. Her dream job is to be a neurosurgeon.

Isabella Sorenson – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Isabella Sorenson is off to the University of Mississippi, where she will be majoring in education. She says that Ms. Vanessa Borths, her first- and second-grade teacher at Condit, is a huge part of the reason she wants to be a teacher; she taught her what it means to be a role model. She would tell her kindergarten self to enjoy every moment, because it really does “go by so fast.” Her favorite moment from high school was cheering for the basketball team this year in their historical run of playoffs. The song “Ice Ice Baby” will always remind her of high school because her freshman English teacher, Kathryn Eccles’, username on Instagram was “IceIceKatie,” and it became an ongoing joke in her friend group. She says the best day of the year in elementary school was always Field Day, and it was ten times better when she was on the winning team. 

Robert Edward Langston Satcher III – Condit Elementary School, St. Mark's Episcopal School, The Kinkaid School 

Robert Edward Langston Satcher III is heading to Harvard University, where he will study biomedical engineering. He plans to be a walk-on for the track and field team as a triple jumper. He would remind his kindergarten self to always believe in himself, and to know that he can do anything if he works hard and stays focused on the end goal. He is grateful for Mrs. Nancy McMillan, his art teacher at Kinkaid, who was always friendly and supportive, and helped him to develop his artistic talents. His best elementary school memory is Mrs. Kathy Higgins’ kindergarten class egg-drop challenge. When he thinks of high school, he will always remember game nights with his friends – both going to Friday night football games and also having friends come over to play strategy games. His favorite moment from high school was when he broke Kinkaid's school record for triple jump. His dream job is to work as a physician/researcher. He hopes to one day have a pivotal role in research that helps to improve the lives of others.

Maddux Elijah El-Hakam – Horn Elementary, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School, St. Francis Episcopal School 

Maddux Elijah El-Hakam will be playing baseball at Howard Payne University and majoring in either finance or religious studies. He would tell his kindergarten self to do more than you think you should do. The teacher who changed his life was Mr. Nirupom Paul, his 10th-grade math teacher at Lamar. He says Mr. Paul was a fun teacher who worked hard to help students understand difficult math concepts. One of his favorite memories from high school was being captain of the football team his senior year, which was the first year that his school had varsity 11-man football. He and his teammates had a strong bond, and after football games they would always spend time together. His dream job is to be a Major League Baseball player.

Eden Reese Williams – Condit Elementary School, Westbury Christian School 

Eden Reese Williams is headed to Spelman College to study health science. She would tell her kindergarten self: “You have the ability to make people smile; be a light, no matter what.” She says Mr. Ronnie Blaine, her theatre teacher and director since sixth grade, has changed her life by teaching her to never conform to anything, and “to be the true Eden that I am.” She is so grateful to him for believing in her. Her favorite high school moment was her Senior Experience retreat, when all of the seniors gathered around a bonfire to eat s’mores, tell scary stories, and simply enjoy one another. She says she will never forget it. Her signature baby blue Converse high tops have been through many memorable high school moments with her and will always remind her of high school. Her dream is to become an obstetrician-gynecologist with her own practice.

Hayden Kincaid – Westbury Christian School, Pershing Middle School, Westbury Christian School 

Hayden Kincaid will attend University of Houston Honors College (College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences) and pursue a B.S. in psychology. He would tell his kindergarten self “to be more accepting of myself, and start learning to be proud of myself for even the little things.” A teacher that changed his life was Ms. Hannah Stone (Westbury Christian). She encouraged him to pursue anything that he would like and to give his all to everything that he does. His best story from elementary school was his final day of fourth grade, when they had a class party, and got to reminisce over the year. His favorite moment from high school was the closing night of WCS’ production of The Wiz – “It was such an emotional time, and ending the last play of the year with the people I love and care about is a priceless experience.” One thing that will always remind him of high school is the morning sunrise, because it reminds him of the early starts to every day in high school, and that every day is a new day. Hayden hopes to become a cognitive or clinical psychologist.

Isabella Soliz – Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School, St. Pius X High School 

Isabella Soliz is going to Stephen F. Austin State University to study nursing. She would tell her kindergarten self to have an open mind about trying new things, to be kind and respectful of others, but mainly to be able to roll with change. A teacher who changed her life was Ms. Angela Stinner-Trimble, her Theology 3 teacher at St. Pius. “I have dyslexia and ADHD so when it came to taking tests, I was not able to take it like other people. She would go out of her way during her free time and take the test verbally with me and honestly, it truly impacted me a lot. It made me feel like someone was able to understand me.” The song “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo (and the lore around it) will always remind her of high school. She says the best part of elementary school was how when it was your birthday, you got to wear a princess gown, and everyone paid attention to you all day. Isabella hopes to be a pediatric nurse. 

Isabella Gee – St. Catherine's Montessori, Lovett Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Isabella Gee will be majoring in applied physiology and kinesiology at University of Florida. She says her ninth-grade biology teacher, Ms. Caroline Vu, sparked her love for biology/sciences and instilled a good work ethic in her. She doesn't think that she would have ended up at Florida majoring in APK if it weren't for her devotion to teaching her class. Her dream job is to be a sports medicine doctor. She would tell her kindergarten self: You know what you like and what you care about, don't stray away from that or pretend to be someone who you aren't. Her favorite part of high school was the exchange trip she took to Germany junior year. Her best memory from elementary school was how she was so upset her elementary school didn’t offer cheer that she brought a bag of pom-poms to school and made all of her friends practice cheers with her. She even had a meeting with the director of the school in hopes of creating a cheer team. She ended up being a cheerleader all four years in high school.

Daphne Kaufman – Lovett Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Daphne Kaufman is heading to Texas A&M University to major in psychology. She would tell her kindergarten self to be yourself no matter what. She says that Mr. Wayne Houle, her 10th-grade AP World History teacher, was always supportive of her involvement in the arts and was so approachable when she needed help. He made history an important subject for her. The song “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame will always remind her of high school because she did a dance to it with the eMotion hip-hop dance team. Her favorite high school memory was when she had to learn the role of Marty in less than a day for her school’s production of Grease and went on stage without a script. She hopes to work in childhood development neuropsychology or pursue a job in law.

Nathan Robleto – St. Thomas More Parish School, Western Academy, The Saint Constantine School 

Nathan Robleto will be majoring in philosophy at The Saint Constantine College. He would tell his kindergarten self to always choose to be joyful. He says his Theater director, Galen Nicol, changed his life because his theater program filled him with purpose and new life, and he made every friend he has from doing the plays. His favorite moment from high school was his senior retreat to Big Bend. “My senior class is 11 people, and we all rode in one van for the 9 hours there and 9 hours back. We bonded and laughed and perhaps even cried a little.” He says reading a good book will always remind him of high school. He would love to be a professional musician in any capacity, whether touring, recording or production.

