TAPPS Fall 2023 Photo Award Winners
Cypress Christian School photographers exhibited their talent and skill in the 2023 TAPPS Photo Contest. In the 4A division, our photographers earned 11 student awards – one first place, two second place and eight honorable mention awards, and two faculty award – two honorable mention awards. On a special note, in the 4A Animal category, CCS was awarded 50% of the awards. We are so proud of all the photos that were submitted for the contest and are already thinking about our entries for next year.
Animals:
- Second Place – Cailea Chalton (Madikwe Lions)
- Honorable Mention – Kayla Barfoot (Yellowstone Bison)
- Honorable Mention – Keaon Chalton (Untitled)
- Honorable Mention – Hank Yeates (The Bug)
Landscape/ Scenic
- Honorable Mention – Kayla Barfoot (Majestic Mountains)
- Honorable Mention – Keaon Chalton (Tswalu Landscape)
- Honorable Mention – Colton Beckman (Alaska Dog Sled)
Sports 4A:
- First Place – Jackson Gibb (Tunnel Vision)
Student Life 4A:
- Second Place – Tatum Webb (Reading Time)
- Honorable Mention – Allison Exum (Homecoming Confetti Celebration)
Waterscapes 4A
- Honorable Mention – Jackson Gibb (Arctic Freeze)
Faculty:
- Honorable Mention – Rachael Lechman (Price)
- Honorable Mention – Rachael Lechman (47-0)
Thank you for encouraging our student photographers to strive for excellence. CCS is proud of their accomplishments.
Out of the Box Christmas
On December 14-15, the Middle School Intro to Theatre class performed “Out of the Box Christmas” for their families and classmates. The show featured eighth-grader, Bella Wright, as the crazy drama teacher dealing with a costume mix up for the nativity play including, wisemen dressed as cowboys, shepherds dressed as pirates and angels dressed as cheerleaders. But even with the hilarity of the situation, the message of Jesus’s incredible birth was clear. The performance was made complete with a special appearance by the CCS Middle School Choir singing a “Christmas Love Song.”
2023 Christmas Program
On Thursday, December 7, the sanctuary of The MET Church was filled with the sounds of Christmas. Our youngest TK Warriors opened the evening with a song, followed by amazing performances from the secondary choirs. With the help of high school drama students and members of the drumline, our K-5 students honored the Lord Jesus while performing “The Little Drummer Dude.” Thanks to the CCS fine arts directors, faculty, staff, students, volunteers and the staff at The MET Church for making this event a joyful and God-honoring occasion. Merry Christmas!
CCS One Act Play is STATE RUNNER-UP!
On November 11 and 12, Cypress Christian School’s One Act Play students competed in the TAPPS State One Act Play Competition in Kerrville, TX with their performance of “Peter and the Starcatcher ” by Rick Elise. Students worked diligently as a team and received State-Runner-Up (second place). Upon reviewing their scores with the TAPPS judges, students learned that one of the three judges gave them a state champion (first place) rating. This is a huge accomplishment and we hope you join us in celebrating their achievements.
SENIORS: (6)
Robby Mynes, Ezekiel Hogan, Rayne Harris, Ashleigh Townsend, Jackson Broussard, Brandon Fivecoat
JUNIORS: (10)
Avery Connelly, Ester Torres-Pinheiro, Nicole Santos, David Romero, Matthew Storey, Noah Utley, Sasha Farrington, Barrett Wilhelm, Emily Muse, Katie Schmitt
SOPHOMORES: (8)
Zak Wright, Erica Davenport, Caden Kreitz, Gabe Caldwell, Jerry Kiely, Alison Richard, Danielle Roberts, Aidan Salazar
FRESHMAN: (1)
Lydia Duphorne
Cypress Christian School was also the school that won the most individual awards in the contest:
- Sophomore, Caden Kreitz, and Senior, Jackson Broussard, were recognized as All-Star Technicians
- Junior, Ester Torres-Pinheiro was awarded Honorable Mention Cast for her performance as Smee
- Seniors, Robby Mynes and Rayne Harris, along with Junior, Nicole Santos, were recognized as All-Star Cast members for their performances as Boy (Peter), Mrs. Bumbrake and Molly, respectively
Students made lots of memories and look forward to another award-winning season next year as they move up to Division I. Students would like to thank their directors, (Marit Broussard, Kiley Harris and Jessica Mynes) chaperone/trailer driver, (Daniel Wright) and their parents for their unwavering support and dedication.
