What does it mean to rank among the top 10 students in a competitive 6A Texas high school like Kingwood? It’s more than just a number, but rather a reflection of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and unwavering dedication.

At a school filled with high-achieving students, making it into the top 10 is no small feat. These Mustangs have taken the most challenging courses KHS offers while balancing leadership roles, extracurriculars, and community involvement. They’ve pushed themselves academically and personally to earn this recognition.

This year, Mustang Monthly wanted to go beyond the usual social media shoutouts. We reached out to each of the top 10 students and heard back from a few of them. We gave them the chance to share who they are, what drives them, and what comes next. These aren’t just students with impressive GPAs—they’re individuals with stories worth telling.

Beyond the traditional photo that shows their faces and ranks, we wanted to highlight the heart, drive, and accomplishments behind each name. Meet the Kingwood High School Class of 2025 Top 10—those who responded and shared their stories with us.

The top ten academically ranked students in the Kingwood High School Class of 2025 are:

More than just a standout scholar, Anh Vo is a passionate traveler and dedicated student leader whose high school experience has been anything but one-dimensional. While she’s earned a place among Kingwood High School’s Top 10, what truly sets her apart is her love for adventure—her favorite gifts are trips to new places, with Banff and Japan topping her list of unforgettable destinations. At KHS, Anh poured her energy into leadership roles as Vice President of National Honor Society, Secretary of Science National Honor Society, and community liaison for the Asian American Association. She’s also an active member of Psi Alpha, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, NEHS, HOSA, ACS, and Key Club. Next fall, Anh will be heading to Duke University to major in Biology on the Pre-med track. Her advice to freshmen? Find balance. “Make time for both academics and fun—because the memories you make with your friends will be what you carry with you most. – Anh Vo”

For Zach Butterfield, academic excellence is only part of the story—what truly matters to him is making meaningful memories with the people he loves. As a firm believer in living without regrets, Zach has learned the value of time and the importance of cherishing every moment with friends and family. At Kingwood High School, he’s not only excelled in the classroom but also in leadership and extracurriculars, serving as President of the Orchestra, Treasurer of Rho Kappa, and Secretary of Tri-M. He’s an active member of Mu Alpha Theta, DECA, and the varsity bowling team, reflecting both his versatility and commitment. This fall, Zach will attend Brigham Young University, where he plans to major in either Mechanical Engineering or Finance. His advice for incoming Mustangs? “Chase what you love and invest fully in it—because what you put into high school is exactly what you’ll get out of it. – Zach Butterfield”

#3 – Greyson Green – Attending University of Texas; Business and Government

#4 – Jonathan Kuzmickas – Attending University of Texas; Electrical and Computer Engineering

#5 – James Knigin – Attending University of Texas; Business

#6 – James Ward – Attending LSU; Electrical Engineering

Cole’s high school journey has been marked not only by academic excellence but by a deep commitment to his faith and service to others. A devoted member of Second Baptist Church, Cole has served on the High School Student Leadership Team, helping organize events and mentor peers in their spiritual growth. Through the JUMP Team, he’s led worship and shared his enthusiasm with first through third graders, using music, games, and lessons to make a lasting impact. At KHS, Cole has been involved in National Honor Society and Student Council, while also playing basketball with the Atascocita Basketball Association. This fall, he’s headed to Clemson University to pursue a double major in Computer Science and Data Science. His advice for freshmen? “Learn how to truly study. Reviewing material consistently will take you farther than cramming ever will—and it’ll help you feel more confident every step of the way. – Cole Myers”

Cadence Ngo is a standout student with a sharp mind for science and a creative soul. Set to attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in Aerospace Engineering, Cadence combines academic rigor with artistic talent. She’s been a dedicated harpist in the Kingwood High School orchestra for six years and has held leadership roles such as Service Vice President of National Honor Society. Her involvement spans multiple honor societies, including SNHS, Mu Alpha Theta, and Tri-M, reflecting her passion for both service and scholarship. And yes—she has an identical twin, but Cadence confidently claims the title of “cooler one.” Her advice to underclassmen? “Work hard and play harder—balance is everything.- Cadence Ngo”

#9 – Dylan Champion – Attending Texas A&M University; Business

#10 – Lane Limbaugh – Attending Texas A&M University; Honors Biochemistry and Genetics

Behind every rank is a story of sacrifice, grit, curiosity, and character. These students have not only excelled in the classroom but have also shaped the culture of Kingwood High School through leadership, service, and creativity. As they prepare to take their next steps beyond KHS, they leave behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration for the classes to come. We are proud to celebrate their achievements, not just in numbers, but in impact. Congratulations to the Kingwood High School Class of 2025 Top 10.