Sophia Guadalupe Rodriguez – Condit Elementary School, St. Thomas More Parish School, Westbury Christian School 

Sophia Guadalupe Rodriguez is going to University of Houston-Downtown, where she will major in biology. She’d tell her kindergarten self to try new things. She says that her Spanish teacher Ms. Malaika Lund has helped her in expressing herself as well as being able to relax in stressful situations. Her favorite moment from high school was their senior experience roasting s'mores and telling spooky stories while the sun was setting, looking at the stars and piecing constellations together. Her dream job is to be an Ob-Gyn. Her best memory from elementary school was when her favorite teacher took her on a trip to the zoo, and they went to almost every animal exhibit. Each time they saw a different animal, she would give Sophia a little plastic version of the animal they saw.

Brayden Blackburn – Horn Elementary, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Brayden Blackburn is headed to Auburn University. If he could give his kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be, “Take a deep breath and just live your life.” The teacher who changed his life was Mrs. Terri Smith, his 10th- and 11th-grade marketing teacher. He says what she really taught him was how to live life to your best. She taught him that it’s the little things that matter in life. He says, “She has really helped me see the life I want to build when I get older, and I really appreciate her for that.” His favorite high school moment was his final homecoming football game of senior year as a bird keeper. “Bird keepers” are a group of Bellaire seniors who elevate school spirit. He says he dreamed of being a bird keeper all of high school, and making that dream happen, hyping up the students with all his friends on the field, is something he will always cherish. Whenever he goes to Whataburger, he will remember the late nights after football games when the whole school headed there. His dream job would be to become a travel influencer because he loves new adventures.

Stella Frank – Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun, Trafton Academy, Episcopal High School 

Stella Frank is heading to Texas A&M University to major in zoology. Her dream job would be working as a dolphin trainer at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. She would tell her kindergarten self that she should live in the moment and enjoy being a kid. This is her favorite high school memory: “On the first day of freshman year, we were sitting criss-cross on the floor in gym class while our teacher read over the syllabus, and this random girl was sitting next to me. When the bell rang, she got up, but her legs had fallen asleep, so she fell straight on top of me. I was horrified. She was horrified. We have been best friends ever since.” Stella says every time she smells the limited-edition Anitta x Sol De Janeiro perfume, it reminds her of sophomore year. She says that Mr. George Brock, who taught and directed her in theatre classes and productions at Episcopal all four years, was the most influential teacher she has had. “He cares so much about his students, and that is evident in everything he does for us. He not only has given me the strength in pursuing my passion for theatre, but he has also taught me so many wonderful things about myself, and I am forever grateful.” Her best elementary school memory was in first grade when they transformed the classroom into “Camp Learn-a-lot,” complete with sleeping bags and a fake campfire in the middle of the classroom.

Anabel Precht – Lovett Elementary School, Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School, Carnegie Vanguard High School 

Anabel Precht is headed to The University of Texas at Austin and plans to major in government. She would tell her kindergarten self to not be afraid to ask for help (especially in math!). Her most impactful teacher was Ms. Angela Thompson, her kindergarten teacher, who nurtured her love of reading by encouraging her to read “big kid books.” She says that Brandy Melville sweatpants will always remind her of high school. Her favorite moment from high school was a school trip to Japan that took a wild turn when they got stranded there for two days. Through a series of rescheduled flights, she circumnavigated the globe, eventually making it home after stopping in Bangkok, Paris, and Dallas. Her dream job is to be an entertainment lawyer.

Marianna Jansen Cardone – St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School 

Marianna Jansen Cardone is headed to Universidad de Navarra in Spain, where she will study international law. If she could give her kindergarten self any advice, it would be, “Join St. Thomas Theatre as early as you can, and make sure you keep those friends you have now, because they'll grow to be your closest confidants.” She says she is grateful for Mr. David Hutchinson, her history teacher at SVdP, because “he truly was like a father to me and guided me when I was troubled in middle school.” Her favorite moments from high school were all the STH plays, particularly her final role as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She says that every time she hears any musical song, she thinks of STH Theatre and the times they blasted songs in the makeup room. Her dream job is to be a homicide detective with a side gig as an actress/singer.

Antonella N. Wesson – Corpus Christi Catholic School, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School 

Antonella N. Wesson will be heading to Baylor University to study economics/law. She would tell her kindergarten self: Go with the flow, and don't blindly trust everyone you meet. She says Mrs. Carol Selby, her tutor for about 11 years, was her most impactful teacher. She taught her to read, caught her up with school, and helped her learn both studying skills and people skills. She says she won't ever be able to have a popsicle without thinking of her friends, and her senior year specifically. Their senior lounge was stocked with popsicles, and they ate them every day. Her dream job is to be a “big shot lawyer” in a firm she owns or is a partner in. She has dreamed of being a lawyer since she was a sixth grader, and says, “I can't wait to see what the future holds, and to hopefully have my Legally Blonde moment where I get to lead a courtroom to defend my client.” Her best elementary school memory was her fifth-grade retreat to Camp Kappe, when the first snow any of them had ever seen in Texas came down. The next morning, they had a huge snowball fight and built snowmen together.

Ellery McDaniel – Mark Twain Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School 

Ellery McDaniel is heading to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she will major in physics. She would tell her kindergarten self, “As much as you hate Spanish now, you will never regret being in the bilingual program.” She credits Mr. Maxwell Ross, her 11th-12th grade Physics teacher, with teaching her to love physics, push herself in class, and be responsible. One of her favorite high school memories was over the summer, when she was presenting at a small research showcase, and all her friends (and one of her teachers) came to support her. She’ll always remember the gray chairs at Lamar that roll around and have a little desk on a swivel. Her dream job is to become an astrophysicist. Her funniest memory from elementary school is when her second-grade teacher once confiscated her collection of animal-shaped erasers when she wasn’t paying attention in class. Ellery wrote a “very nasty letter” telling her to give them back (she did not). 

Olivia Becker – West University Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School 

Olivia Becker is heading to Taylor University. She is thankful to Ms. Ashly Evans, her seventh-grade choir teacher at Pin Oak, for helping her discover her passion for music. “She was always so excited about music and expressed her love for music daily.” Olivia’s dream job would be to work as a music therapist or in the ministry. Her favorite moments from high school were the moments she got to be a leader, serving as a drum major and choir officer. The drum major gloves she wore for every performance will always remind her of high school. She would tell her kindergarten self: “Take advantage of every moment and enjoy the ride.”

Grey Warren – West University Elementary School, The Emery/Weiner School 

Grey Warren will be heading to Williams College. If he could give his kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: “Don’t rush to grow up. Stay curious, keep asking questions, and never be afraid to be a little weird – sometimes that’s where the magic starts.” Mr. Kelly Dean, his music teacher from sixth to 12th grade, changed his life by teaching him how to be both a strong leader and a supportive group member, helping him to find his voice and express himself in ways he never had before. Nutri-Grain bars will always remind him of high school. His favorite moment from high school was the final curtain close during their production of Pippin. “We were sweaty, slightly off-key, and running on pure adrenaline – but in that moment, it felt like Broadway. The energy was wild, the applause was loud (probably from our parents), and for a second, we all forgot we had math homework.”