Great job, Warriors! Way to bring home the silver!
Alumni News – May 2021
Makayla Frye (’16) graduated in May 2020 from Baptist Bible College and Cox College of Nursing. Since then she has worked as a nurse in Springfield, MO, and served at High Street Church. This spring, she was approved as a WIN (World Initiative Network) missionary to Kenya and will be working with Real 4 Christ Ministries. Makayla says, “Ever since stepping off the plane to spend the summer of 2017 in Kenya, I knew that is where God wanted me to be. That summer I grew in my love for ministry, for God’s people, and specifically for the people of Kenya. I can’t wait to see how God is going to use this next phase of my life, and am humbled that He has chosen me to go share the Gospel and be His hands and feet to the incredible people of Kenya.” For more info: Real4Christ.com/
Click here to learn more about alumni on campus, college graduations, Warrior weddings and little Warriors by reading the May 2021 Alumni Newsletter.
If you have news to share, Submit Alumni News or email [email protected].
To read alumni news throughout the month, follow the Cypress Christian School Alumni Facebook page Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni, Facebook group Facebook.com/Groups/2353703922 and the CyChristianAlumni Instagram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
ALUMNI NEWS – APRIL 2021
Ashley Milstead Wilson (’14) married Colby Wilson on March 6, 2021. Ashley recently graduated from Sam Houston State University with an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is starting a new job at Liberty Hill Child & Family Counseling. She looks forward to working with children and adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression, as well as their family members. Colby works for Ashton Woods Homes in the Warranty Department. Colby and Ashley live in Leander, TX.
Click here to read the April 2021 Alumni Newsletter.
If you have news to share, Submit Alumni News or email [email protected].
To read alumni news throughout the month, follow the Cypress Christian School Alumni Facebook page Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni, Facebook group Facebook.com/Groups/2353703922 and the CyChristianAlumni Instagram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
Alumni News – March 2021
Josh Clark (’01) is the owner of Neverland Balloons and Facepainting and says that his business has really been growing. His TikTok account, @BalloonJosh, which provides fun, family-friendly content, has grown to over 1.4 million followers in just five months. He now gets paid to make TikTok videos and is also listed as Balloon Josh on FamousBirthdays.com.
Josh is a graduate of Columbia International University where he earned a B.S. with a double major in Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies. His wife Amanda is a second-grade teacher at CCS and the couple attends Greater Houston Church.
Click here to read the March 2021 Alumni Newsletter.
If you have news to share, Submit Alumni News or email [email protected].
To read alumni news throughout the month, follow the Cypress Christian School Alumni Facebook page Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni, Facebook group Facebook.com/Groups/2353703922 and the CyChristianAlumni Instagram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
Alumni News – January 2021
Maddie Echols (’17) graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2020 earning a degree in communications, a minor in sociology and an associate degree in foreign language. She says she is forever grateful for everyone who has supported her over the years. “I truly couldn’t have done it without y’all.”
Click here to read more alumni news.
If you have news to share, Submit Alumni News or email [email protected].
To read alumni news throughout the month, follow the Cypress Christian School Alumni Facebook page Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni, Facebook group Facebook.com/Groups/2353703922 and the CyChristianAlumni Instagram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
ALUMNI NEWS – SEPTEMBER 2020
“There is a new Warrior in town,” says alumnus Justin Kirtley (’04) and his wife/former CCS teacher, Natalie Kirtley. Their daughter Carlee Kirtley started third grade at Cypress Christian School this year, and they are so excited! “Today marks a very exciting day! We made the decision to switch to CCS this year. It has been on our hearts for a while now and, honestly, it felt so right when we called and toured the school. We know so many wonderful people there from our time at CCS. It seriously feels like home. We felt so much peace dropping her off.”
Click here to read about 10 more second-generation Warriors and other alumni news.
If you have news to share, Submit Alumni News or email [email protected].
To read alumni news throughout the month, follow the Cypress Christian School Alumni Facebook page Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni and the CyChristianAlumni Instagram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
ALUMNI NEWS – JUNE 2020
Congratulations to our alumni college graduates, newlyweds, new parents, future Warrior and thank you to an alumni serviceman – all featured in this issue of the Warrior Alumni Newsletter.Click here to read about our Warrior alumni.
If you have news to share, Submit Alumni News or email [email protected].
