Senior Spotlight: Rachel Criddle

Nice – Silly – Funny – Independent – Respectful – Creative – Smart

Today’s Senior Spotlight features student Rachel Criddle.    Before attending Round Rock High School, Rachel attended Chisholm Trail Middle School and Cook Elementary School. 

High School Experience

As a student at RRHS, Rachel was a member of the Pokémon Fan Club, and her hobbies include playing video games, drawing cartoons in her sketchbook, listening to music, watching internet videos, reading books, writing stories, and riding her bike.   In addition, Rachel has volunteered at her community library and has served as a library aid at RRHS. 

When she was just beginning high school as a freshman, Rachel was anxious to face new challenges, and she was most excited about making new friends.  Now, as she prepares to graduate, Rachel is apprehensive but eager to begin college, and is enthusiastic about graduation.   She says her greatest accomplishment in high school was obtaining a part time job at McDonalds. 

Rachel’s favorite subject in school is Art because she loves to draw and paint.  Her least-preferred subject was Economics, because although she is up to any challenge, Rachel found this class to be super-tough!  The most stressful part of being a high school student is lots of studying and hard tests.  She would advise freshmen entering high school for the first time to have fun, make new friends, and to be a good student.  Her advice for next years’ senior class is to “work hard, reach your goals, and never give up!”  When asked if she could change anything about her high school experience, Rachel said she would have liked to have been a little more organized, as she tends to over-stuff her binder. 

Future

Rachel has been working at McDonalds for quite some time now, and she really enjoys it.  She plans to continue to work there over the summer, and someday she wants to go to ACC and work at Seton Medical Center.   Rachel wants to be a responsible grown woman living independently in an apartment in Austin.   She aspires to write lots of children’s books and work at a public library or small book store.   For enjoyment, she wants to spend time with friends and go bowling or to the movies.  She hopes to be able to visit her two older brothers as well. 

Random

If Rachel could start a food fight, her weapon of choice would be spaghetti and meatballs.  Reading books by author Dave Pilkey inspires her to become a writer.  Her hero is her family because they have taught her right from wrong and have always been there for her.   Three things Rachel wants to do in her lifetime are go to college, learn how to be responsible for her own finances, and write books.   In addition to being artistic, being an avid reader, and being intelligent, Rachel says that being kind to others and taking responsibility for her actions are just a few of her best qualities.

Ms. D’s Turn to Brag

Rachel always stands up for what she believes to be right, even when others disagree with her.   She shows tenacity and fierceness when it comes to getting things done, and she perseveres through every challenge that she is faced with.  I am extremely proud to say that I have been Rachel’s teacher, and I have been honored to watch her grow into the young woman she is today.  Rachel will undoubtedly go on to serve our community with her welcoming smiles and contagious laughter.  Rachel, thanks so much for brining sunshine to my mornings!  I know that you will continue to light up the world!  

Senior Spotlight: Ryan Spicer

Quirky – Amiable – Observant – Reserved – Creative – Free – Humble

Today’s Senior Spotlight features student Ryan Spicer.    Ryan has attended RRHS for four years.  Prior to that, Ryan attended Parkcrest Middle School and Windemere Elementary School, both in Pflugerville. 

High School Experience

While at RRHS, Ryan was a member of the French Club and Thespians.  Outside of school he was active in the Austin Bronies Club.   Ryan enjoys playing video games, making art, watching television, and browsing the internet.  

Before high school, Ryan’s biggest fears of coming in as a freshman were not having friends, not gaining any meaningful changes to his life, and having too much homework.   At the same, making friends was one of things he looked forward to the most.   Leaving high school, Ryan is most worried about having to “start over” as a freshman in college.  He is excited about making more friends, and making the friends he has today proud of him.   His biggest accomplishment in high school is passing all of his classes and making great friends. 