Brenden Domsalla – Settlers Way Elementary, The Emery/Weiner School

Brenden Domsalla is headed to Texas A&M University, where he will major in engineering. He says that Mr. Brandon Kirby's ninth-grade Principles of Technology and Design introduced him to computer programming and changed his life. “It led me to take his Advanced Computer Science (best class at Emery) and then he mentored me in my Computer Programming Capstone Project. Mr. Kirby pushed me to bigger and better projects, never allowing me to coast or get bored.” His favorite moment from high school was winning the state football championship. One thing that will always remind him of high school is the song “Ivy” by Frank Ocean. His dream job is to be a chief engineer at an aerospace company. He would tell his kindergarten self: “Keep the Legos.”

Grady Quentin – Lakeshore Elementary School, Woodcreek Middle School, Corpus Christi Catholic School, Westbury Christian School 

Grady Quentin is heading to Nicholls State University with a major in biology. He would tell his kindergarten self: Do homework. He is grateful for his teacher Mr. James Reid, who was very supportive but also pushed him to do his best. His reverse Panda Dunks (adults: this is a shoe) will always remind him of high school. His dream job is being a veterinarian. His best elementary school memory is when one of his friends helped him carry his bags to class on the first day, and got in trouble because he ended up being late. His favorite high school moment was falling in a ditch at the freshman trip.

Avila Hickman – St. Thomas More Parish School, The Saint Constantine School 

Avila Hickman is heading to the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she will work toward a B.S. in Psychology. She would tell her kindergarten self to play as hard as she can while she is still able – “life gets harder, and you’ll no longer be able to be as free as you are at that age.” Blazers will always remind her of high school. She says the teacher who changed her life was Ms. Erika Donatto, who always encouraged her to believe in herself. She says she always loved her high school retreats and bonding with her classmates, who felt like family. Her dream job is to become a children’s therapist/teacher.

Addison Mouton – St. Thomas More Parish School, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart 

Addison Mouton is off to Louisiana State University, studying kinesiology on a pre-athletic training track. She would tell her kindergarten self: “Don’t ever shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Your hair, your voice, your dreams are all meant to stand out.” Ms. Kellie Reedy, her sixth–eighth grade teacher at St. Thomas More, changed her life by always believing in her potential and pushing her to lead with confidence and compassion, even when she doubted herself. Her favorite moment from high school was founding the Black Student Association; “It was empowering to create a safe space where Black students could celebrate our culture, support each other, and be unapologetically ourselves.” One thing that will always remind her of high school is the sound of “Snooze” by SZA playing in the background while she and her friends “laughed, vented, and vibed” in the parking lot after practice or games. Her dream job is to become a sports medicine physician or an athletic trainer, working with elite athletes to help them recover, perform at their peak, and stay healthy both on and off the field.

Norah Watts – Travis Elementary School, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School, St. Pius X High School 

Norah Watts is headed to the University of Oregon, where she will major in human physiology. The most important advice she would give to her kindergarten self is to never stop believing in yourself; “trust that you are smart, skilled, and worthy, and to not be so hard on yourself during this time of enormous growth.” She says there are two teachers who have helped shape who she is today: Mrs. Donna Cusack and Mrs. Diane Krugh. They were her dance instructors, mentors, teachers, and, at times, second moms to her. “They taught me that while success is always something good to aim for, failure is just as important. It's in the failures that we learn and grow the most.” They have been beside her cheering her on every step of the way for 10 years. Her favorite elementary school memory was her first Scottish Highland Dance competition, which kicked off an eight-year stretch of her competing locally, nationally, and internationally. Her dream job is working as an athletic trainer for an NFL team. Her favorite moment in high school was stepping on the football field for the first time as a student athletic trainer. She says that was when she knew what she wanted to study in college and what she wanted to do professionally.

Timothy Nguyen – River Oaks Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School

Timothy Nguyen will be playing tennis at the University of Chicago, where he plans to study business economics. He aspires to be an investment banker. He would tell his kindergarten self to be the hero of his own story. He is glad he still has close friends from elementary school, even though many of them went to different middle and high schools. He is thankful for Mr. Rolando Chaves, his high school college counselor at Saint Thomas’ Episcopal, who cared for all the students, making sure they always had everything they needed. During the stressful summer before senior year, he helped Timothy decide which university was best for him. His favorite part of high school has been winning four state championships for his school. He says it is something he will cherish forever. The word “Alas!” will always remind him of high school – their English teacher loves to use that word whenever something comically unfortunate happens, like spilling a water bottle during class.

Carter Burke – River Oaks Baptist School, Episcopal High School 

Carter Burke is going to Duke University to major in statistical science and financial economics. He says that the teacher who most impacted him was Mrs. Rachel Merren, his seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher. She taught the first math class that really challenged him and fueled his love for math. His dream job is to become a private equity or quantitative analyst. He’d tell his kindergarten self to eat his vegetables.

Bella Perdue – River Oaks Elementary School, River Oaks Baptist School, Episcopal High School 

Bella Perdue is off to Baylor University to study allied health, kinesiology, and leisure studies. The sound of a Stanley cup falling in a quiet room will always remind her of high school. She’d tell her kindergarten self to get involved in as many activities as you can, and to find things that you enjoy. Bella says that Mrs. Stephanie Calderon in second grade helped her adjust to her move to Houston, and introduced her to some of her best friends. Her favorite moment from high school was her freshman-year interim trip to Disney World, where she got to learn about the mechanics behind the rides at Disney and then enjoy them with her best friends. Her dream job is to become a pediatric endocrinologist or a labor and delivery nurse. Her best elementary school story is her childhood YouTube channel, which is full of 30-minute unedited videos of her reviewing new toys: “Those videos are still on the internet, forever haunting me.”

Sarah K. Ramos – Harvard Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Carnegie Vanguard High School

Sarah K. Ramos is headed to Purdue University, where she will major in aeronautical engineering technology. Her dream job is being a naval aviator. Sarah says that Mr. Nathan Wendt, her junior-year AP US History teacher, harbored a safe environment for learning and helped her further her love for history. His classwork was engaging, and she never once hoped that class would end sooner. One of her favorite high school moments was her friends’ Secret Santa gift exchange freshman year. It reminded her that she had a close-knit group of friends that all knew each other and cared for one another. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: “Don't rush growing up! There will be days where all you wish you could do is to be your 5-year-old self again. Life already moves too fast for you to want to not savor every moment.” The song “Ribs” by Lorde will always remind her of growing up and high school.

Kate Wubbenhorst – Poe Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School 

Kate Wubbenhorst is heading to Cornell University, where she plans to major in environmental science on a pre–vet track. One thing that will always remind her of high school is the smell of the FFA Barn. Her most impactful teacher was Ms. Katie Watson, her 11th-grade IB Biology teacher, who was always so kind and supportive, especially through stressful times during her junior year. “She cared so much about every student, and made sure we all succeeded.” If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: Enjoy yourself! Don't get too worried about the future – everything will work out eventually. Her favorite moments from high school were football games. She loved cheering with her friends in band and playing the fight song when they won. She hopes to one day become a wildlife veterinarian.

