CY CREEK THEATRE COMPETES AT STATE FESTIVAL

The Cy Creek Theatre Department competed at the Texas Thespians State Festival this past weekend in Dallas and 3 of our competitors had a perfect score. A total of 10 of our competitors have advanced to the National competition. Congratulations to the following students who received a perfect score:

Brendan Corbett in Sound Design

Allison McLain in Stage Management

Courtlin Parisher in Solo Musical

Congratulations to the following students for their superior ratings:

Natalie Barcenas in Scenic Design

Zuymar Bolivar in Solo Musical

Joseph Concha in Solo Musical

Miranda Duncan in Costume Construction

Alex Kerry & April Palm in Duet Musical

and Rose Lindauer in Theatre Marketing.

They will be competing at the National level at the Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska this summer. We’re proud of you!

ADVANCED AUTO TECH TEAM TAKES FIRST PLACE IN CFISD AUTOMOTIVE XPRESS MAINTENANCE CONTEST

The Advanced Automotive Technology team took first place in the 1^st Annual CFISD Automotive Xpress Maintenance Contest, hosted by Gulf States Toyota, on Friday, November 11, 2016. This contest, a culmination of 4 years of work by the automotive instructors in the district, is to showcase the technical skills developed by being a part of the Automotive Technology programs in CFISD.

Please congratulation the following team members:

• Giovanni Gomez,
• Hector Molina and 
• Matthew Tijerina

FFA STUDENTS EXCEL IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Congratulations to our FFA students who competed on Leadership Development teams this past Thursday at the District level.  

These students bannered in their competition:

Senior Creed Speaking:

• Libby Sullivan

Senior Chapter Conducting

• Jacob Schafer, 
• Meagan Miller, 
• Amanda Billings, 
• Molly Meyer, 
• Abby Jones, 
• Jennifer Conner-Richardson, and 
• Katelyn Watson 

These students were top ten in their competition:

Senior Quiz

• Sarah Beavers, 
• Lauran Solice, 
• Virginia Strickler, and 
• Merrie Urban 

Junior Creed          

• Nick Pinina 

Additionally, Rebecca Hearen placed competitively in Job Interview

Congratulations to these students!

FUTURE EDUCATORS ADVANCE TO STATE

This past weekend our students in Texas Association of Future Teachers competed at the Region 4 TAFE Competition in Needville, TX. Cy Creek had ten students competing in six events. Eight students will be advancing to State! Please congratulate the following future educators and wish them luck at State!

• Krystal Morales-Florez and Ariana Gonzalez for Bulletin Boards

• Mariana Garcia-Mendoza and Emma Miller for Bulletin Boards 

• Jules Desporte, Elizabeth Hearen, Kaitlyn Hilbun, and Brooke Shanklin for Scrapbook 

• Elizabeth Hearen and Kaitlyn Hilbun for Teacher Created Materials

VOLLEYBALL ALL DISTRICT SELECTIONS

Congratulations as the 2016 CFISD All district selections for Volleyball are being released today, The best players in the district were selected and Cypress Creek’s very own sophomore, Maggie Miller got top honors with the specialty award for “Newcomer of the Year”!!

Congratulations to these other outstanding players for their selection to Second Team all district: 

• senior Jordan Chavis,
• junior Cadey Jones, 
• and junior Amber Terry.  

Congratulations for their Honorable Mention awards to junior Grace Abel and sophomore Reese Hebert.  Way to represent Cypress Creek and prove just how competitive Cy-Fair ISD volleyball truly is!

CFISD STUDENT OF THE WEEK: ELIZABETH SULLIVAN

Cypress Creek High School senior Elizabeth Sullivan, the editor-in-chief for The Cougar Connection newspaper, maintains two jobs at Cypress Veterinary Hospital and Kumon in addition to her school requirements. As a caretaker of animals, Sullivan plans to pursue a career as either a veterinary technician or wildlife rehabilitator.

School: Cypress Creek High School

Age: 17

Grade: 12

Accomplishments: Editor-in-chief of the Cypress Creek newspaper; participates in FFA by competing in multiple speaking contests a year; book club participant.

Favorite class: English. “Since I was little, I have always enjoyed writing stories and reading every sort of book.”

Favorite things to do after class: “When I am not working, you can find me in the newspaper room working. To me, there is always more work to be done and more to be improved.”

Favorite song: Watch What Happens in Newsies (the original Broadway musical).

Favorite website: cchspress.com. “I spend a lot of time working to improve the website and making sure it stays in good shape. cchspress.com is my pride and joy.”

Favorite TV show: Sherlock. “I was a fan of the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ books by Arthur Conan Doyle and was pleasantly surprised with how enticing each episode of Sherlock was.”

Favorite movie: Stuck in Love. “The movie is fast-paced and interesting. It touches on subjects that almost everyone encounters in life.”