Ryan’s favorite subjects in high school were art and animation.  He enjoyed those classes because he is an artist and he enjoyed spending time with peers who shared the same interests.  His least favorite subject was Personal Fitness because he is not very athletic.   The most stressful part of school according to Ryan has been attending.  He says once you get that part over with, the rest is fairly easy.   If he were to give advice to a freshman entering high school, he would recommend they get their credits done and choose their own classes.   For seniors, he would recommend that they not give too much attention to detail, but to get their work done and move on.   If he could change anything about his high school experience, Ryan would have not taken AP classes his freshman year.   He had to drop out of those classes because the workload was tough for a freshman with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Ryan would have instead liked to have worked his way up to AP classes from regular classes, once he got used to the high school experience. 

Future

After graduation, Ryan plans to go to Inks Lake with friends, stay in touch, and take a long break.  He plans to go to ACC to get his basics, and then transfer to either UT Austin or the Art Institute of Austin.   Ryan wants to be a professional game developer, and he wants to live either in the Round Rock area or in Burnet, TX.   For fun he wants to continue playing games, social networking, and he wants to explore new places. 

Random

If Ryan was in a food fight, his weapon of choice would be a kumquat, because it’s fun to say.  The color green describes him best, because it’s not bombastic and it’s very common in nature.   When asked what inspires him, Ryan answered “Underdog moves, like Dodgeball.  I am a humble guy yearning for greatness.”  His hero is a friend of his, whose feats of artistic and academic success Ryan finds inspiring, and he aspires to have similar successes in life.   Three things Ryan hopes to do in his lifetime are earning world-wide recognition as an artist, getting married, and making lots of money.   He says his best qualities are that he is artistic, creative, thoughtful, friendly, and open-minded.  Ryan is most proud of himself for just getting through the day, every day. 

Ms. D’s Turn to Brag

Expressing how proud I am of Ryan will be difficult to proclaim, as I cannot conceive that strong enough words truly exist.    I have had the pleasure of teaching and advising Ryan since his freshman year.    I am thoroughly impressed with how outgoing and affable he has become.  For the longest time it was a challenge to get him to crack a smile.  Now, Ryan uses his friendly and welcoming personality to put a smile on the faces of those around him.   He has developed strong, heartfelt relationships with his peers, Autistic and Neurotypical alike.   He recognizes the uniqueness and value in each individual and wholly embraces their differences.    Ryan has become an incredible advocate for himself and his peers.   A tad bit of a perfectionist, it used to be extremely difficult for Ryan to complete a simple writing assignment.  Now, given a bit of time, he writes the most amazing, in-depth, and personable responses and essays.  Ryan has demonstrated tremendous growth in the areas of self-expression and interpersonal skills, more so than any other student I have witnessed in my teaching career.  He has begun to recognize and embrace his own potential.  Ryno, I know you will continue to inspire those around you, because you have been a true inspiration to me!  (Bro-fist).  

Senior Spotlight: William Hornyak

Friendly – Intelligent – Kind – Caring – Loyal – Hardworking – Sensitive

In this episode of Senior Spotlight, I would like to feature student William Hornyak.  William has attended RRHS for 4 years, and attended Chisholm Trail Middle School and Deepwood Elementary School here in Round Rock ISD. 

High School Experience

His freshman year, William was a member of the Pokemon Club, and this past year he has been active in both the Stock Market Club and the Japanese Culture Club here at RRHS.  Outside of school William’s interests are playing video games and rock collecting.   Coming into high school, William’s greatest concern was that he did not know what to expect.   As he eagerly anticipates graduation, he has the same apprehensions regarding the “real world”.   Entering high school, William was most eager about making new friends, and as graduation nears he is most enthusiastic about securing a job.  

William’s favorite subject has been science, by reason that he gets to learn something new and exciting every day, and that he has a passion for Biology and animals.  His least preferred subject was English, because he has a difficult time with the laborious task of writing.   William says the most taxing part of high school has been keeping up with homework and assignments.  If he were to give advice to freshmen entering high school for the first time, it would be to keep their grades up on account that their parents are less likely to fuss at them about it.  The advice William would give to next years’ seniors would be to work hard first, and then party.  

Some Fun Stuff

If he could start a food fight (and get away with it, of course), William’s weapon of choice would be ketchup, because it’s a mess!   His heroes are his parents, because they have raised him to be himself.   The color that best describes him is orange, and the strangest thing he has ever eaten was dried seaweed (he didn’t like it and it had a fishy taste). 