Mia Wubbenhorst  – Poe Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School 

Mia Wubbenhorst is headed to Tulane University with a major in neuroscience. She would tell her kindergarten self to be kind and have fun learning new things. She says her fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Nesrin Stout, introduced her to books that have stuck with her today and was supportive of creativity in the classroom. Her favorite high school memory was traveling and exploring London, Paris, and Rome on a school trip the summer before her senior year. She became closer to classmates and saw places she had only seen in pictures. Things that will always remind her of high school include: Friday-night football games, prom transition TikToks, and her Owala water bottle. She hopes to become a neurologist or neuropsychologist. She says she would love to help people by observing and conducting research on the nervous system. Her funniest elementary school memory is that she passed out in the school bathroom in fourth grade because she got a paper cut and was scared of the blood. She woke up and didn't tell anyone because she didn't want to get sent home and miss her sewing class.

Bailey Hashmi – West University Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School 

Bailey Hashmi is off to Baylor University, where he will compete as a sprinter on the track and field team, and major in computer science and engineering. He’d tell his kindergarten self to enjoy every second of being in elementary school. “Whether that be at or outside of school, enjoy every second of your life.” His most influential teacher was IB math teacher Mr. Yuanxin Li, who made learning a difficult topic interesting while pushing them to learn. He’ll always remember the rolling gray chairs in the new Lamar building. He has never seen them anywhere else but Lamar. His best elementary school story was when he was playing a game in PE and accidentally tripped, and then a girl tripped over him, and he got a black eye. His dream job is to become an independent video game developer.

Marisa Boué – West University Elementary School, The Kinkaid School 

Marisa Boué is headed to Baylor University and will participate in the 3+2 Program to pursue a Bachelor’s in human health studies and a Master’s in athletic training. She’d tell her kindergarten self: Don’t be afraid to be different. Her favorite moment from high school was being on the sideline while the football team won SPC her senior year. She says the Wiz Khalifa song “The Thrill” will always remind her of high school. Marisa says that Ms. Tianna Tomlinson, the 9th/10th-grade athletic trainer at Kinkaid, inspired her to be herself, and fight for her own health and her athletes’ health. Ms. Tomlinson is why Marisa ultimately decided to become an athletic trainer.

Lucy Walker – Annunciation Orthodox School, St. John’s School 

Lucy Walker is headed to The University of Texas at Austin to study journalism in the Moody Honors College. She hopes to become a journalist. The advice she’d give her kindergarten self is: “Take it all in. Life moves pretty fast – if you don't look around every once in a while, you could miss it.” Lucy says her third-grade teacher at AOS, Mrs. AT Williams, was nothing short of incredible: “Because of her, I am more organized, driven, and happy.” Red plaid will always remind her of high school. Her favorite high school moments were late nights before sending the school newspaper to the printers: “The energy in room Q201 at 7 p.m. on export day is ridiculous.” Her best memory is from middle school: “I broke my arm in sixth grade falling off my skateboard. Not a month later, I was tripped by another runner during a track and field race. I had a cast on both arms until summer. When I got to high school, I figured out my classmate (and now fellow editor on the newspaper) was the one who tripped me. We are going to be roommates in the fall.”

Isabella Roman – Sinclair Elementary School, Spillane Middle School, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts 

Isabella Roman is off to Reed College, where she will major in neuroscience and studio arts. She says her sophomore and senior-year art teacher, Ms. Vicki Fowler, made her feel seen and validated, and allowed her to recognize that what she has to say is important. Her favorite moment from high school was sitting in the auditorium and hearing her name called to announce her award for the most outstanding junior in visual arts. She says she felt seen for all her hard work towards art, and as though every vulnerability she has encountered contributed to her success. She would tell her kindergarten self to stand up for herself and others. She says her favorite band Y La Bamba has gotten her through high school, and provided her with a space to go to during difficult times and seek comfort within their transcendental sounds, along with their raw and emotional lyrics that touch experiences she has gone through. Her dream job is to be a teacher. 

Bennie Heitmann – St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Xavier Educational Academy 

Bennie Heitmann is heading to University of St. Thomas to attain an Associate of Applied Science degree. If he could give his kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be, “With God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). Bennie says that Coach Charles Gipson, Jr. changed his life because he was always ready to listen and gave him the support he needed through his high school years. His best memories from elementary school were playing soccer. His favorite high school memories were practicing jiu jitsu, which he says made him stronger both physically and mentally. His dream job would be working as an architect.

Nathan Nguyen – Jo Ella Exley Elementary School, Garland McMeans Junior High, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School

Nathan Nguyen is headed to Sam Houston State University, where he will major in business and play on the basketball team. If he could give his kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: “Enjoy it.” A core memory of high school for him was cheering on friends and teammates at games. He’ll always remember his third-grade teacher, Mrs. Gardner, for being exceptionally kind. His favorite part of high school was “Everything. Enjoying every second.” His best elementary school memories are of field days.

Hannah Song – Multiple elementary/middle schools, The Awty International School 

Hannah Song is going to Harvard College to study computer science and sociology. She would tell her kindergarten self to be more grateful: “There are more love and blessings around you than you realize.” The most influential teacher she has had was Mr. Tav Tavakoli, her 9th- and 10th-grade U.S./Modern History teacher. She says his strong work ethic, interpersonal skills, and genuine passion for lifelong learning are qualities she admires and tries to emulate in her own life. His teachings also sparked her interest in social studies and helped her see its value in understanding people and societal dynamics. Her favorite high school memory was her freshman homecoming. It was her first time dressing up and going to a classic high school event. She remembers jumping around in the mosh pit, her feet bruising from people landing on her, but she didn’t care because she was so happy to be there, surrounded by music, new friends, and the feeling that high school had really begun. Stanley cups will always remind her of high school – “they're carried around like lifelines.” Hannah hopes to one day leverage technology and design to increase access to social goods for vulnerable populations.

Siena Bush – West University Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions 

Siena Bush is heading to Dartmouth College, where she plans to study biophysical chemistry and public policy. Ice Breakers gum will always remind her of high school because they would pass around cases of it before class each morning. She would tell her kindergarten self: “If someone says something mean, it’s more about them than it is about you.” Siena says that as a self-taught cellist, she was unsure if she was meeting expectations and considered dropping orchestra in her freshman year. Her orchestra teacher, Mr. Jordan Stewart, taught her to overcome her self-doubt and encouraged her to persevere and develop her craft. Her favorite high school moment was DeBakey Field Day 2024, when her class got decked out in all shades of purple face paint, attire, and hair dye; it made her feel part of a loving, proud community. Her dream job is to become a neurosurgeon.