Ambition: “In the short term, I hope to produce some of the best newspapers the student body has seen and earn stars in competition. In the long term, after college I plan to either become a veterinary technician or a wildlife rehabilitator.”

What topics/things are you passionate about? “I have always been passionate about books and literature. I am invested in my books and what I can learns from them. I even made a website for my book reviews and am sent advanced copies of books from publishers. I also have a passion for working with animals, hence my future plans of working with animals. I spend a lot of my time learning about animals and working to become a better caretaker of animals in my job at the vet clinic.”

What inspires you? “I am inspired by my grandmother. I have seen my grandmother go through a lot in the past year—her house flooding, two of her siblings pass away, and multiple injuries from falling, but somehow she keeps a smile on her face. I find her strength inspiring and something to admire.”

What three things can’t you live without? My family, my dog and my books.

What are you most looking forward to this semester? “I look forward to introducing all of the new newspaper staffers to our wonderful publication team. We have a great group of students coming into the class this year and I see potential in every one of them, I cannot wait to get started and make the best publication possible.”

CY CREEK JOURNALISTS CLAIM 14 AWARDS AT TAJE FALL FIESTA

Cypress Creek High School student journalists brought home 18 awards from the Texas Association of Journalism Educators (TAJE) Fall Fiesta, Oct. 15-17 in San Antonio.

Bringing home 14 awards, 18 students from the Cypress Creek High School journalism department attended the Texas Association of Journalism Educators (TAJE) annual Fall Fiesta convention held in San Antonio Oct. 15-17.

Students competed in writing, design and photography competitions. Awards were given in three categories: Superior, Excellent and Honorable Mention. More than 900 students and teachers attended the convention—the most the organization has seen in 10 years.

Cypress Creek High School sophomore Caitlin Campbell’s photograph won a Superior award in the On-Site Photo – “Green” category at the TAJE Fall Fiesta. (Photo by Caitlin Campbell, Cypress Creek HS)

For sophomore Caitlin Campbell, a first-year staffer, this was her first convention and contest as part of the program. Campbell received three awards for her photos—two Superiors, the highest rating a student can achieve, and an Honorable Mention.

“For me, winning was crazy,” Campbell said, “especially since it was more than once. I was super nervous and didn’t expect to win anything.”

Jordan DeNike, co-editor-in-chief for the yearbook, competed in the On-Site Photo competition and received an honorable mention for her photo in the “Green” category. A third-year staffer, DeNike said contests like TAJE are a “stepping stone of learning for young journalists.”

Cypress Creek sophomore Caitlin Campbell’s photograph won a Superior award in the On-Site Photo – “Circles” category at the TAJE Fall Fiesta. (Photo by Caitlin Campbell, Cypress Creek HS)

“I’m so grateful I got to go for this experience,” DeNike, a senior, said. “By allowing photographers the chance to test their skills in the real world by walking around San Antonio with their peers, it becomes apparent what real photojournalism is.”

Winning an Excellent rating for Review Writing, senior Libby Sullivan said conventions like TAJE provide personal and professional skills.

“Going to TAJE helped me not only grow as an editor, but as a person,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan, who is also the editor-in-chief of the print and online newspaper, said this is her eighth journalism trip to attend and said winning serves as affirmation for her hard work.

“Winning was so exciting,” she said. “It was like someone patting me on the back and saying, ‘you’re doing a great job.’ It was a great end to a really fun weekend.”

The complete list of Cypress Creek award winners is as follows:

Superior

• Lydia Estepp, Editorial Illustration;
• Grace Grantham and Abby Akard, Yearbook Theme Package;
• Miranda Duncan, Editorial Writing; and
• Caitlin Campbell (2), On-Site Photo – “Green” category and On-Site Photo – “Circles” category.

Excellent

• Libby Sullivan, Review Writing.

Honorable Mention

• Chloe Crawford, Sports Writing;
• Caitlin Campbell, On-Site Photo – “Light & Shadow” category;
• Alexis Garrison, Feature Writing;
• Jordan DeNike, On-Site Photo – “Green” category;
• Hannah Felske (2), On-Site Photo – “Circles” category and On-Site Photo – “Unique Framing” category; and
• Fredy Erives, On-Site Photo – “Unique Framing” category.

Miscellaneous

• Sophia Lezama, Paloma de la Riva and Oli Kearney, third place Scavenger Hunt team.

NINE MARCHING BANDS ADVANCE FROM REGION TO AREA CONTEST

The Cypress Falls High School marching band was one of nine CFISD bands to qualify for the area competition at the UIL Region 27 Marching Contest on Oct. 22 at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium.  (Photo courtesy Zachary Muddiman)

Nine CFISD marching bands advanced to the UIL Area Marching Band Contest after earning high marks at the UIL Region 27 Marching Band Contest on Oct. 22 at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium. The competition was hosted by the Cypress Springs High School band programs.

