Class of 2021 top 10 contemplate high school experiences, impart advice for students

What does it mean to you to be in the top 10? I never saw myself actively going for the top 10 position. As a result of my academics and other people around me driving the competition, it’s more about the friend group I had since middle school and the people I met in high school that got me interested in academics. It was a way for me to enjoy my experience. It wasn’t very intentional. What ...

What does it mean to you to be in the top 10? Both of my older siblings went to Coppell and they were not ranked, so I didn’t really expect to be ranked that high. I’ve always just tried to get the highest grades I could, and junior year, I realized I would probably be in the top 10. What advice do you have for younger students? Rank is not nearly as important as it seems. Getting good ...

What does it mean to you to be in the top 10? Being in the top 10 was something I always wanted to do, and seeing my sister (CHS class of 2016 valedictorian Pooja Marella), I knew it was a goal that I could also receive. Starting freshman year itself, I worked extra hard, and I’m glad that I continued to challenge myself even though it was not easy at all. Just because I’m in the top 10 doesn...

What does it mean to you to be in the top 10? That's not a goal that I always had. But it’s nice to see.  I wouldn't say it means that much because it’s just a number, but at the same time, it quantifies your efforts. But it shouldn't be this whole thing you focus on for all four years. What were ways you kept yourself motivated to excel academically? My peers. At other schools, there’s peer pressure for ma...

What does being in the top 10 mean to you? It gives me a sense of being proud of myself. When you check Naviance and it’s like, “Oh, top 10!” it’s the feeling of being proud of yourself and relief as well. It’s something I felt right when I looked at my GPA.  Do you remember the moment you found out you were in the top 10?  One of my friends texted me and was like, “Grades are ou...

What does being in the top 10 mean to you? It’s essentially a culmination of all the work I put in for the past four years. I really appreciate that I’ve been able to make it this far. I didn’t really think I could initially do so well.  Has this always been a goal for you? Actually no, I didn’t initially intend to make it in the top 10. I just really wanted to challenge myself however mu...

What does being in the top 10 mean to you? I obviously worked very hard in my high school career, and I obtained results from my high school career. Part of it was just being lucky to have made it to the top 10, because there’s so many smart and successful people who are both ranked and unranked. I just did some things right.  Was this a goal that you’ve always had, and if so, how did you...

What does it mean to you to be in the top 10? Is it a goal you have always had? The overall goal was to do well in school. I don't think I placed a ton of emphasis on my rank, personally, so it came as a surprise. Do you have any advice for students that want to be successful? It's important to make time for things that you're interested in, both for coursework and for extracurriculars. High...

What does it mean to you to be in the top 10? Being in the top 10 is something I've always thought about. You get recognized, and you're just like, “Wow, I really made it.” This has definitely made me feel really good, and it was a great achievement to see all the work I put in [and] all the studying throughout high school pay off. Do you have any advice for students who want to be ranked in...

What does it mean to you to be in the top 10? To me, it was a really big achievement and accomplishment. It wasn’t a goal I always had, but I knew that I worked really hard and my greats were really good. I was definitely surprised. What advice do you have for younger students? Do things that you’re interested in and really challenge yourself in those areas. Don’t do stuff just because it’...