Jack Allen Peveto – The Joy School, Lanier Middle School, St. Francis Episcopal School 

Jack Allen Peveto is going to the University of Missouri, where he will major in mechanical engineering. His dream job is to be an engineer for Ferrari. The advice he’d give his kindergarten self is: “You may be good at math, but make sure you learn to write well.” Jack says that Dr. Jared Staller at St. Francis was an inspiration, and always easy to talk to about classes. Sabrina Carpenter songs will always remind him of high school. His favorite moment from high school was being elected president of the student body.

Chrysanthos Fetokakis – Annunciation Orthodox School, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

Chrysanthos Fetokakis is headed to University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he will major in business finance and hospitality and play offensive line on their football team. He would tell his kindergarten self to enjoy the playground while you can, because when eighth grade comes around, school matters. He says that Mrs. Nikkie Kyriasoglou changed his life because she displayed an immense amount of love and kindness not just to him but everyone who stepped foot in AOS. She was a great example and role model, and unfortunately passed away last year. His favorite moment from high school was going three rounds into the playoffs with his senior year football team. His team's football trophies in the trophy case at Strake Jesuit, along with their jerseys in his family’s restaurant Niko Niko’s, will always remind him of high school. His best story from elementary school was when he and his friends tossed a kickball in the stairwell, and one of them hit a camera and broke it. The principal then started a “manhunt” to find them, and they eventually got detention. His dream job is to take over the family restaurant, Niko Niko’s, and have locations nationwide.

Delphine Wood – Annunciation Orthodox School, Lamar High School 

Delphine Wood will be going to Wake Forest University, where she plans to major in business. She would tell her kindergarten self to put yourself out there more and try new things. Her favorite elementary school memory was playing Mary in the kindergarten Christmas pageant. She loved being part of the varsity field hockey team, and the celebrations that came with each goal. Clear backpacks will always make her think of Lamar because of the school’s clear bag policy, which started in her sophomore year. Her dream job is being a food critic for The New York Times and going to the best restaurants in the city. Her most impactful teacher was Ms. Vivian Langford, her junior-year US history teacher; “Not only do I love the subject she taught, but her kindness and willingness to always be there for me was such a blessing at Lamar.”

Madeline Yeh – The Village School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions, The Village School 

Madeline Yeh is going to Washington University in St. Louis, where she will study molecular biology and biochemistry. Her most influential teacher was Ms. Marla Maharaj, her biology teacher at DeBakey – “She taught me a lot about having a good mindset for school and life in general.” Her favorite high school memory is her school trip to Puerto Rico. The BeReal app will always make her think of high school. She hopes to one day work as an oncologist. Her best elementary school memory was doing line dances on Go Texan Day. She would tell her kindergarten self to appreciate nap time.

Will Young – Second Baptist School 

Will Young is going to Texas A&M University and majoring in business. He would tell his kindergarten self to look for the good in every situation. His best elementary school memory was leaving school early to go to the rodeo on his birthday. He says Bible teacher Mr. Derek Hickle deeply impacted his life. His favorite part of high school was having fun with his friends every day. Cabo Bob's, the burrito place near Second Baptist, will always make him think of high school. His dream job is being an MLB commentator/fisherman.

Josh Cestero – Frostwood Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Houston Christian High School 

Josh Cestero is off to Duke University, where he plans to major in economics. He would tell his kindergarten self, “Don’t make your own mistakes, learn from others.” He is grateful for his seventh-grade English teacher Mrs. Serveat: “Because of her, I always remember all my comma rules and when to use who vs. whom.” He says that his favorite moment of high school is celebrating with his team after winning the SPC football state championship. The song "Southern Nights" by Glenn Campbell will always remind him of high school. His dream job would be a college history professor. His best elementary school story was from kindergarten: “I would always want to use the blue crayons, but another kid liked to hoard them. During our lunch break, I stole the blue crayons and put them in my pocket so I'd always have them for coloring time. When I went home, I forgot to take the crayons out of my shorts, and our washing machine ended up covered in half-melted blue wax. Since that day, I have never stolen another crayon.”

Madison Morrow – KIPP Zenith Academy, Pershing Middle School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions 

Madison Morrow is headed to Midland University and majoring in nursing. She’ll be playing forward/center on the basketball team. She would tell her younger self to “keep being me,” because that unique personality gets you places. Madison says Mrs. Christina Tapia, her algebra 2 teacher in 10th grade, changed her life because she showed she cared for her students outside of their ID number or grade in her class. “She actually cares for the mental wellbeing of her students, and I will forever appreciate her for putting her students first.” Her favorite moments from high school were her friend group’s Friday afternoon hangouts: “Every Friday we would hang out and have a debrief of the week. It just reminded me I have a social life outside of my grades and sports.” Her dream job is to be a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

Jesus Trejo  – Edna Mae Fielder Elementary School, Rodger and Ellen Beck Junior High School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions  

Jesus Trejo will be attending the University of Houston, where he will study biology and medicine. He’d tell his kindergarten self to be more confident and not be afraid of making new friends. He says his interest in biology began in seventh grade where the science class was focused on the human body and the cell. Later, thanks to his teacher Ms. Marla Maharaj in ninth-grade Biology, he learned about DNA and genetics. He is particularly interested in the potential of bioengineering with developing technology. He says his friends have changed who he is today for the better: “They shaped my character, as we all decided to stay dedicated to school and fuel each other to succeed and become the best versions of ourselves.” His dream job is to be a pediatrician.

Alden Farrow – Frostwood Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Memorial High School 

Alden Farrow is headed to Northwestern University, where she will major in journalism. Alden would tell her kindergarten self to never be afraid of being different if that means doing what you love. She credits her freshman English teacher, Ms. Jamie Campbell, with changing her life by encouraging her to sign up for the school newspaper. Alden says all her favorite high school moments took place during late-night newspaper meetings, and that “every time we were on deadline, we would stuff their faces with food and get through the hours with humor and support from one another.” Her dream job is working for Vogue, interviewing public figures for each month's cover story. One thing that will always remind her of high school is Gilmore Girls. She watched it on her first day of freshman year to get into the school spirit and then rewatched it each new school year. Her best elementary school story was from kindergarten, when they were supposed to decorate a brown paper bag vest. She had a meltdown and refused to wear brown, then covered it with pink paint and heart rhinestones.

Carolina Factor – Frostwood Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Memorial High School 

Carolina Factor is attending the Texas A&M University Honors Program, majoring in finance at Mays Business School. She would tell her kindergarten self to keep asking questions. The teacher who changed her life was Ms. Patricia Kassie in third grade, who taught Carolina that opportunities are endless if you truly put your mind to it. They kept in contact for many years. Carolina says that’s the type of teacher she prays every student comes across: One who truly cares about you and your well-being, not just your grade. Stranger Things season four will always remind her of high school, particularly the songs in that season like “Running Up That Hill” (Kate Bush). Her favorite high school memory was her sophomore year, when they won the regional title for 6A tennis. It was the 15th year in a row they got the title, breaking a state record for consecutive regional championships won. She’ll never forget the memories from that season, like the state semifinals when one of her teammates clinched the game through a tiebreaker. She says they weren’t just a team that year, they were a family.

