The Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD) is proud to announce that 18 students from Lake Travis High School (LTHS) have been recognized by the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program.
These students entered the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They were chosen from more than 1.5 million program entrants and represent less than one percent of each state’s high school seniors. They are the top scorers from each state and show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Sixteen LTHS students qualified for recognition in the 2009 program.
“Our students continue to raise the bar on academic excellence,” said LTISD Superintendent Dr. Rocky Kirk. “Their success not only reflects the quality and caliber of our teachers and staff who directly impact student learning, it also reflects the support and commitment of their parents who are instrumental to their success.” These recognitions prove that LTHS students possess exceptional ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies, concluded Dr. Kirk.
This year, three LTHS students have qualified as National Merit Semifinalists, while 11 students are recognized as National Merit Commended Students, two as National Achievement Scholars, and two as National Hispanic Recognition Scholars.
National Merit Semifinalist:
• Elyse Cunningham, Daughter of Frank and Patti Cunningham
College plans: Baylor University
Career goals: Psychology and English; she would like to be either a Pediatric psychologist or a high school teacher
Favorite teacher: Kenny Vise
“Mr. Vise has taught me to always do my best in everything that I do from playing the flute to taking a physics test. If you practice perfection you have no choice but to repeat perfection. Mr. Vise has also challenged me and given me ample opportunities to be a leader in everything that I do.”
• Lauren Gilbert, Daughter of Ken and Barbara Gilbert
College plans: University of Texas, University of California at Berkley, or Stanford University Career goals: Chemical Engineering or Biochemistry
Favorite teacher: Kenny Vise
“I am very appreciative of Mr. Vise for leading the band that taught me what I need to know for the rest of my life.”
• Ian Steigmeyer, Son of Steve and Taimi Steigmeyer
College plans: University of Chicago or MIT
Career goals: Economics and Econometrics, Chinese, and Business and Trade Law
National Merit Commended Students:
• Nick Albanese, Son of Robert and Cheryl Albanese
College plans: Rice, Dartmouth, or Georgetown University
Career goals: International Relations
Favorite Teachers: Caren Goodman, Jean Wilkins, and Anna Macias
“Mrs. Goodman, Ms. Wilkins, and Ms. Macias are the teachers who have most impacted my education. Each has not only helped me to excel, but also to get involved in numerous rewarding activities.”
• Rachel Burdick, Daughter of Brian and Cindy Burdick
College plans: West Point, Hillsdale College or the University of Texas
Career goals: Math or Science
Favorite teachers: Caren Goodman
“I’ve never really liked English, but Mrs. Goodman made it more enjoyable for me. Every day in her class was challenging and purposeful, and I feel that helped improve my writing and analysis of literature.
• Claire Cahill, Daughter of Jim and Deb Cahill
College plans: University of Connecticut, Davidson College, or the University of Colorado at Boulder
Career goals: Chemical Engineering and Mathematics
Favorite teacher: Laura Brito-Hazelton
“Mrs. Brito has been my Spanish teacher for three years. She is really passionate about her work and did everything she could to see me successful in the language.
• Katie Cahill, Daughter of Jim and Deb Cahill
College plans: University of Texas
Career goals: Civil, Electrical or Aerospace Engineering
Favorite teacher: Ginger Johnson
“Mrs. Johnson! This is my second year having her and there is never a dull moment in her class. The hands on learning we do in her class creates such an enjoyable atmosphere. The passion she has for teaching is truly inspiring and I will always be thankful for everything she has taught me.”
• Parker Eudy, Son of Ron and Kim Eudy
College plans: University of Texas, Washington University, or Columbia
Career goals: Psychology or Education
Favorite teachers: Ms, Macias, Mrs. Goodman, and Ms Rehrig
“Mrs. Goodman and Ms. Rehrig have left an indelible impression on my high school education, as has the orchestra director, Ms. Macias, with whom I have shared nearly seven years.”