Future

After graduation William plans to attend ACC.   His ambition is to someday have a job caring for animals.   William would like to have a family someday and plans on living in Texas, although he hasn’t quite decided where at this time.

Ms. D’s Turn to Brag

What makes me the most proud of William is his metamorphosis from a young boy into the mature young man he is today.   In his earlier high school career, William struggled to interact with his peers and teachers.   It was hard for him to define where he “fit” within the RRHS community, and he wasn’t quite sure how to stand up or speak up for himself.   William battled change and was rigid in his thinking and actions.   These were not weaknesses of William, rather they were challenges that he faced as a student with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Now, William has grown to be a true leader within the classroom and the school community.   He helps other students understand themselves and their actions, and he often reflects and strives to understand his own behaviors and needs, advocating for himself and being proactive whenever necessary.   He is flexible and creative in his thinking, and demonstrates the willingness to compromise and work with others.  William’s ability to communicate his needs and ideas to others has grown significantly.  I can always count on him to do the right thing, and I know that wherever life takes him, William Hornyak will absolutely be a positive force on the world.  

Senior Spotlight: Kim Wysocki

Friendly – Smart – Active – Entertainer – Funny – Strong – Sensitive

In today’s episode of Senior Spotlight, I would like to showcase student Kim Wysocki.  Kim has attended RRHS since her freshman year, and attended a few area middle schools and Union Hill Elementary School before she was a Dragon. 

High School Experience

In her junior year, Kim tried out for the soccer team.   Although she didn’t make the team as a player, she became the team manager.  Kim continued to work hard, and as a senior, she not only persisted in her position as a manager for the team, but she also made the varsity team as a PLAYER!   At the end of the season, Kim received a plaque and certificate for her dedication to the team, earned the prestigious Dragon Heart award, and was selected to the UIL All-District Academic Team.   In addition to her commitment to the soccer team, Kim was active in the RRHS Social Skills After-School and Summer Clubs, where she engaged in and led social expeditions with her peers.  When not at school, Kim enjoys fishing, going for walks, playing video games, listening to music, and creating videos.  

As a freshman, Kim’s most copious concern coming into high school was not having any friends.   That fear was soon annihilated as she now has many friends and is a “social butterfly” in the RRHS community.   The thing she looked forward to the most as a freshman was having her older sister Katie’s teachers.  As a senior, Kim dreads leaving behind her classmates and favorite teachers, but when asked what she is looking forward to, she enthusiastically responded with “no more work for me!” 

Kim says her favorite subject in school has been soccer, because she plays well, it has motivated her to keep up her grades, and she has made many friends.   Kim’s least favorite subject is English, by reason of all the work!   The most stressful part of high school for Kim has been the homework.   If she were to give advice to a freshman, it would be to stay strong and be smart.   Her advice to seniors: “Party Rock.”   The only thing Kim would change about her high school experience is that she would have liked joined the soccer team as a sophomore.  

Some Fun Stuff about Kim 

If Kim were to be in a food fight, her weapon of choice would be a slingshot.   Her hero is her previous English teacher, Mrs. Esparza, because she showed Kim a lot of understanding and compassion.   The color that describes her most is orange, because it makes her happy.  Kim says the strangest thing she ever eaten is sushi.   She is most proud of herself for standing up and being herself. 

Future

Three things Kim wants to accomplish in her lifetime are having a good job, being an athlete, and having a family.   Kim has already obtained a job at the movies for the summer and is eager to start!  Although she has been accepted into the University of Texas at Brownsville, Kim plans to attend ACC for two years and then transfer to the University of Texas at Austin.    She aspires to someday get a good job, live in downtown Austin, get married, have kids, and be a good wife and mom. 

Ms. D’s Turn to Brag

I am most proud of Kim for her courage and bravery.  She holds herself to the highest of standards, has a wonderful sense of humor, and is a true inspiration.  Kim is not afraid to be herself, and by knowing her I have been inspired to do the same.   When she wanted social relationship, Kim faced her nervousness and anxieties and went out for the soccer team.   Even though she is apprehensive of how others view her, Kim chooses to represent herself on the outside by what she feels inside, not by societies standards.   Kim does what makes HER happy, and is always eager to please those around her with her positive attitude and friendly character.    Kim takes ownership of her actions and is always seeking new ways to grow socially and emotionally.   Kim Wysocki, I admire your strength, perseverance, and heart.   I know you will change the world.   You have already changed mine! 