Parker Johnson – Rummel Creek Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Stratford High School 

Parker Johnson will be going to Colorado School of Mines, where he has committed to play football as safety and plans to major in engineering and minor in business. He would tell his kindergarten self to work hard in school and sports and never quit. A teacher that changed his life was Ms. Kate Potter in kindergarten; “She taught me everything I know.” His favorite moments from high school were beating Memorial in football back-to-back years. Eating at Whataburger with his friends is a core high school memory for him. His dream job is being happy and successful as an engineer.

Carter Camfield – Sherwood Elementary School (Dual Language), Cornerstone Academy, The Briarwood School 

Carter Camfield will head to The University of Texas at San Antonio, where she will major in Psychology. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: Don’t let the fear of others’ opinions dim your light. Be brave enough to be fully yourself. She says her 11th-grade chemistry teacher, Mr. Darrell Causey, showed her the power of authenticity and taught her to stand firmly in who she is and what she believes. Her favorite high school memories are “the late nights with my friends – horror movies, random drives, nonstop laughs until we couldn’t breathe. Pure chaos, pure fun, absolutely unforgettable.” Ribbons will always make her think of high school because she and her friends would wear them in their hair every day junior year – “we’d meet in the gym before school, do each other’s hair, and trade ribbons like friendship bracelets. It was our little tradition, and it made every morning feel special.” Her dream job is something in psychology. Her best elementary school memory is always being with her best friend Izzy: “We were glued at the hip – if one of us wasn’t there, everyone just assumed the other was not around. And the best part? We’re still best friends to this day.”

Courtney Duncan – Second Baptist School 

Courtney Duncan is going to Texas A&M University to study business. She would tell her kindergarten self to meet as many new people as you can. Her favorite moments from high school were getting to cheer at football games with her best friends. The teacher who changed her life was her junior-year physics teacher, Mr. Nathan Nease. “He taught me more than just physics; he taught me friendship and compassion. He would always give me advice and I am so thankful I had him as a teacher.” Her best elementary school memory was when someone brought exotic bugs to show-and-tell day. Her dream job would be to start her own clothing line. 

JJ Jackson – First Baptist Academy, Holy Spirit Episcopal School, Memorial High School 

JJ Jackson is heading to Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, where he has committed to play on the rugby team and plans to major in exercise physiology. He’d tell his kindergarten self: Start working out sooner, be more attentive to what’s happening around me, and be thankful for everything. His favorite teacher was the late Mrs. Nan Harvey, his fourth-grade art teacher. She taught him how to look at things from a different point of view. His favorite moment from high school was when he received a D1 Rugby offer from Drury University. His dream job would be as a starting flanker for the Australian Wallabies rugby team. 

John Joshue Laboy, II – Hunters Creek Elementary School, Cornerstone Academy, St. Francis Episcopal School 

John Joshue Laboy, II is headed to Columbia University, where he will be studying finance and playing basketball. He’d tell his kindergarten self: “Believe in yourself, reach for your highest dreams, and never stop believing – God has His path for you.” His most influential teacher was Ms. Dowell in kindergarten, who allowed him to explore, learn, and play at his own pace. His favorite memory from elementary school was dissecting a shark in fourth grade. His favorite moment from high school was winning the state basketball championship with his friends. His dream job is to be an NBA player.

Janie Frederickson – Frostwood Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Memorial High School 

Janie Frederickson is off to John V Roach Honors College at Texas Christian University to study allied health science. She would tell her kindergarten self to talk to the people sitting around you in your classes – it’s one of the best ways to make new friends! She says her senior year AP Lit teacher, Mrs. Erin Buckles, is one of the dedicated teachers she’s ever had, and she makes sure each student feels prepared and supported: “It’s obvious that she loves teaching and her students, and her class is a highlight of my day.” Hanging up her hat at her senior spring show for the Memorial Markettes was her favorite high school moment: “It was super bittersweet to end my time with them.” The song “Ribs” by Lorde will always remind her of high school. Her dream job is working as a nurse.

Madison Ramke – Frostwood Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Memorial High School 

Madison Ramke is off to the University of Georgia to major in business. She would tell her kindergarten self to enjoy having no homework and being able to hang out with friends at any time. Mrs. Lisa Mayer, her second- and fifth-grade teacher at Frostwood Elementary, changed Madison’s life. “She was one of the first teachers to treat us like young adults and not kids. I felt much more prepared for middle school, and even high school, with her advice and stories.” She’ll always remember Cotillion, and the excitement of finding dresses and making plans. Her dream job would be to be a business analyst. Her favorite moment from high school was making varsity soccer her freshman year. She says, “It truly changed my life and gave me my best friends ever.”

Davis Miller – Wilchester Elementary School, Cornerstone Academy, Houston Christian High School 

Davis Miller will head to the University of Houston to study engineering and theater production. If he could give his kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: “Everyone is good at something. Keep looking and trying until you find something you love.” Davis is thankful for Ms. Juli Pendergrass (a.k.a. Ms. P), his seventh- and eighth-grade Theater Tech teacher at Cornerstone Academy. He says she was the one who introduced him to theater tech and gave him the freedom to learn and discover and develop a love of the “behind-the-scenes” world. His favorite part of high school was being nominated as a finalist for Tommy Tune Awards all four years. His dream job is being on tour as a light designer. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers will always remind him of high school.

Kai Chong – Rummel Creek Elementary School, Cornerstone Academy, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

Kai Chong is heading to Texas A&M University to major in business. He would tell his kindergarten self to accept whatever challenge the world throws at you. His most influential teacher was Mrs. Carolyn Tacker, his fifth-grade math teacher at Rummel Creek, who told him if he showed his work, he would never get the answer wrong. His best elementary school memory was Boogie Down Brittmoore, a Rummel Creek event for graduating fifth graders featuring a pool party, water balloons, and water guns. His favorite high school moment happened recently, when he earned his first-degree black belt in Hapkido, something he's worked hard to accomplish at Strake Jesuit over the past four years. Things that will always remind him of high school include great chicken parm and football games.

Peter Vescovo – Nottingham Elementary School, Spring Forest Middle School, Stratford High School 

Peter Vescovo is heading to Texas A&M University, where he will major in business. He would tell his kindergarten self to skip his seventh-grade Zoom classes during the pandemic. “Don’t do it. Spend every day outside with your friends. You will never have that much free time again.” His favorite high school moments were beating Memorial in football every year – freshman, JV, and twice on varsity. His dream job is to be a ship broker. He says Mr. Kody “Jedi” Bibik (seventh- and eighth-grade math) gave him a great foundation in algebra that helped him succeed in high school, and “he also put up with me, and I appreciate that.”

