On Thursday, April 26, the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to honor the Top 10 graduates of Friendswood High School. The event was held at [venue] and was attended by representatives from the Friendswood Independent School District (FISD), the Chamber of Commerce, and members of the community.
The Top 10 graduates were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement. The luncheon provided an opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional students and to showcase the strong partnership between FISD and the business community.
Superintendent of Friendswood ISD Thad Roher commented, “We are very proud of our Top 10 graduates and their exceptional achievements. Their academic success is a testament to the quality of education they received at Friendswood High School and the dedication of our outstanding educators. We are grateful to the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the hard work and dedication of these exceptional students.”
Valedictorian for the Class of 2023 is Ganesh Venu. He will be attending Stanford University this fall to major in Bioengineering. During his time at FHS, Venu was involved with Varsity Tennis, Debate, Science Fair and NHS.
Asiya Siddiqi is the FHS Salutatorian. She will attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in Neuroscience. Siddiqi’s involvements include NHS President, Class of 2023 President, Student Council Vice President, National Spanish Honors Society Vice President, National English Honors Society, Spanish Club, Music Appreciation Club, Girl Scout Troop 08651, the Houston Hunger Truck Volunteer Coordinator, Principal’s Round Table, ISM Science Researcher and Spanish Class Volunteer Teacher at Bales
Maryam Faisal is third in the Top 10. She plans to pursue a major in Neuroscience at Rice University. Faisal is a member of NHS, Math and Science Club, Recycling Club, Debate and UIL Spelling.
Fourth ranked is Daniel Chen. He plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in Computer Science. Chen is a member of the Mighty Mustang Marching Band, Academic Decathlon and NHS.
Govind Rangappa finished fifth in his graduating class. Rangappa will attend the University of Texas at Dallas and study Computer Science. He is a member of the Varsity Tennis Team, Asian Culture Club, Math and Probability Club, Indian Classical Music and serves as an assistant coach with Be Someone Sports.
Brendan Larson is sixth in the Top 10. He plans to attend Texas A&M and major in Computer Science in the Engineering Honors College. Larson is a member of the symphonic and marching bands, Aerospace Appreciation Club, NHS, Recycling Club and First Baptist Friendswood Church.
Seventh ranked is Ava Michael. She will study Business at the University of Mississippi. She is a member of the FHS Cheer Team, PALS, NHS and NSHS.
Nicole McGill is ranked eighth. She plans to attend Emory University and major in Neuroscience and Behavioral Science. McGill is a drum major in the Mighty Mustang Band, a member of NHS, NEHS, Math and Science Club, HOSA, FHS Musical Pit Band and volunteers with Paws Fur a Cause.
Ninth ranked is Aden Pugsley. She plans to attend Rice University and major in Astrophysics. Pugsley is a section leader in the Mighty Mustang Band, a member of NHS, NSHS and the FHS Musical Pit Band, and volunteers with Paws Fur a Cause and 3 Little Pitties.
Sophie Kester is ranked tenth in the FHS class of 2023. She plans to study Physics at the University of Texas at Austin. Kester is a pediatric volunteer at UTMB, member of Debate Team, Student Council, NHS, NEHS and President of Music Appreciation Club.
Additionally, senior Zoe Wyrick was honored with a $1000 scholarship from the Chamber.
The Friendswood Chamber of Commerce has a long-standing tradition of supporting education and fostering partnerships between the business community and FISD. The annual luncheon is just one example of the Chamber’s commitment to recognizing and supporting the achievements of outstanding students in the community.
For more information about Friendswood ISD and its exceptional students, please visit myfisd.com.
