Rachel Poycattle never planned to join choir. She had always been an orchestra student. When she moved to Leander in 7th grade and filled out her selection sheet for extracurriculars, choir was her last choice. Somehow, she ended up there anyway.
Today, Rachel is the Leander High School Choir Council president and LISD’s Fine Arts Student of the Week. She credits her participation in choir for helping her to flourish as a musician and gain confidence as both a performer and leader.
“Not only is Rachel an exemplary model in the LHS Choir program, but she does her best to bring out the leaders in other Choir students,” Choir Director Rob Saldaña said. “She’s got the brains and the voice, but she also lets everyone around her feel seen and brings out the best in them.”
Rachel said that she would not be the musician and student that she is today without Saldaña.
“Mr. Saldaña has made a tremendous impact on me. His kindness and love for teaching music are felt by all LHS choir students,” Rachel said. “His genuine care for each and every student constantly inspires me. He always encourages me to seek out the best and to be confident in myself.”
Rachel served in various leadership roles in the LHS Choir program since her freshman year. She was also named as an Outstanding Performer in the LHS Solo & Ensemble competition and performed at the Annual Honors’ Concert. Her encouragement and guidance within the Choir Council has helped revitalize the program, leading the next generation of LHS Choir leaders.
In addition to serving as the LHS Choir Council President, Rachel is the South Asian Student Association Co-Founder and Co-President, Science Olympiad Captain, Spanish Honor Society President, French Club President, and she is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council and HOSA Competition Team.
After graduating in 2023, Rachel plans to attend university and hopes to eventually become a pediatrician.