Layne Lease – Rummel Creek Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Stratford High School 

Layne Lease is headed to University of Arkansas, where she will study supply chain management. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be, “Not everyone wants to be friends, and that’s okay! You will find people who love you so much you forget about the people who don’t! Also always pack your own lunch from home! (It always tastes better).” Layne says her fourth-grade English teacher, Ms. Stephanie Roache from Rummel Creek, sparked her love for reading by introducing her to Harry Potter. Every time she cracks open a book she thinks of Ms. Roache. Her favorite moment from high school was when Stratford won the Memorial vs. Stratford football game her junior year. She says the crowd went wild and all her friends went to Raising Cane’s to celebrate. Her dream job is to work in supply chain management and travel all over the world. Her favorite memory from elementary school was Boogie Down Brittmoore, the tradition that Rummel Creek has for its fifth-grade graduates. “My whole class runs down Brittmoore Road while getting pelted by water balloons… Who knew kids could throw water balloons so hard?”

Owen Bennett – Rummel Creek Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Stratford High School 

Owen Bennett is headed to Texas A&M University, where he will major in construction science. He would tell his kindergarten self to be kind to others, like his favorite teacher, Mr. Elmore. His dream job would be to become an NFL player. His favorite elementary school memories are winning races, and his favorite high school memories are hitting home runs.

Rylan Reichenau – Rummel Creek Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Stratford High School 

Rylan Reichenau is majoring in finance/accounting at the University of Alabama. He’d tell his kindergarten self: Enjoy these years because time flies by. Rylan says that Coach Joshua Hall at Stratford has been the most influential teacher/coach in his life. “He is someone that encourages growth and has motivated me to be the best I can be.” His favorite high school moment was hitting the game-tying RBI one pitch away from ending the game in the second round of baseball playoffs in 2024. Stratford went on to win that game. His dream job is to be a professional baseball player. Nerf Mafia will always remind him of high school. He’ll always remember how fun it was to run in Boogie Down Brittmoore after fifth-grade graduation at Rummel Creek Elementary: “It's the best tradition there is!”

Hannah Haygood – Wilchester Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Stratford High School 

Hannah Haygood is going to The University of Texas at Austin and majoring in nutrition. She’d tell her kindergarten self: “Hang tight to your recess buddies, because one day you will be throwing your cap at graduation alongside them!” A teacher who changed her life is her third-grade teacher Mrs. Joanne Thomas. “Before I was diagnosed with ADHD, I had trouble focusing and doing well in class. Most of my teachers never took the time to help me succeed, but Mrs. Thomas worked thoroughly with me and helped me believe in myself.” Her favorite memory from high school was going to the state final with her soccer team this year. The Spartanaire Spring Show will always remind her of high school. She watched the show in awe as a little girl, and then her best friend Anna Hardig became the colonel. Her dream job is to be a private chef in a home in the Hamptons. Her best story from elementary school is “Buddies Café;” Every recess, she and her friends would work tirelessly sitting tables at their fake restaurant made of gravel and grass. 

Michael Peavy – Hunters Creek Elementary School, Spring Branch Middle School, St. Pius X High School 

Michael Peavy is headed to Texas State University, where he has committed to play baseball (catcher) and plans to major in political science. He would tell his kindergarten self that one bad grade doesn’t define you. Coach Pamela Thompson was one of his favorite teachers. He says, “She believed in me. Her passion and enthusiasm is something that will stick with me forever.” His favorite moment from high school was being voted in and winning homecoming king. His best elementary school memory was the Hunters Creek fifth-grade clap out, when all the students and teachers come out of the classrooms and cheer the leaving fifth graders as they walk the halls for the last time. He hopes to one day step on the field as a Major League Baseball player.

Hayden Pettit – St. Mark Lutheran School, Cornerstone Academy, Memorial High School

Hayden Pettit is headed to the Pratt Institute, where he plans to major in architecture and play on the soccer team as goalkeeper. He would tell his kindergarten self to enjoy the small moments and to keep moving; he says he often puts focus on the final product instead of enjoying the process. Hayden says that his most influential teacher is Ms. Kelly Bolen, his English teacher his junior year. He has never been able to connect and enjoy his class and teacher as much as he did that year. He says he has experienced almost every memorable high school moment with his buddies (the “Locker Room Boys”) while in the locker room during lunch: “The constant laughter, deep talks, or shenanigans that went down during our short lunch period will never be forgotten.” Hayden has known his dream job since freshman year of high school: He plans to run his own architecture firm. He wants to be able to use his own creative freedom to develop residential buildings and other projects. 

Sophia Moncada – Houston Quran Academy, Second Baptist School  

Sophia Moncada is headed to University of Houston Honors College to attain a B.A. in economics. She would tell her kindergarten self that there is a straightforward formula to a successful high school career: “Keep God and prayer as your center focus, surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and push yourself to succeed so you know that at the end of the day, you did everything humanly possible.” Mrs. Melissa Farias changed her life the most throughout her high school career. “She not only taught us the grammar and more difficult aspects of Spanish, but she made her class a safe space for all of us to voice our thoughts, opinions, and to have healthy discussions. This class will forever hold a special place in my heart.” Her favorite moment of high school was her Guatemala mission trip in her junior year, where they successfully built four houses. She says interacting with the families they built the houses for was the most rewarding part of the trip. Her dream job is to work at a mass tort law firm and eventually become partner.  

William Oakley – Kindergarten at the House at Pooh Corner, St. John's School

William Oakley is headed to Bard College where he will major in economics and play on the baseball team as pitcher. His favorite part of high school was being on the SJS Varsity Baseball team and winning their first championship in 33 years. He would tell his kindergarten self to enjoy every moment you have. He says that Mr. Jack Soliman, his advisor for four years, taught him how to be a better man, and to take education seriously. 

Sonia Motter – Da Vinci Connect, The Saint Constantine School 

Sonia Motter is heading to Texas Woman’s University, where she plans to study business and entomology. She would tell her kindergarten self to never stop loving. The teacher who changed her life was her fourth-grade teacher at Da Vinci Connect, Ms. Megan Katz. Through her example and her teaching, she learned to love learning and reading and the joy it brings. Her favorite moment from high school was hiking a mountain in West Texas with her senior class on their astronomy trip. Her dream job would be studying wetlands, tidal biodiversity, and conservation in New Zealand.

Taryn Heng – Lady Eleanor Holles School (U.K.), The Awty International School

Taryn Heng will be going to The University of Texas at Austin and majoring in finance. She would tell her kindergarten self: “Fearlessness isn’t about never facing hardship – it’s about trusting that even in difficult times, goodness will guide you forward. When you live with kindness and integrity, you don’t have to chase happiness; it will naturally return to you.” Taryn says that Ms. Brandy-Artrese Giles, her Environmental Systems and Societies teacher, changed her life by helping her turn her love for the environment into action. She says that, oddly enough, a waffle machine will always remind her of high school. She and her friends would bring a waffle machine into school during free periods and make everything from pizza to cinnamon rolls. Before she even knew the word “entrepreneurship,” she said at her kindergarten graduation that she wanted to be an “inventor.” She used to sell lemonade, busk outside her mom's restaurant in Singapore, and host garage sales. Her best elementary school story is the saga of her “extremely serious” slime business: “I had a whole deposit fee process, refund/return policies, seasonal slimes, and spreadsheets calculating my costs to pay my parents back for my ingredients, along with my sales and promotion tactics.” At one point, she secretly added more borax to her slimes so they would harden quickly and offered a “magic solution” (body lotion) to fix them. “Yes, it was very unethical, but I was also 10.”

