CFISD STUDENT OF THE WEEK - BLAKELY HILL

Blakely Hill

Cypress Creek High School graduate Blakely Hill finished as the top graduate out of the Class of 2015. The member of the Silverados drill team and the National Honor Society enjoys computer science and volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. She strives to do something to make a difference in the world.

School: Cypress Creek High School

Age: 17

Grade: 12

Accomplishments: Ranked first in class out of 752 students; Silverados drill team - Lieutenant Colonel (12th), junior captain (11th), voted “Most Dedicated Drill Team Member” by teammates (11th); participated in Junior Statesman of America summer study program at Princeton University - summer 2014; National Honor Society (11-12th); Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society; Spanish National Honor Society; SPARKS (Special People Assisting Remarkable Kids) historian; Student Council representative (9th), member (10-11th); National Charity League six-year member - served class as President, Vice President of Philanthropy, communications chair, Historian and earned Bronze U.S. President's Award; Sugar Plum Cotillion - Executive Chairman (12th), Ball Chairman (11th).

Favorite class: Computer Science III. “I like challenging myself and learning how to execute new programs. It's like being artistic, but with mathematics.”

Favorite things to do after class: “I like to dance in my spare time and take recreational dance classes as often as possible to improve my technique. When not dancing, I like to hang out with my friends, shop, work out and do water sports. I also like volunteering with my dad at Habitat for Humanity because I get to use tools and try new things I would never get to do otherwise.”

Favorite song: Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

Favorite website: Mentalfloss.com. “It presents information on things that are going on in the world in a fun and interesting way and they have quizzes, trivia and brain teasers that are fun when you need a mental break.”

Favorite TV show: Modern Family. “They always do something unexpected and it makes me laugh.”

Favorite movie: The Blind Side. “The family in it comes together to help someone in need.”

Ambition: “My ambition is to excel in college, go on to graduate school and eventually have a career where I can be challenged daily and do something to make a difference in the world.”

What topics/things are you passionate about? “I am passionate about dance as I want to continually strive to improve my skills; serving others because I like to make a difference; and math because I enjoy a challenge.”

What inspires you? “I'm inspired by my dad because although he has a demanding career, he still manages to volunteer with my activities (he's the most talented drill team ‘Prop Pop’ ever!) and finds time to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, making a difference in families’ lives.”

What three things can’t you live without? Friends, chocolate and music.

CYPRESS CREEK DEBATE TEACHER WINS STATEWIDE AWARDS

Cypress Creek High School speech and debate teacher Scott Baker displays the NFHS Outstanding Speech, Debate and Theatre Educator Award he was presented at the UIL Academic State Meet in May. 

Cypress Creek High School speech and debate teacher Scott Baker recently received two prestigious national awards for his work as a speech and debate coach. 

First, Baker was recognized by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) with the 2014-2015 Outstanding Speech, Debate and Theatre Educator Award. The organization takes nominations from all its member organizations and then has an advisory committee that reviews each application to determine winners. Baker was chosen by the University Interscholastic League as its Texas nominee and was one of 20 recipients from across the country who was honored.

“Scott is a pillar in the speech and debate community at the district, region, state and national levels,” said UIL Speech & Debate Director Jana Riggins. “He exemplifies all the characteristics of an outstanding educator.” 

Riggins said that a primary reason that Baker was chosen by UIL for this honor is because he not only focuses on his own program’s success but selflessly goes out of his way to support others in speech and debate. Baker was recognized by the UIL at the organization’s Academic State Meet at the University of Texas at Austin May 26-28.

NFHS is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. Through its 50-member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 19,000 high schools and 11 million student participants in interscholastic activities.

Baker also has been honored by the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) with his Third Diamond Award for excellence in coaching after earning 8,162 points on April 30.

The Diamond Award recognizes a professional career that combines distinction and longevity. The NSDA, the honor society for speech and debate, gives points to students for their tournament participation. Coaches are credited one-tenth of the points earned by their students. A coach earns his or her first Diamond Award after teaching for at least five years and after earning 1,500 points. A second diamond is earned at 3,000 points and a third at 6,000 points. Five years must pass between each diamond, marking both the success and career dedication of the coach. 

Baker will be honored by the NSDA during its diamond ceremony at the Speech & Debate National Championship in June in Dallas, where more than 5,000 students, teachers and parents are expected to be in attendance. 

“The award was given for 15 years of dedication and service, and these 15 years have been full of memories and students and experiences that are far beyond any kind of recognition and award,” said Baker, who is leaving to take a college position after serving at Jersey Village, Cypress Ridge and Cypress Creek high schools. “It is nice to have this recognition as I transition to teaching on the college level.”

BASEBALL PLAYERS EARN THSCA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE RECOGNITION

Eight CFISD baseball players were named to the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) / U.S. Marine Corps 2014-2015 Academic All-State Baseball Team.

To be nominated for the Academic All-State team, a student must be:

• an athlete, student trainer or manager in good standing with the team;
• of good moral character;
• a senior; and
• have an overall grade point average of 92 or above (including courses from grades 9-11 and courses completed from grade 12). Weighted GPAs are accepted. 

When reviewing the nominations, the THSCA considers each student’s GPA, class rank, SAT and/or ACT score. The students receive points based on each criteria. The total number of points they receive determines which team they are placed on. The classification of the school is not a factor, and no limit is made on the number of players who can make a team.

The following Cy Creek baseball players received Second Team or Honorable Mention recognition:

Second Team

• Stone Anderson, Cypress Creek High School;
• Jordan McGaughey, Cypress Creek High School; 

Honorable Mention

• Ezekiel Banda, Cypress Creek High School;
• Matthew Waddell, Cypress Creek High School;

“We continue to be proud of the effort of our athletes and coaches in regards to academic achievement,” said Ray Zepeda, associate athletic director. “Our department strives for excellence on the field of play and in the classroom. The eight individuals honored by the Texas High School Coaches Association exemplify this ideal. We are proud of each of them and celebrate with them, their coaches and their families.”

CY CREEK HOME TO TWO NEW EAGLE SCOUTS

Congratulations to Jack Hixon and Nick Kramr who have earned the Eagle Scout rank. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. It may be earned by a Boy Scout who has been a Life Scout for at least six months, has earned a minimum of 21 merit badges, has demonstrated Scout Spirit, and has demonstrated leadership within his troop, team, crew or ship. Additionally he must plan, develop, and lead a service project—the Eagle Project—that demonstrates both leadership and a commitment to duty. 

MARK OF EXCELLENCE AWARDED TO SIX STUDENTS

The following students were awarded the Mark of Excellence. This award is given to those students who have made an outstanding contribution to Cypress Creek and who serve as a role model for other students. Their contributions may be through academics, competition, or extracurricular activities. Students are nominated by the faculty and final selections are made by a committee of teachers and administrators. 

The following students have “left their mark” on Cypress Creek. 

• Skylar Campbell
• Blakely Hill
• Travis Johnson
• Alec Lintz
• Reilly McGlammery
• Grace Williams