To read alumni news throughout the month, follow the Cypress Christian School Alumni Facebook page Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni and the CyChristianAlumni Instagram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
ALUMNI NEWS – APRIL 16, 2020
Alumni Warriors at Work!
Warrior graduates are working hard and serving our world during the crisis surrounding COVID-19, and we thank our CCS Prayer Warriors for praying for our alumni as they serve in various capacities. Please watch for more news on “Alumni Warriors at Work” via our social media channels.
Click here to read about our Warrior alumni.
If you have news to share, Submit Alumni News or email [email protected].
To read alumni news throughout the month, follow the Cypress Christian School Alumni Facebook page Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni and the CyChristianAlumni Instagram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
ALUMNI NEWS – APRIL 9, 2020
Alumni Pastors and Missionaries Sharing the Love of Christ in Creative and Innovative Ways
Holy Week: Please join us in praying for our alumni pastors and missionaries as they share the gospel and the love of Christ in creative and innovative ways during this world-wide pandemic. This week, we are highlighting several of our alumni who are in ministry across the nation and world. Also, please like/follow our social media channels for alumni news throughout the week.
Acts 4:33: “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”
He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!
Click here to read about our Warrior alumni.
ALUMNI NEWS – JANUARY 2020
Steven Dansby (’05) coached the CCS middle school boys B basketball team this season. “He did a great job of teaching the game to his players,” says Head Middle School Basketball Coach Craig Cleveland. “It was an honor to have Steven, one of my former players, coach alongside me this season. Steven was an outstanding student and player while attending CCS, helping us win the state championship his senior year. The same work ethic that he had as a student-athlete was displayed this season as he coached his team. Coach Dansby did a great job of teaching on-court fundamentals and game strategy to all the middle school players. As a former, high-level player, Coach Dansby was also able to give the players great insight into the mind of an athlete and the mental approach of how to play the game. I was very proud of Coach Dansby and the work he did this season. The middle school boys basketball program benefited greatly by having him on staff, and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
This month, the Warrior Alumni Association is pleased to feature graduates who are serving their communities in the areas of athletics, law, law enforcement, medicine, military service, missions, homeless services and consumer services. CCS is very proud of these Warriors, and thankful for how they are serving God’s people and impacting our world. Click here to read more about Steven Dansby and other CCS alumni.
If you have news to share, Submit Alumni News or email [email protected].
To read alumni news throughout the month, follow the Cypress Christian School Alumni Facebook page Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni and the CyChristianAlumni Instagram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
ALUMNI NEWS – NOVEMBER 2019
On Monday, November 11, 2019, CCS was honored to partner with current school families and alumni to recognize the military service of their loved ones. In attendance at the annual Veterans Day Assembly were CCS graduates Robert Geyer ’14 (Marines), Phil Praesel ’98 (Air Force) and Johnathon Alsobrooks, spouse of Susan Mayes Alsobrooks ’01 (Army). These three veterans along with 15 fellow alumni veterans were recognized in the 2019 Roll of Honor. Read more about this event and other CCS alumni in the November 2019 Alumni Newsletter.
To read previous monthly alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News
Follow Alumni Social Media Sites
Please follow/like the Cypress Christian School Alumni social media sites for news throughout the month.
Facebook Page (replaces the group)
Instagram Account (CyChristianAlumni)
Share Your Alumni News
Our readers love alumni news! Please share your alumni news about education, career, family, service, travel, awards and life’s adventures.
Email: [email protected]
Alumni News Form: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Submit-Alumni-News
ALUMNI NEWS – OCTOBER 2019
It is always great to have our former Warriors back on campus. On Friday, October 11, we were excited to welcome alumni and their families (105+) to Homecoming 2019. It was fun visiting and getting to know their families, serving them food and awarding prizes. It was also an honor to have two of our alumni join us for our Pastor Appreciation Luncheon this month. It was a privilege to honor these two alumni who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Lord through serving their churches and our community.
Read more about these events and CCS alumni and view the Alumni Homecoming slideshow in the October 2019 Alumni Newsletter and the alumni news in the Summer 2019 edition of the CONNECTION Magazine.
To read previous monthly alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News
Follow Alumni Social Media Sites
Please follow/like the Cypress Christian School Alumni social media sites for news throughout the month.
Facebook Page (replaces the group)
Instagram Account (CyChristianAlumni)
Share Your Alumni News
Our readers love alumni news! Please share your alumni news about education, career, family, service, travel, awards and life’s adventures.
