More than 260 Rockwall High School students earned recognition at an Advanced Academics Celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The event honored top scores on Advanced Placement exams, International Baccalaureate assessments, PSATs and other national honors.

Senior Phoebe Ishmael was named a National Merit Scholar.

"It feels really great to be recognized for my academic achievement because I worked so hard throughout my junior year," Ishmael said, according to the district's announcement.

Two classmates, seniors Grady Kobussen and Ainsley Schmitz, were named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists. Fourteen RHS students earned Commended Scholar status in the same program. Rockwall ISD had announced the Semifinalists in September, when two Rockwall-Heath High School seniors also received the distinction.

The celebration covered a wide range of academic programs. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who scored a perfect 5 on an AP exam during the 2025-2026 school year were honored. A score of 5 is equivalent to an A+ in a comparable college course, the district said. Honored students scored 5s in subjects including AP Human Geography, Psychology, Calculus BC and Physics 1.

Senior Nathan H. scored a 5 on three AP exams, studied IB Philosophy and earned Commended Scholar status from the National Merit program.

Greg Smyder, Rockwall High School's associate principal of curriculum and instruction, said it was important to honor students whose dedication showed in their academic work.

Ten students earned a score of 6 or 7 on IB assessments, on a scale of 1 to 7. Eight seniors will receive AP Capstone Diplomas at graduation after completing coursework focused on research and argumentation.

Beyond test scores, more than 80 students were recognized as Superintendent Scholars for high PSAT performance. More than 150 students earned honors through the College Board National Recognition Program, which included a First-Generation Recognition Award given to 26 students.

Beth Ishmael, Phoebe's mother, said her daughter's mentors at the school prepared her for success and gave her opportunities that helped her reach this point. She praised the district for supporting her daughter's growth.

National Merit Finalists will be announced in February 2027, with scholarship winners named starting in April.