Charles Puckett ’25 from the USA has been accepted into the inaugural class of the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Civic Leadership, where he will pursue a degree in Civic Honors. This prestigious new school aims to prepare future leaders to contribute meaningfully to state and national prosperity. Charles, who aspires to a career blending business and politics, selected this pioneering program after receiving offers from other notable institutions including Wake Forest University, Southern Methodist University, and Auburn University. His academic journey at TASIS was marked by exceptional rigor, as he successfully completed eight Advanced Placement (AP) examinations across diverse subjects including Precalculus, Calculus AB, Statistics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, and Art History. This impressive academic record earned him the AP Scholar with Distinction designation from the College Board, a testament to his dedication and intellectual capability. Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Charles demonstrated significant leadership and commitment to community by serving on the student-directed Opsahl Global Service Program Board. His athletic involvement was equally commendable; he received the Coaches’ Award for his contributions to the Varsity Basketball team and also competed as a member of the Varsity Golf team, showcasing a well-rounded character. Reflecting on his preparedness for the next chapter, Charles credits his time at the school for fostering essential qualities. He stated, 'My time at TASIS has allowed me to become a person of independence, maturity, understanding, and problem solving.' He particularly highlighted the value of the boarding experience, which immersed him in a globally diverse community and taught him to 'live, work, and solve problems with all types of people,' a skill set directly applicable to his future in civic leadership.
When asked about the most impactful aspects of his TASIS experience, Charles pointed to profound experiential learning opportunities. He described his Global Service Program (GSP) trip to Kenya as 'the most life-changing and amazing trip of my lifetime.' This transformative experience, central to the school's mission, provided him with a deeper global perspective and a sense of civic responsibility. He also cherished the unique privilege of traveling the world with friends during his high school years, an opportunity he 'wouldn't trade for anything.' Academically, Charles fondly recalled specific courses and teachers who left a lasting impression. He highlighted AP Art History with Mr. Dalton, AP Economics with Mr. Schmid, and AP Statistics with Mr. Schwartz as particularly memorable. The guidance he received from the College Counseling Office was also instrumental in his success. He shared a strong rapport with his college counselor, Mr. Fritz, whom he described as 'one of my favorite faculty members.' Charles appreciated that Mr. Fritz consistently advocated for his best interests, pushing him to maintain high academic standards, apply to challenging universities, and, most importantly, 'to not set a limit on myself.' This supportive and encouraging relationship was pivotal in navigating the complex college application process. As he prepares to graduate, Charles reflects on what he will miss most about his time at the school. He anticipates longing for the camaraderie and shared experiences in the dormitories, the 'breathtaking views' from the campus overlooking Lake Lugano, and the simple pleasures of walking around the beautiful grounds and visiting downtown Lugano—elements that collectively defined his formative years in Switzerland.
