May 9, 2023
Argyle ISD is thrilled to announce that Ryan Mackereth is Argyle High School's Valedictorian for the Class of 2023! Throughout his academic journey, Ryan's unwavering commitment and hard work have earned him this well-deserved position at the top of his class. Join us in celebrating his incredible accomplishments and wishing him the very best as he prepares for an amazing future!
How does it feel to be valedictorian?
Being named valedictorian is a huge honor for me. When I came to Argyle in 7th grade, I had to work hard to catch up academically. But with the help of the excellent teachers and staff at the middle school, I was able to thrive! In high school, I faced even tougher competition for the top 10, but I stayed focused on taking challenging courses and learning new things. Becoming valedictorian represents the culmination of four years of hard work and the reward for doing my absolute best.
Where do you plan to attend college and what do you plan on majoring in?
I am attending Texas A&M University this fall, and I plan to major in Mechanical Engineering while minoring in Electrical Engineering and Chinese.
What’s your plan for the future?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in robotics. My goal is to work in a development position where I can build robots for various industries and replicate the "user-friendly" essence of robots like WALL-E and R2D2. I hope to assist people in extreme situations, such as deep space travel and hazardous working conditions. In college, I plan to take advantage of research opportunities and internships to help me land a job at companies like Google, NASA, or Boston Dynamics.
What was a memorable class in high school and how has it influenced your perspective or interests?
AP Euro History was my favorite class, thanks to its captivating storytelling and the incredible teaching of Mr. Woody. The cheery classroom environment, combined with his expertise, made it an unforgettable experience. Through his lectures and engaging teaching style, history truly came to life. I learned about the intricacies of historical events and their impact on shaping our world today. Mr. Woody's dedication to AP exams and writing helped me develop essential skills for future exams. His emphasis on understanding diverse cultures broadened my perspective. I've developed a deep love for history, exploring it through podcasts, documentaries, and books. Mr. Woody's influence has inspired me to pursue history electives in college and embark on meaningful journeys to historical sites. His teachings have not only enriched my knowledge but also made me a more well-rounded individual.
What’s your favorite AHS tradition?
My favorite Argyle-specific tradition would have to be mega Lunch. It is such a unique and wonderful hour in which we are able to eat, hang out with our friends, go to tutorials, and attend clubs. If it weren't for mega lunch, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to participate in CDC or Spanish Café, nor the opportunity to found Woodworking and Advanced Manufacturing Club, all of which are experiences that I treasure. However, if I were to speak just about general high school traditions, Homecoming or Prom, were both incredibly fun experiences!
Apart from this distinguished honor, what is your most significant achievement?
Outside of my academic pursuits, I take immense pride in founding and managing TexasCarvings.com, a business specializing in selling signage and wooden flags nationwide. What started as a hobby has blossomed into a passion, serving as a vital creative outlet alongside my schoolwork. The ability to conceive an idea and transform it into a tangible reality has been truly incredible. Building this business has allowed me to explore my creativity and undertake various unique projects. With over 300 successful sales and a flawless 5-star rating across 30 U.S. states, it has provided me with invaluable opportunities for experimentation and design.
