UTHS Student Council brings together 100 students from across Texas and around the world to build community and give students a voice in shaping their online school experience. Led by president Nawal Rasheed from Pakistan and operating through four committees, the council transforms virtual learning into genuine connection through clubs, events, and student-driven initiatives.

Sprint freestyler Abigail Halko trains with Nitro Swimming in Cedar Park while balancing academics as a UTHS student. She has achieved Winter Junior and Futures cuts with USA Swimming and is currently working toward qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials. UTHS's flexible scheduling allows Abigail to compete across the country and maintain rigorous training without falling behind academically, demonstrating how online learning empowers student-athletes to pursue their goals.

On October 24, leadership teams from UT Elementary, UT University Charter School, and UT High School participated in a transformative professional development session led by Vince Martinez, senior partner with Culture Partners and Master Trainer in Developmental Coaching. The interactive workshop introduced school leaders to a novel approach to feedback using the Results Pyramid framework, emphasizing the power of team-based feedback over individual critiques. UTHS Assistant Superintendent Barry Bascom captured the session's core message: "Feedback is a gift."

UT High School junior Gavin Matias enrolled in the online Texas diploma program to gain flexibility for elite-level track training. Despite not starting track until 8th grade, the Temple resident quickly achieved remarkable success: double area champion, Junior Olympics competitor in the 400m and 800m, AAU national runner-up, and two-time All-American. Now favored to win the 2-3A Texas State championship, Gavin is working toward competing at the Division 1 level and representing Team USA at the Olympics.

UT High School developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan in 2025 through an inclusive process that engaged educators, parents, board members, and community stakeholders over five months. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Melissa Chavez and facilitated by Cathy Doggett of Paradigm Shift, the effort produced three strategic pillars: Connected Community, Instructional Excellence & Curriculum Innovation, and Global Impact & Statewide District Support. What set this process apart was the administration's foundation of trust-building and the strategic decision to have participating teachers and staff present updates to the broader community, creating genuine buy-in around implementing the school's vision of "Opening Doors to Education for a Changing World."

Dr. Michael Caudill officially became superintendent of The University of Texas High School Special District on June 1, bringing three decades of educational experience from leading a one-bus rural district to major suburban systems. Known for his "situational leadership" style and advocacy for alternative learning pathways, Caudill's priorities for UTHS include growth, enhanced student support services, launching a Social Work program, and implementing a five-year strategic plan focused on instructional excellence, community connections, and global impact to serve students worldwide.

When the Solomon quadruplets relocated from Texas to India in 2021, they transformed a potential educational setback into extraordinary achievement by enrolling in UT High School's International Diploma Program. All four graduated at just 15 years old in December 2023, completing high school in just over two years through self-paced online learning. Now thriving as 17-year-old college students making Dean's lists at universities across the United States, their success demonstrates how motivated students with strong family support can excel in online education.

Emma Fossum, Miss Texas Teen and University of Texas High School graduate, found the flexibility she needed in virtual education to pursue figure skating and music while excelling academically. Through her nonprofit Miles for Music, inspired by her nonverbal sister, she has donated 13 digital pianos to underserved schools and reached over 13,700 Texas students. As she prepares for the Miss America's Teen pageant, Emma continues balancing achievement with community service.Retry

We are pleased to announce that Barry Bacom has been named assistant superintendent of the UT High School District, and Julie Joesel will serve as director of student services.

Student Council Shirt Announcement