Top 10 recognized for academic excellence during special lunch
As the school year begins to wrap up, the high school has started to celebrate some of its students, including the Class of 2026’s Top 10. In an event that honors both their hard work and some of the teachers who helped them along the way, the 10 students and their chosen teachers enjoyed a luncheon together May 1.
The Top 10 luncheon started in 2018 and has become a tradition over the years. Once class ranks were finalized at the end of March, assistant principal Dr. Veronica Robinso
The luncheon took place in the high school’s library where the culinary program provided barbecue chicken, bak
"This is a celebration of excellence, perseverance and the extraordinary achievements of our top scholars,” Dr. Robinson said. “We gather not only to recognize these 10 exceptional students, but to acknowledge the village that has supported them along the way - the parents, guardians, teachers and mentors who have helped shape their journey.”
Once everyone cleaned their plates, the students and their families got to catch up with their chosen teachers, reflecting on the past and discussing future plans.
In order from 1 to 10, the Top 10 and the teacher they invited
Lakshmi Muppana, 5.387 GPA - math teacher Cheryl Peterson
Tanisha Kumar, 5.319 GPA - math teacher Yuni Wolf
Nour Hasan, 5.3095 GPA - Spanish teacher Hector Arrechea
Hunter Skaggs, 5.2375 GPA - science teacher Mashal Khan
Noah Young, 5.2359 GPA - science teacher Tanya McCormack
Micaela Hickman, 5.2143 GPA - counselor Kayla Walling
Purra Akoh, 5.2066 GPA - math teacher Jim Lu
Nolan Christian, 5.16 GPA - engineering teacher Joanna Robertson
Lamiaa Binte Raghib, 5.159 GPA - ELAR teacher Katherine Smith
Hiba Fatima, 5.1507 GPA - debate coach Matthew Riggins
The Top 10 students had this to say about their chosen teachers:
Lakshmi - Ms. Peterson:
"The reason I chose her is that she was one of the few teachers who took math, which can often feel boring or tiring, and turned it into an energetic and enriching experience. Her teaching style was so memorable and applicable that it made me feel prepared for my calculus class this year, without even taking pre-cal. Research shows that students forget up to 90% of new information within a week, but with Mrs. Peterson’s energetic style, I’ve never really felt that way. Even now in my calculus class, I still find myself using some of the algebra tricks she taught us to help remember difficult concepts. Additionally, I chose Ms. Peterson because she was also my math UIL coach, and she showed some unbelievable patience and understanding toward me and my teammates, which were some personality traits that really resonate with me as a student."
Tanisha - Ms. Wolf
"She has been my teacher for both AP Calculus in 12th grade and honors Algebra 2 in 10th grade. I also received her Algebra 2 Honors award. She has made math very memorable and is a big inspiration to me."
Hunter - Ms. Khan
"Ms. Khan is my most influential teacher. She has inspired me to keep pushing forward and strive for excellence. She made learning physics fun and inspired me to pursue engineering in college."
Nour - Mr. Arrechea
"I chose Mr. Arrechea because of his impact on my learning and self-confidence. He never made me feel bad for not understanding something; instead, he helped me through my mistakes and made me more motivated to strive to be the best I could."
Noah - Coach McCormack
"The teachers I have produced the best results with have been the ones that give me no-nonsense tough love. Mrs. McCormack didn't sugarcoat what I needed to do to pass the AP Bio exam, and helped establish the work ethic that I have cultivated to bring me where I am in life."
Micaela - Ms.Walling
"I chose my counselor because I'm very appreciative of her. She has helped me navigate my high school career, and I've always felt like I could ask her for help and guidance."
Purra - Mr. Lu
"Mr Lu poured in to the love I have for math, and he always made me want to believe in myself. He was such a great teacher, and I will forever miss his class plus he gifted me a peach tree that has grown so much, and it should be bearing peaches this summer."
Nolan - Ms. Robertson
"She is the main teacher I have worked with through SkillsUSA and 3D printing, and I have her in class as my engineering teacher. She has been one of my more favorite teachers."
Lamiaa - Ms. Smith
"Ms. Smith has always supported me, not just as a student, but also as an individual. Her classroom always felt as warm and welcoming as she was."
Hiba - Mr. Riggins
"Mr. Riggins made a big impact on my growth as an individual during high school. The support he gives me is always appreciated, and I have become a more confident person as a result."
- PHS
