Rye Merrell is a high school senior, creative writer, and community advocate based in Austin, Texas. A dedicated student at Texas Connections Academy with a 4.7 weighted GPA and 20+ college credit hours through Austin Community College, Rye balances academic excellence with a deep commitment to service and the arts.
Rye is a passionate USA Swim member and two-time Waterloo MVP Award winner (2024, 2025), reflecting her dedication and leadership both in and out of the water. She currently serves as a seasonal lifeguard for the City of Round Rock and holds a Red Cross Lifeguard & Waterpark certification.
A published writer, Rye’s work has appeared in the Sarah Lawrence College Anthology. She is the host of The Young Writer’s Story Studio, a podcast that brings young authors into conversation with accomplished writers, editors, and educators to explore the craft of writing. The show is designed to help emerging voices refine their work and learn what it takes to become a writer.
Rye’s volunteer spirit is at the heart of everything she does. As a Community Meal Coordinator at St. Andrews Church in Austin, she spends several days each month cooking, delivering, and serving full meals for approximately 80 unhoused individuals. She also serves as a coordinator at the St. Andrews Food Pantry, where she has logged over 150 hours assisting families and training fellow volunteers. Additionally, she volunteers as a peer tutor, helping students her age and younger with Math, Science, and English.
She is a National Honor Society Board Member, Leadership Club member, and consistent Dean’s Honor Roll recipient at Texas Connections Academy.