Email: [email protected]
Alumni News Form: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Submit-Alumni-News
ALUMNI NEWS – SEPTEMBER 2019
Julian Logan (’15) is majoring in industrial and systems engineering at the University of Oklahoma with plans to graduate in May 2020. Over the summer, Julian enjoyed his role as the Associate Logistics Intern in the Athletic Department of Rice University in Houston, TX. He guided, monitored, adjusted and evaluated the production progress on a daily basis in order to achieve their monthly goals. Julian says, “I am extremely grateful for the relationships I’ve built over the years and thankful to learn from colleagues during my time at Rice University. Special thanks to my mentor Van Green for taking me under his wing and guiding me through the management of this department.” Julian also participated in the CCS Alumni Open Gym nights this summer along with fellow graduates. He says, “I really enjoyed being able to catch up on life with friends and former staff and coaches. CCS will always be home for me.” Read more about Julian and other CCS alumni in the September 2019 Alumni Newsletter and the alumni news in summer 2019 edition of the CONNECTION Magazine.
To read previous monthly alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News
Homecoming 2019
The Cypress Christian Alumni Association invites former students and their families to join us. Hope to see you there!
Free food and giveaways (6-9 p.m.)
Campus tour (6 p.m., to begin in alumni area)
Free admission to the game (7 p.m.)
Alumni photo (halftime)
No RSVP needed but to be sure we have enough goodies for everyone, please contact us to let us know you are planning to attend: via email at [email protected] or via the Cypress Christian School Alumni page on Facebook. Hope to see you there!
Follow Alumni Social Media Sites
Please follow/like the Cypress Christian School Alumni social media sites for news throughout the month.
NEW: Facebook Page (replaces the group)
NEW: Instagram Account (CyChristianAlumni)
Share Your Alumni News
Our readers love alumni news! Please share your alumni news about education, career, family, service, travel, awards and life’s adventures.
Email: [email protected]
Alumni News Form: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Submit-Alumni-News
ALUMNI BASKETBALL NIGHT
On July 23, 2019, CCS alumni enjoyed a night of basketball and fellowship in the East Gym. Thanks to the following alumni who came out for the event:
Cole Andrews (’16), Brayton Barber (’19), Braden Barbisch (’18), Reid Chapman (’19), Steve Dansby (’05), Evan Doremus (’12), Andrew Galloway (’12), Christopher Geyer (’16), Robert Geyer (’14), Nevin Graves (’19), Taylor Kight (’16), Julian Logan (’15), Jordan Wandix (’16) and Nick Webster (’17)
We enjoyed our night together!
gram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2019
On Tuesday, June 25, CCS graduates were greeted by coaches and staff in the East Gym for a time of basketball and fellowship. Alumni were treated to refreshments and each received a gift card.
CCS graduates are invited to attend the next Alumni Open Gym on July 23 at 6:30 p.m. to play basketball or cheer on fellow alumni.
The Warrior Alumni Association has created a Facebook page dedicated to sharing alumni accomplishments, communicating event information and relaying important messages to alumni & family members. Be sure to like this page to receive timely messages and news: Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni/.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – MAY 2019
Two former ’07 classmates gave birth on the same day.
Keeley Lambert Jones (’07 – left) and her husband Clayton live in Los Angeles, CA, and are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Liv Kimberly Jones, born on May 9, 2019 weighing 7 lbs., 7 oz. and measuring 20 inches. Keeley is an actress and also works part time for a faith-based, arts non-profit organization, which she helped start while living in New York City. Keeley and Clayton recently produced and starred in a short film that they hope will be featured in festivals this year.
Kelsey Salmon Moore (’07 – right) and her husband Kent also welcomed their first child, Miles Garrison Moore, into the world on May 9, 2019. He weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz. and measured 24 inches. Kelsey and her family live in Lubbock, TX, where she is the Business Office Coordinator at Covenant School of Nursing and Kent is an Escrow Officer at Title One. They attend Hillside Christian Church and are actively involved in a small group Bible study.
