Tanisha Kumar, salutatorian, and Lakshmi Muppana, valedictorian, will lead the PSHS Class of 2026. Courtesy PISD

Princeton Senior High School’s top two graduates will continue their education this fall at the same university, following different academic paths shaped by their experiences in and out of the classroom.

Valedictorian Lakshmi Muppana, who recorded a weighted grade-point average of 5.387, and salutatorian Tanisha Kumar, who finished with a 5.319 GPA, both plan to attend University of Texas at Austin.

Tanisha said her class rank was not something she anticipated early in high school. “

I found out that I was salutatorian at the end of my sophomore year,” she said. “Before that, I hadn’t at all anticipated that I would get to this point, because I was nowhere near that during my freshman year.”

Lakshmi described a similar progression. “Freshman year, I was like, not ahead of my class… I had to pull myself up,” he said. He added that his position changed after transcripts were recalculated following his junior year, moving him into the top spot heading into his senior year.

Both students said their academic standing became clearer over time, rather than being a goal from the outset. 

Lakshmi said that until late in high school, he was largely “just going about my way” before becoming more focused on maintaining his position. Tanisha similarly described a shift in expectations as she became more involved in her coursework and activities.

Outside the classroom, each student pursued a range of interests. Tanisha was active in speech and debate for three years and participated in the National Honor Society, where she gained volunteer experience. 

She also helped organize service-based clubs that operated online with students from across the country. In addition, she spent weekends working toward a career in health care. “On the weekends, I work as an EMT student at different ERs and fire stations around the Dallas area,” she said. “The 12-hour shifts go surprisingly fast.”

Lakshmi’s activities included athletics and academic clubs. He played varsity tennis for three years and served as president of the school’s chess club, where he also coached younger players. “I love chess,” he said, noting that he has spent time helping younger students develop their skills. He also participated in academic competitions, including UIL science events.

Both students said their interests influenced their college and career plans. 

Tanisha plans to major in biochemistry in the College of Natural Sciences and pursue a career in medicine. “I am planning on going into medicine as a researcher or a practitioner,” she said. “Biochemistry is a good major for me because it naturally covers all pre-med requirements while preparing me for lab work and the MCAT.”

Lakshmi plans to study computer science and is considering several areas within the field, including cybersecurity and machine learning. “I was thinking of going into machine learning engineering … the type of people who kind of code that stuff,” he said, adding that the field is evolving quickly and his plans may change.

Both students said they weighed multiple college options before deciding on Texas. Tanisha said she was accepted into the Honors College at Texas Tech University but chose Austin after visiting the campus and learning more about its programs. 

“I fell in love with the culture, city life, student clubs, and vast freshman research opportunities,” she said.

Lakshmi said he also considered other universities, including options that offered significant financial incentives closer to home. He said the decision ultimately involved balancing cost, academic programs and long-term goals.

As they prepare to graduate on May 21, both students reflected on their classmates and the broader high school experience. 

Tanisha said the diversity of interests among students stands out. “I see so much talent and intelligence around me every day, and I’m excited to see where everyone will go,” she said.

Lakshmi emphasized the importance of adapting to change, particularly in fields influenced by technology. “In this day and age, with advancing technologies, you have to adapt with it,” he said. “You have to understand the role, the purpose and how to utilize it.”

While their academic interests differ, both students said they are looking ahead to the transition to college and the opportunities it will bring. Lakshmi said he is “extremely optimistic” about the future despite uncertainty in the technology field, while Tanisha expressed confidence in her preparation for the next step in her education.

Both are scheduled to begin classes in Austin in the fall.

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