The caps and gowns have been ordered, the invitations mailed and the final grades computed, and the Liberty Hill High School (LHHS) class of 2026 has a valedictorian and salutatorian. Let’s chat with them both and learn how they made it to the top of their class, what they’ve learned along the way and what comes next after graduation.

Valedictorian Pranav Nichenametla and Salutatorian Rita Gerten have held the top two spots in their class rank since they were first released in January of their freshman year. Talking with them, you can tell they are friends and the competition has always been with themselves more than with each other. They have taken many classes together and worked together on University Interscholastic League (UIL) Academic teams.

During their freshman and sophomore years, Rita was ranked above Pranav, and she knows exactly which class bumped her – communications. She recalled that every speech was a research paper and that a mistake on the timing of the final exam impacted her final grade. The margin has stayed close all four years, with the final numbers showing Pranav with a 106.9 GPA and Rita close behind with a 106.6.  College-level classes have a potential of 110 points, giving them the opportunity to obtain a GPA above a 100.

Many late nights came from the most challenging course for both of them - OnRamps English in their junior year. They agreed OnRamps was the most difficult of the college credit courses they took, but also confirmed it is where they learned the most. They are graduating high school later this month with a combined 120 hours of college credit! They’ve taken On Ramps, dual credit and advanced placement (AP) classes while in high school. 

Both students have pulled a number of all-nighters in high school, recalling how they had a full day at school followed by extra-curricular activities and realizing the time commitment required on a particular assignment was more than expected. Pranav admitted, “If I didn’t procrastinate, then I probably wouldn’t have pulled an all-nighter.” Luckily, they both are night owls and found themselves productive at hours when many have already gone to sleep.

Even though she is entering college as a sophomore, Rita isn’t in a rush to finish college. “I really want to be in the concert band,” she said. “Maybe I’ll take it easy the first couple of years and try not to have as many stressful academics so I can enjoy my time.” Rita has been in band, serving as drum major this year, along with playing basketball, and competing on UIL teams during her four years at LHHS. She is planning to attend Texas A&M University in the fall to study chemical engineering. She hopes that career will give her the freedom to continue playing music in her spare time. 

Pranav is currently planning to attend the University of Texas and study quantum physics, a field that analyzes how the smallest things in the universe behave and applies that theory to larger things like the speed of quantum computers over standard binary computers. He plans to also major in math or electrical engineering. He was accepted at many top universities around the country, with a near-perfect 1580 score on his SAT, and is on the waitlist for Princeton and Harvard. When asked if he’d choose one of those schools over UT, he said, “100%! If I get into Princeton or Harvard, I’d go.”

Both students are excited about heading off to school in the fall. For Pranav, getting the opportunity to do research as a freshman and meeting up with old friends who will also be attending UT is exciting. Rita is looking forward to the lifestyle change. “Some days I walk into school with my band stuff, my basketball bag, and then my backpack and prepare for my 18 hour day,” she said. “I’m excited to live near campus and have more time in my day.” 

They also jokingly expressed concern about living on their own. Pranav joked, “I am going to have to learn how to make my own food because campus dining isn’t always open.” Rita agreed and recognized how much her parents have provided her with healthy meals. She knows meal planning and learning how to continue to eat nutritious meals on her own will be a new challenge. 

Pranav and Rita both wanted to recognize the Liberty Hill community and teachers that made an impact on them. Pranav shared the impact that Hector Vega had on him as a chemistry teacher and UIL sponsor. “I’ve been able to grow a lot in his classes, he said. “His guidance and mentorship gave me a place to express my intellectual ability and creativity.”

Rita wanted to recognize her basketball coach, Dayna Doan. “Coach Doan is the most supportive coach I’ve ever had,” she said. “She was really good at working with me when I had band conflicts and celebrating me as more than a basketball player.” 

Rita is grateful she grew up in Liberty Hill, having joined the school in fifth grade. “Even though it isn't that small of a town anymore, everyone is still friendly to each other. Having a community like that, especially in band, has been really fulfilling for me.” Pranav sees that value in community as well. “I feel like I was able to thrive at LHHS because of the value of community over competition that I felt.”

Congratulations, Pranav, Rita and all of the Class of 2026! You are true champions and we know you will represent Liberty Hill well in the next stage of your journey!