Cayla Pavlik – St. Francis Episcopal School 

Cayla Pavlik is headed to the University of Alabama, where she will major in business. She would tell her kindergarten self, “Don’t let other people’s opinions get to you. Be your own person & everything will turn out as God intended.” She says that Ms. Duncan, her fourth-grade English teacher, taught her to love reading and helped her when she got in trouble at school for the first time ever. Her favorite memory from high school was her senior-year spring break, when she went to Cabo with her friends. She says a core memory of her high school years is how, before any big events, she and her friends would get ready at her house, listen to music and do their hair and makeup together. Her dream job is to own a wedding-planning company, so she would be able to help people prepare for one of the highlights of their lives. Her best memory from elementary school was a dance competition when the music stopped halfway through the routine. Their team persevered, finished the dance, and won first place.

Dove LeBlanc – Homeschool, The Saint Constantine School 

Dove LeBlanc is going to Saint Constantine College for Orthodox studies and literature. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: “Work hard, love yourself, and forgive.” Dove says that Mr. Zach Harris was the most impactful teacher she has had. She says, “He was hard but fair, and didn’t make me feel stupid for not understanding, He was (and still is) a very gracious man who I look up to.” Dove says that getting close to all the other seniors this year has meant a lot to her, and that the astronomy trip was a special experience. Her best elementary school memories are playing in the rain, barefoot. Her dream job? “Rich housewife. Linguist.”

Emma Scudder – Roberts Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School  

Emma Scudder is headed to Southern Methodist University, where she will study marketing/finance. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: don’t rush to grow up – cherish the carefree days of being a kid. “I remember thinking nap time was boring and even recess felt routine sometimes, but looking back, those were moments filled with love, simplicity, and joy.” Emma says her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Tamyra Palmer, completely changed her life. “She made me fall in love with learning and helped me understand how I learn best. Her patience and encouragement made school feel exciting, not scary, and that mindset has stuck with me ever since.” Her favorite part of high school was transferring to a new school junior year and finding her place. She says starting over was scary, but she met amazing people who made senior year so much fun. She’ll never forget all the late-night Whataburger and Taco Bell runs with her friends. “We weren’t really going for the food – we just wanted an excuse to drive around, park somewhere, and talk for hours in the car. Those nights were full of laughter, bad music, deep conversations, and lots of memories.” 

Beatrix Gnemi – Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions 

Beatrix Gnemi is headed to the University of California, Berkeley to study business at the Spieker Undergraduate Business Program. She would tell her kindergarten self to never stop dreaming big, no matter what. Her best memory from elementary school was playing freeze tag and hide-and-seek with her friends almost every day after school in Feld Park. She says Mr. Richard Hosein (ninth grade AP Human Geography) changed her life by “continuing to support me and my sky-high dreams through invaluable life advice that I have used all four years of high school.” She aspires to become a strategy business consultant living abroad. Her favorite memories from high school were spending every lunch on the outside patio with her favorite people.

Cole Mansour – West University Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Lamar High School 

Cole Mansour will be heading to Southwestern University, where he will be majoring in biology and playing football as the team’s long snapper. He would tell his kindergarten self “to always accept every challenge and opportunity that came my way because I'll never know how that opportunity might change my life in the future. I would also add that you can learn something from everyone; there's no such thing as a wasted conversation.” He says that he has had many kind and thoughtful teachers. In particular, his 11th-grade biology teacher, Ms. Katie Watson, was extremely knowledgeable and understanding of her students. His favorite moment from high school was when his football team advanced to the third round of state playoffs his junior year and played at NRG Stadium. “It's hard to beat playing under the lights of a professional stadium in high school.” He hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and become an orthopedic surgeon. He’ll always remember the trips he took with his family – they visited nine national parks over the last four years.

Susie Lane – West University Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, Lamar High School 

Susie Lane is headed to the University of Missouri, where she plans to study occupational therapy. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be curious. She is grateful for her second-grade teacher, Ms. Marie Anderson for pushing her to try her best and be confident in her schoolwork. She says she will always associate the show Gilmore Girls with high school because of the countless times she stayed up too late rewatching it. Her favorite moments in high school were spent in the Best Buddies Club, which influenced her career goals and helped form many close friendships. Her dream job is to be an occupational therapist. She hopes to help individuals with special needs improve their ability to perform daily living skills.

Enya Krathaus – Travis Elementary School, Hogg Middle School, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

Enya Krathaus is going to Princeton University, where she plans to major in molecular biology and compete on the Openweight Women’s Rowing team. Her dream job is to be a sports medicine physician for a hospital or the Olympic team. Enya says that her sophomore Pre-AP chemistry teacher, Mr. Marlo Diosomito, made her realize her passion for chemistry and STEM, and built her confidence in her academic abilities. Her best elementary school memory is running around playing playground games with her friends. She would tell her kindergarten self to always do the things you love, and everything will work out.

Lauren Philpott – Rhodes School for the Performing Arts, Gregory-Lincoln Education Center, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts 

Lauren Philpott is heading to Savannah College of Art and Design, where she will study sound design. The teacher who changed her life was her eighth-grade theatre teacher, Ms. Shandrekya Simpson. Although Lauren had already fallen in love with theatre, Ms. Simpson was the person who encouraged her to audition for HSPVA, and still attends her performances. Her dream job is to be a lighting designer, sound designer, and/or sound engineer for concerts, theatre musicals, theatre plays, film, or anything of that nature. If she could give her kindergarten self advice, it would be, “Don't stress over the big things, and just enjoy every little moment and memory with everyone. Life goes by fast and you grow up even faster.” One thing that will always remind her of high school is pictures in 0.5x – people at her school love to take them because they look so silly. Her best elementary school story is when she faked an allergy because she wasn’t a fan of the school breakfast.

Siddharth Dasari – Field Elementary School, T. H. Rogers School, Carnegie Vanguard High School 

Siddharth Dasari is going to The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in international relations and Plan II Honors. He would tell his kindergarten self: “These next few years will go by faster than you think, so cherish every memory and make sure to be positive.” He credits Mrs. Suparna Vashisht, his fifth-grade math teacher, with transforming his attitude toward math. He says she went above and beyond when teaching him, turning him from a student who hated STEM to a student who placed first at math competitions. His favorite moment from high school was sophomore year, when he and his friends – on a whim – formed a team and signed up for the Academic WorldQuest competition just two weeks before. They ended up placing second at nationals and were even featured on KPRC-2 News. “Replay” by Iyaz will always remind him of high school. He loved singing along with friends and belting it out during karaoke at parties. His dream job would be working as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service.