Pork and Beans

Weezer - Pork And Beans Lyrics

 -from metrolyrics.com

They say I need some Rogaine to put in my hair

Work it out at the gym to fit my underwear

Oakley makes the shades that transform a tool

You'd hate for the kids to think that you lost your cool

I'ma do the things that I wanna do

I ain't got a thing to prove to you

I eat my candy with the pork and beans

Excuse my manners if I make a scene

I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you'll like

I'm fine and dandy with the me inside

One look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink

I don't give a hoot about what you think

Everyone likes to dance to a happy song

With a catchy chorus and beat so they can sing along

Timbaland knows the way to reach the top of the chart

Maybe if I work with him I can perfect the art

I'ma do the things that I wanna do

I ain't got a thing to prove to you

I eat my candy with the pork and beans

Excuse my manners if I make a scene

I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you'll like

I'm fine and dandy with the me inside

One look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink

I don't give a hoot about what you think

I don't care

I don't care

I don't care, I don't care, I don't care

I don't care

I'ma do the things that I wanna do

I ain't got a thing to prove to you

I eat my candy with the pork and beans

Excuse my manners if I make a scene

I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you'll like

I'm fine and dandy with the me inside

One look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink

I don't give a hoot about what you think

“Pork and Beans” by Weezer is one of my favorite and most self-validating songs.  The lyrics shout to me affirmations of self.  I frequently have this song playing in the background when my students are participating in discussions, doing independent work, or playing games.  Many times we folks on the Spectrum wrestle with expectations to conform.  The unwritten rules of society mandate that we don’t rock the boat, that we follow the crowd, and that we are like everyone else.  Therefore, we strive to comply.  However, simultaneously, we passionately hunger to be ourselves.   Contrary to the precedents of the conventional social atmosphere, that means being unique and different.    

I see it every day, every which way I turn, in every place I go.  I see it at the grocery store, restaurants, malls, and I absolutely see it in the teenagers I work with.    I watch my students yearn to be like their peers.  They choose to dress like them, and aspire to do the things their friends do, but only because they have been led to believe that they SHOULD.    They create an artificial identity because they are without the perception that they are unique and wonderful as-is.  

We harbor our weirdness and oddities behind a façade of “normalcy” to the best of our abilities.   We suppress our compulsions to squeal and flap and rock.  We refrain from using our cartoon voices.  We hold back our opinions and ideas on the grounds that they might be viewed as strange.   We dress to be like others even though it is exceptionally uncomfortable and awkward.  We circumvent situations in which we could excel because we don’t “fit in” to societal expectations.     We don’t want to be perceived as being different or peculiar, so we hide. 

For the longest time, that was “me”.   I yearned to be like others, because that was what society mandated.  I joined clubs and sports that I didn’t enjoy in the interest of complying with the rules.  I censored my own voice.   As a result of my substantial efforts to fit in and my ultimate failure in doing so, I misplaced my self-worth, my tenacity was extinguished, and I asphyxiated my uniqueness.  

It wasn’t until later in life that I came to comprehend that some rules infringed upon us are meant to be broken.   I began to break out and be myself, realizing that I was the only one who could judge me, against society or against myself.  What others think of me is insignificant, as long as I am fulfilled by my choices and content with my character, and as long as I abide by my deepest morals, values, and beliefs.  All of the other clutter and chaos in life is superficial.  My hairstyle might be an expression of my personality, but it doesn’t DEFINE me.   The same with my clothes, the music I listen to, the food I eat, the car I drive, and the house I live in.  

I will acknowledge the unwritten rules of society, for the most part.  I am not stating that I am a rebel of any sorts.   I enjoy living by the rules just as much as the next Autie or Aspie, and more so than the average Neurotypical.  But I will not compromise myself to please others.  After all, “I’m fine and dandy with the me inside.”