ROYSE CITY, TX (May 11, 2026) — Local student Marlo Keller, a senior at Royse City High School, has advanced to the semi-finals in the nationwide America’s Favorite Student competition, a campaign that raises funds and awareness for The Planetary Society.
Keller is one of the remaining students competing for a place in the finals, and the current round ends on Thursday, May 14. To advance to the finals, she must finish the round ranked #1.
The achievement marks an exciting milestone in a competition that has allowed Keller to share not only her academic and personal goals, but also her commitment to service and community involvement. Keller has built a strong record of academic achievement, leadership, arts involvement, and service during her high school career. She serves on the Royse City High School National Honor Society Leadership Team, has been recognized as a 2026 RCHS Top Dog by the Royse City ISD Education Foundation, and is active at Rockwall Dance Academy as both a student teacher and dancer. Through her work with the Royse City ISD Fine Arts Department, Keller has helped bring dance and theatre together by serving as a student choreographer for major RCHS productions, including We Are the Sea, CLUE, and Freaky Friday.
Keller is also a familiar face to many local residents through her job at Jason’s Deli in Rockwall, where she has worked since May 2024. After graduating in May, Keller will attend Hawai‘i Pacific University in fall 2026, where she has earned a place in the Residential Honors Program. She plans to study marine biology with a focus on sustainable tourism.
Community service has also been a major part of Keller’s high school experience. With a personal goal of completing 200 volunteer hours, she has now surpassed that mark with 212 hours of service. Her volunteer work includes Rockwall County Helping Hands, the Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund, The Oak Lawn Place, and The Resource Center
“This opportunity has meant so much to me,” said Keller. “Advancing to the semi-finals is exciting, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me. I’m thankful for the chance to represent my community and the people and causes that have shaped me.”
As voting continues, Keller is encouraging supporters to help her take the next step toward the finals before the May 14 deadline.
Vote for Marlo — Semi-Finals end May 14, Finals end May 21
For more information or to support Marlo Keller in the competition, visit:
https://americasfavstudent.org/2026/marlo-3
Press release and photo submitted by Marlo Keller.
Royse City Senior Advances to Semi-Finals in America’s Favorite Student Competition added by Sam Redig on
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