The May 2019 issue of the Alumni Newsletter features more about other CCS alumni. Click here to read more.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2019
Samantha Longridge (’16), who was recently engaged to Dawson Odom (a fellow Aggie), is majoring in oceanography and minoring in math at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. As part of her studies, she has participated in research cruises to assess the condition of Galveston Bay, with the first cruise being in response to Hurricane Harvey, and her most recent research cruise taking place two days after the ITC fire in Deer Park, TX. Samantha says, “Galveston Bay is a hot spot to study because it is economically and ecologically significant – being affected by a large population and the petrochemical complex.” To test the effects of the fire and chemical spill on Galveston Bay, their group was able to add additional test stations close to Deer Park. Crew members say they went as close to the ITC site as the U.S Coast Guard would allow them.
The April 2019 issue of the Alumni Newsletter features more about Samantha and other CCS alumni. Click here to read more.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2019
Grayson Beck (’14) graduated from Southwestern University in 2018 with a degree in business. He is a sales development representative for Khoros.com which is a social media management software company that makes it easy for marketing and support teams to deliver their best customer experiences and messages.
The March 2019 issue of the Alumni Newsletter features news about other CCS alumni. Click here to read more.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2019
Taylor Broadway (’15) is playing baseball at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in Oxford, MS. He is majoring in general studies and looking forward to this year because playing Division 1 baseball has been a life-long dream of his. He says, “It’s also pretty surreal because this is the same university where CCS Baseball Coach David Swan played baseball. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all the amazing people at CCS who guided me in the right direction and encouraged me to become the man I am today, not only in the classroom or on the baseball field, but most importantly, in my faith.”
The February 2019 issue of the Alumni Newsletter features news about other CCS alumni. Click here to read more.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2019
Jordyn McCain Milenkovic (’09), along with fellow CCS graduates, has begun planning the class of 2009 ten-year reunion. She hopes to see many familiar faces to make new memories with old friends. Jordyn and her husband Steven enjoy raising their two sons, Christian (2) and Grayson (7 months), in College Station, TX, where they bought their first home last year. Jordyn holds a B.B.A. in marketing from Texas A&M University and is the owner of Jordyn Elaine Digital and Graphic Design, which serves businesses of all sizes. For more information about the reunion or information about Jordyn’s business, please contact her at [email protected].
The January 2019 issue of the Alumni Newsletter features more about Jordyn and other CCS alumni. Click here to read more.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – FALL 2018
Josh Graber (’06) and his wife Taylor welcomed their first child this summer. Caleb Beck Graber was born on July 24, 2018 in Houston, TX. Josh is the Director of Business Operations at Dynamic Sports Training and enjoys working with fellow CCS alumnus Kevin Poppe (’06). They attend Tallowood Baptist Church, and enjoy their roles as directors and teachers in the youth department (10th grade).
The Fall 2018 issue of the Alumni Newsletter features more new “Little Warriors” and information on alumni military service, ministry, careers and a wedding.
CLASS OF 2018 YEARBOOK SIGNING & COLLEGE SEND-OFF
On Tuesday, the Class of 2018 gathered on campus for one last time before heading off to college for a Yearbook Signing & College Send-off. The students had a great time writing notes to one another and spending time together. Each graduate in attendance received a fun “College Survival Kit” gift bag. Before leaving campus, the students were prayed over as they go out into the world. We are excited to see how God fulfills His plan for each of their lives!
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2017
Lindsay Ehrhardt (class of ’05) will perform with the A.D. Players in their upcoming production of the classic comedy “You Can’t Take It With You.” The show runs every Thursday through Sunday in May. This play premiered on Broadway in 1936 and won a Pulitzer prize. It was adapted into a movie and won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1938. Lindsay plays the role of Alice in her first production with A.D. Players. She is thrilled to be working with this well-respected company and in the new A.D. Players theater in the Galleria area.For dates, times and ticket information check out the theater’s website.
She is a company member at Classical Theatre Company. Lindsay has appeared at CTC as Gwendolen Fairfax The Importance of Being Earnest as well as Dunyasha in The Cherry Orchard. Previous credits include: Grace in Tigers Be Still, Jo in Boom and Heather in Assistance with Black Lab Theatre; Mary in Late: A Cowboy Song with Mildred’s Umbrella; Tatiana Bakunin in The Coast of Utopia: Voyage, Tata Herzen in The Coast of Utopia: Salvage, Tiffany in My Wonderful Day, Cat in The Cat in the Hat, Meg Murray in A Wrinkle in Time, Ms. Frizzle in The Magic Schoolbus Live!, and Mom/etc in Superfudge with Main Street Theater; Anna in The Rainbow Lands with 14 Pews; Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and Goldilocks in Goldilocks & the Three Little Plays with InterActive Theater; Annelle in Steel Magnolias with Sugarland Imperial Theater. Education: Baylor University, BFA Theater Performance.