The Class 6A varsity band programs compete in an alternating-year schedule for the opportunity to participate in the UIL State Marching Band Contest, set for Nov. 8-9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

A member of the Langham Creek High School color guard performs on the field at the UIL Region 27 Marching Contest. (Photo courtesy Zachary Muddiman)

The following CFISD bands advanced to the area contest:

• Cy-Fair High School;
• Cypress Creek High School;
• Cypress Falls High School;
• Cypress Ranch High School;
• Cypress Ridge High School;
• Cypress Springs High School;
• Cypress Woods High School;
• Jersey Village High School; and
• Langham Creek High School.

The Langham Creek High School drum major leads the Lobo band during its Region 27 Marching Contest performance on Oct. 22. The Langham Creek band qualified for the area competition next weekend. (Photo courtesy Zachary Muddiman)

CFISD will again host the UIL Area Marching Band Contest at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 29. Bands from Katy, Spring Branch, Fort Bend, Clear Creek, Brazosport, Friendswood, Houston, Alief and Alvin school districts will participate in the largest area competition in the state in 2016.

Times and performance schedule will be available Wednesday, Oct. 26, after surrounding regions complete their regional rounds of competition. Performing band performance times will be posted on the CFISD and Berry Center websites on Wednesday morning.

General admission is $5 (cash only) for the area event next weekend, with children ages 12 and under admitted free. The CFISD Super Senior pass will also be accepted.

The Cypress Ridge High School band and color guard performs at the UIL Region 27 Marching Contest at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium. The Ram band qualified for the area competition. (Photo courtesy Zachary Muddiman)

2017 NATION MERIT SCHOLAR PROGRAM AWARDS

Cypress Creek has eight Commended Students in the 2017 National Merit Scholar Program.  There are about 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation.  These students are in the top 5% of more than 1.6 million students. Please congratulation these students:

Joan Ball

Matthew Clark

Katie Deakins

Luke Hill

Sarah Lindauer

Jonathan Mathews

Katherine Solgere

Timothy Yang

Ahh CC!

CYCREEK RUNNER FINISHES 10TH IN ELITE NIKE SOUTH INVITATIONAL

This weekend junior Megan DeRouen represented Cy Creek Girls Cross Country well at the prestigious Nike South Invitational. She finished tenth in the elite race. Her time ranks her in the top 25 in Region III-6A. 

CY CREEK FINE ARTS GROUPS WELCOME BACK OLYMPIAN CHRIS BROOKS

Olympic gymnast Chris Brooks arrives home from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Aug. 24, welcomed by the Cypress Creek High School drumline and Silverados drill team.

The Cypress Creek High School drumline and Silverados drill team provided a raucous welcome home for two Olympians including Cypress Creek alum Chris Brooks during an early-morning celebration at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Aug. 24.

Brooks and weightlifter Sarah Robles arrived at the airport from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to a terminal full of percussion and choreography courtesy of dozens of Cypress Creek student musicians and performers.

Cypress Creek alum Chris Brooks, center, joins the Cypress Creek drumline and Silverados drill team at his welcome-home celebration on Aug. 24.

Brooks, a 2005 Cypress Creek graduate, was a member of the men’s gymnastics team in the Rio Olympics that concluded on Aug. 21.

“Although it was early for the Olympians and the students of Cypress Creek, the pride and excitement in the terminal was heartwarming,” said Christy Groschke, Silverados drill team director. “It was an honor to be a part of their homecoming. Cypress Creek is so proud of our Cougar alumnus, Chris Brooks. Ahh CC!”

Band Director Brian Drake credited the members of the drumline for their fantastic performance.

"The students were honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for members of Team USA and to be part of honoring the homecoming of our hard-working Olympic athletes," Drake said.

Members of the Cypress Creek drumline keep the beat at the welcome-home celebration for Olympians Chris Brooks and Sarah Robles at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Aug. 24.

The Cypress Creek Silverados drill team performs a routine as the Cypress Creek drumline plays in the background at the welcome-home celebration for two Olympic athletes on Aug. 24.

Cypress Creek Silverados drill team assistant director Ryan Garcia, left, and director Christy Groschke display a sign welcoming home Cypress Creek alum and Olympic gymnast Chris Brooks.

Cypress Creek alum and Olympic gymnast Chris Brooks, left, fields questions alongside Olympic weightlifter Sarah Robles during a welcome-home celebration for the Houstonians on Aug. 24.

SEVEN HIGH SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED FOR HIGH SAT SCORES

Cypress Creek 2016 graduate Kathy Guerra shakes hands with District 7 State Sen. Paul Bettencourt after speaking at a March press conference hosted by Bettencourt on SB 1004 at Lone Star College–University Park. Cypress Creek ranked 23rd in the Houston area for SAT scores

Seven CFISD high schools were recognized among the top 30 in Houston for their high SAT scores in an Aug. 10 reportby the Houston Chronicle.