• Chase Lambert, Son of Gavin and Bridget Lambert
College plans: Stanford, MIT, or the University of Texas
Career goals: Computer Science and Business
Favorite teacher: Ginger Johnson
“Mrs. Johnson invited me to join UIL academics and I am a whole lot smarter because of it.”
• Brian O’Connor, son of Peter and Kathy O’Connor
College plans: University of Texas, Rice, Duke, Cornell, or Stanford
Career goals: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Economics or Finance
Favorite teacher: Jeff Gamble
“Coach Gamble impacted my education by getting me excited about history, a topic in which I had previously no interest.”
• Kaitlyn Sisk, Daughter of Randy and Kristi Sisk
College plans: Rice University, Baylor University or the University of Texas at Austin
Career goals: Engineering or English
Favorite teacher: Kenny Vise
“Mr. Vise has impacted my education because the values he taught me that were required on the marching field applied directly to the classroom. He shaped me into being a leader and a good student.”
• Andrew Stover, Son of Mary Moore Cavanagh and Brent Stover
College plans: St John’s College, Austin College, or Earlham College
Career goals: English, Japanese/East Asian Studies or Linguistics
Favorite teachers: Shannon Aguirre and Tara Rehrig
“Ms. Shannon Aguirre has been a monumental influence during my four years at LTHS. A phenomenal Latin teacher, she inspires ever-branching trains of thought and makes the learning of a comparatively difficult subject fresh and exciting. Much the same is Ms. Tara Rehrig who’s in depth classroom discussions promotes varied opinions and challenging discussion. I was lucky enough to have her both my freshman year where I learned the rigors of high school English and now again in AP English IV.”
3 Britton Wehmeyer, Son of Robert and Juli Wehmeyer
College plans: University of Texas at Austin
Career goals: Prelaw and Advertising
Britton is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and an AP Scholar designee. “(My favorite teachers are) all of the English teacher who helped strengthen my writing skills and challenged me to push harder.”
• Lori Xu, Daughter of Feng Xu and Yun Wang
College plans: Rice University, Washington University, St Louis, Northwestern, Emory, Johns Hopkins, or the University of Texas at Austin
Favorite teacher: Tara Rehrig, Caren Goodman, Anna Macias, Archie McHarg
“Ms. Rehrig has pushed me to strive for my best.”
“The constant support of Ms. Macias has motivated me to excel in everything.”
“Mrs. Goodman has inspired me so much to work hard and dedicate myself to education.”
“Mr. McHarg constantly reminds me that education is fun and rewarding.”
National Achievement Scholarship Program:
• Dara Brown, Daughter of Clifford and Tammie Brown
College plans: University of North Carolina, Duke University, or Spellman College
Career goals: Biology, Biomedical Engineering or Human Ecology
Favorite teacher: Caren Goodman
“Mrs. Goodman has undoubtedly impacted my education. She truly cares about the success of her students and encourages them to take academic risks.”
• Riley Glenn, Daughter of Eric and Lisa Glenn
College plans: Brown, Yale, Boston College or University of Southern California
Career goals: Psychology and Sociology or Journalism and Advertising
Favorite teacher: Tina McCann
“Tina McCann, my DECA adviser and CTE teacher at LTHS has helped me focus on my future, taught me how to be courageous and extend my social network, and helped me realize how important voicing my opinion is.”
National Hispanic Recognition Scholar:
• Garrett Duran, Son of Nicole Duran, Ben and Paula Duran
College plans: University of Texas, Louisiana State University, or Notre Dame
Career goals: Natural Sciences and Engineering
Favorite teacher: Laura Brito-Hazelton
“Mrs. Brito-Hazelton has been my favorite teacher since I began at this school. She instilled a great work ethic in me and supported me throughout high school. She is an incredible person and I have much love for her.”
• Peter Rangel, Son of Peter and Rebecca Rangel
College plans: University of Texas at Austin or Northwestern State University
Career goals: Engineering or Music Education
Favorite teacher: Lance Brightwell
“Before this senior year I was convinced music as a profession was out of the question but Mr. Brightwell (drum line instructor) has made me have second thoughts lately.”