ALUMNI NEWS – MARCH 2017
Alumni Invited on May 4
Come see the new gym! Please join us for the Grand Opening and Dedication Ceremony of the new Campus Life Center and Gym on May 4 at 8 a.m. The best part about this event will be the tour!
Nick Hanson (’11) and his wife Stephanie are campus missionaries in San Antonio with the Chi Alpha Campus Ministries organization. Currently, they are making preparations and raising support to lead a team of college students overseas to Moldova this summer. Moldova, formerly under rule of Communist Russia, is the most corrupt and poor country in Europe: plagued with sex trafficking, slavery and crime. They will work with local missionaries to connect with college students and train young leaders in how to make disciples. If you would like more information on their ministry, please email Nick.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2017
College and Careers
Lina Parodi (’16) is majoring in marine biology at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and is pleased to report she made the Dean’s List last semester. Her goals include owning an aquaculture lab to establish man-made coral reefs. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Texas State Aquarium and at Glen Oak Therapeutic Riding Facility, a Christian organization that helps disabled individuals through horseback riding. She also participates in area art shows. Shown in photo with Lina is current CCS fifth grade student Sophia Swanton who was visiting the aquarium during Lina’s volunteer hours. Lina noticed Sophia’s Warrior t-shirt and introduced herself as a fellow Warrior.
Alyssa Beach (’13) graduated early from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in biomedical sciences. She graduated magna cum laude with a bilingual Spanish certificate. Alyssa will attend medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center beginning August 2017. She plans to specialize in trauma surgery after medical school.
Elena Ray (’12) graduated cum laude from the University of Houston with a B.S. in nutrition, and has been accepted to the summer 2017 B.S.N. nursing program at UTMB in Galveston. She starts nursing school this May, and is very excited to take the next step in her education as she pursues her goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
Jordan Gray (’11) graduated with honors from San Jacinto Maritime Academy in May 2016 with a degree in marine transportation. In addition, he holds a 200-Ton Masters License (Captain) with the U.S. Coast Guard for near coastal and western rivers. He is a steersman for Cheryl K. Marine, a marine charter company that provides transportation of all kinds of petroleum products as well as dangerous liquids and gas throughout the Gulf. Jordan plans to continue his career in the maritime field, upgrading his license and expanding his knowledge of the maritime industry.
Births
Jade Harper Gilbreath (’14) and husband Jackson welcomed their baby boy, Josiah, on January 25, 2017, at 12:04 a.m. He weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz., and measured 18 and a half inches. Jade reports that they are doing well and says, “He is seriously the easiest baby ever. We are so blessed and so happy to have him. He is so loved!” Jackson and Jade are stationed at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota. Jade is finishing her degree in art while Jackson works on acquiring his pilot’s license.
Scott Ordeneaux (’11) and wife Lauren Slater Ordeneaux (’12) are pleased to announce the birth of their son Callum Jonathan Ordeneaux. He was born on Jan. 2, 2017, weighing 6 lbs., 3 oz.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2017
Zach Stocks (’01), his wife Jorden and their three boys, Liam (7), Gage (4) and Drew (2) enjoyed touring CCS while visiting Houston. Zach says: “My family and I were so excited to visit CCCS. We received a very warm welcome by the staff and were happy to see all the additions to the campus that have enabled our great school to grow. In a word, the visit was “surreal,” walking around campus brought back so many good memories. Since my graduation at CCCS, God led me to attend Alaska Bible College, which is where I met my beautiful wife. Upon graduating college, God led us to many different ministry opportunities. Currently, we are ministering at Mt. Hope Bible Camp. I have recently been appointed the director at the camp, and my wife and I are new missionaries with InFaith. Along with our three boys, we serve with an awesome staff to provide a distraction-free environment for people to come and learn about Christ in His creation. Our family loves camp life. The boys love to explore outdoors and participate in the fun camp recreation. We are also very active in our local church. We are excited about the life God has given us, and I am so thankful for the Biblical foundation I received at CCCS. If anyone is interested in receiving more information about how to get involved at our camp, please feel free to contact us.” Mt. Hope Bible Camp, P.O. Box 240, Forbestown, CA 95941; 530-675-2022 or email Zach.