The report, which ranked Houston-area public high schools by their average 2014 composite scores in the standardized test, featured the following CFISD campuses:

• Cypress Woods High School – 1586 (13th);
• Cy-Fair High School – 1578 (15th);
• Cypress Ranch High School – 1553 (19th);
• Cypress Creek High School – 1522 (23rd);
• Langham Creek High School – 1500 (26th);
• Jersey Village High School – 1499 (27th); and
• Cypress Falls High School – 1485 (30th).

Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent of schools, joins Cy-Fair High School Class of 2015 graduates at the Berry Center in June 2015. Cy-Fair ranked 15th in a recent Houston Chronicle report on high SAT scores in the Houston area.

The SAT exam features math, reading and writing components and is widely used by college admissions offices. The highest possible score is 2400.

“I am very proud of all staff and students in achieving this ranking,” said Cypress Woods Principal Gary Kinninger, whose school ranked highest among CFISD campuses. “The behind-the-scenes intense academic preparation from all content areas that goes into preparing our students to shine on the SAT is a reflection of the quality instruction that takes place at The Woods. Our goal is to be the No. 1-ranked school in the Houston area. Back to work on Aug. 22!”

Cypress Ranch students celebrate winning a third-place trophy at the 2016 District Science Olympiad competition in February. Cypress Ranch earned a No. 19 ranking for Houston-area SAT scores.


Cypress Woods High School Assistant Principal Bruce Hill assists a student on the first day of school of the 2015-2016 school year. Cypress Woods was the top-ranking CFISD school in a recent report on SAT scores by the Houston Chronicle.

BOYS’ GOLFERS QUALIFY FOR ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT TEAM

Cypress Creek junior George Gilbert was one of 52 CFISD male golfers to qualify for the Academic All-District 17-6A Team.

Fifty-two CFISD student athletes qualified for the Academic All-District 17-6A Boys’ Golf Team, released following the 2016 golf season.

Golfers qualifying for the academic all-district team finished the season in good standing and earned a composite weighted grade point average of 5.5 or higher for all classes for the two identified six weeks that make up the majority of their regular season.

Cypress Springs junior Fabricio Pozas was one of four Panther golfers to make the academic all-district team. 

The following golfers qualified for the team:

Academic All-District 17-6A Boys’ Golf Team
Name	Grade	School
Nicko Martinez	12	Cy-Fair
Laurence Crea	11	Cy-Fair
Ty Baumgartner	11	Cypress Creek
Ben Brock	11	Cypress Creek
George Gilbert	11	Cypress Creek
Drew Hurst	11	Cypress Creek
Josh Prim	12	Cypress Creek
Sam Shouse	9	Cypress Creek
Sam Williams	12	Cypress Falls
Bryce Penn	9	Cypress Falls
Corbin Kullberg	10	Cypress Falls
Trent Alford	9	Cypress Ranch
Jacob Cheramie	12	Cypress Ranch
Ben Cook	10	Cypress Ranch
Gavin Dubois	9	Cypress Ranch
Ruben Fourie	9	Cypress Ranch
Michael Goertz	12	Cypress Ranch
Kyle Gough	10	Cypress Ranch
Kyle Hogan	12	Cypress Ranch
Jordan Kirkman	12	Cypress Ranch
Cole Kohut	10	Cypress Ranch
Cory Kohut	12	Cypress Ranch
Parker Lowe	10	Cypress Ranch
Mac McClellan	9	Cypress Ranch
Justin McDaniel	10	Cypress Ranch
Jacob Roussel	11	Cypress Ranch
Enrique Tristan	11	Cypress Ranch
Michael Deleon	12	Cypress Ridge
Adrian Gonzalez	12	Cypress Ridge
Damian Garza	11	Cypress Springs
John Mata	11	Cypress Springs
Fabricio Pozas	11	Cypress Springs
Leo Vega	9	Cypress Springs
Gage Olfers	12	Cypress Woods
Gavin Vansomeren	12	Cypress Woods
Hunter McQuiggin	12	Cypress Woods
Justin Boncosky	12	Cypress Woods
Garrett Warner	11	Cypress Woods
Brandon Ayers	11	Cypress Woods
Cory Tomchesson	11	Cypress Woods
John Kearney	9	Cypress Woods
Riley Simmons	9	Cypress Woods
Sam Childress	12	Jersey Village
Nick Salley	11	Jersey Village
Nick Bristow	12	Jersey Village
Josh Kelly	12	Jersey Village
Tyler Spjut	12	Jersey Village
Mason Hicks	11	Jersey Village
Jacob Martin	12	Jersey Village
Kyle Metzger	11	Langham Creek
Derek Graber	12	Langham Creek
Aaron Green	10	Langham Creek