Two students named to academic all-state team

May 23, 2007 — Jersey Village High School senior Ruby Li and Cypress Creek High School senior Michelle Watson were two of only 20 Texas students named to the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) All-State Academic Excellence Team.

The award was designed to recognize Texas high school seniors for their outstanding academic achievements. More than 200 students were nominated by the principals based on their SAT or ACT scores, academic grade point average, pursuit of advanced diploma and other evidence of exceptional academic ability.

After being nominated by their principals, the students were asked to write a 300-500-word essay as part of the application.

Li is the second JVHS student to earn the all-state honor in the six years that principal Ralph Funk has been with the school.

“Ruby is one of our top students, and this shows she is one of the top students in the entire state,” Funk said. “That award is given to kids who are just unbelievable academically. It’s a good recognition for both Jersey Village and for Cy-Fair ISD.”

Cypress Creek HS principal Jim Wells also expressed gratification for Watson’s all-state achievement.

“Michelle is representative of the outstanding quality of students that Cy-Creek High School and the Cy–Fair Independent School District produces,” Wells said. “She is a National Merit Scholar and is currently ranked second in a very competitive class. She is not only academically outstanding, but is a role model to her peers. She is personable and involved in a myriad of school and community activities.”

The students will be recognized during the Second General Session of the TASSP Summer Workshop on June 14 at the Austin Convention Center. With more than 2,000 secondary school principals in attendance, they will receive a tribute, $500 unrestricted scholarship and recognition plaque.

Li will attend Rice University in the fall, while Watson plans to attend either Dartmouth University or the University of Texas.