Jim Rankin (who graduated from 8th grade in 1983 before the high school was started) and his twin brother Bill attended CCCS from 1981-1983 (6th-8th grade) and enjoyed their time there. Herq Palmquist was the principal. Jim’s family left Houston in 1983 after he graduated from middle school at CCS. After high school in MN, he earned a BS in Finance from University of Northwestern, Saint Paul, and is now employed by Wells Fargo in Trust Operations as a Securities Operation Service Specialist. He is the main liaison with Wells Fargo Trust Ops. – customer service, trade processing, reporting, reconciling, cash management, and management of exceptions. He and his wife Kerry and three boys Jacob (17), Trevor (15) and Kyle (13) live in Shoreview, MN and attend Woodland Hills Church. In Jim’s email, he said: “I just want to say hi ya’ll (haven’t said that expression for awhile) and congratulations to the football team for winning a playoff game – we played “flag” football back in the day. Some names I remember from the past: Geoff Williams, Renee (Bill’s girlfriend), Jennifer Keller, and Mike Anderson.”
Josh Clark (’01) married his best friend and the love of his life, Amanda Orzechowski, on Dec. 17, 2016, in Scotch Plains, NJ. They live in Kearny, NJ and are both teachers. Amanda teaches math at an after-school tutoring center, and Josh teaches elementary fitness. They both bring lots of joy into the lives of others through balloon art and facepainting at parties and events all over NY and NJ.
Amy Cheek Doty (’03) had a big year of changes–Her husband, Chad, proposed to her on New Year’s Day 2016; they were married last summer; she left corporate work to develop her own freelance design business; and they closed on their first home recently. Amy says, “There will never be another year like 2016.”
Andrew Graber (’04) married Caitlyn Bordeaux on October 29, 2016 with fellow alumni, friends and family by their side including alumni parents Gary and Elaine Graber, bridesmaid Monica Graber (’03), groomsman Josh Graber (’06) and his wife Taylor; groomsman Michael Anderson (’06) and his wife Laura, groomsman Matt Moore (’04) and his wife Katelin, and in attendance were Kevin Poppe (’06) and alumni parents Peter Michael and Lynnette Anderson. The couple lives in Fayetteville, AR. Andrew is an RN (Critical Care Coordinator), and Caitlyn is a marketing director.
Brittany Metrin Powers (’06) and Devin Powers (’06) welcomed their “newest slice of heaven” on Nov. 10, 2016, at 5:44 a.m. Bradlie weighed 7 lbs.,13 oz. and measured 20 in. long. Older sisters Paige and Jade love the new member of the family.
Jordan Canik (’07) and wife Kathryn welcomed 8 lb., 6 oz. Amber Lynn into the world on Nov 30, 2016. Amber is the first grandchild and great grandchild on both sides of the family. Jordan is the manager of a Sherwin Williams store in Frisco, TX, and “Kat” works for Time Warner. They reside in Little Elm, TX. Uncle Cameron (’11) has a video game design degree and is seeking a career in that industry. Also, shown are alumni parents/proud grandparents Randy and April Canik.
Brian Fredrich (’10) and Rachael Elkins (’10) were married on August 6, 2016, in St. Croix. The couple was blessed to have family and fellow CCS alumni by their side for their special day: Elizabeth Elkins (’04)-maid of honor, Amanda Cronin (’10)-bridesmaid, Trevor Sparks (’10)-groomsman, Autumn and Cadence Elkins (current CCS students)-flower girls,Jeremy Elkins (’01)-usher, Courtney Elkins (current CCS teacher), Cat Crozier Sparks (’10) and former CCS student Taylor McCraw-wedding guests. Brian and Rachael currently live in New York where Brian is studying for his master’s degree at Cornell University, and Rachael is working as a nurse.
Hallie Salmon (’10) is using her major in International Studies from Texas A&M University to travel the world. Last fall she taught English at the New York Language School in Loja, Ecuador. When that assignment ended, she traveled to Peru where she learned to surf, and then she traveled on to Switzerland. Hallie is currently working as an au pair for a family with four children in Rome. She plans to return to Texas in March.
Michael Teague (’10) graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy on Dec 10, 2016, and will be moving to Keller, TX, to work at a physical therapy clinic. Michael is pleased to announce is his engagement to Catherine Eamma. Their wedding is set for June 23, 2017.
Lauren Echols (’13) recently graduated early from Texas A&M University with a BS in Nutritional Science and a minor in Spanish. She took the exam to become a Dietetic Technician, registered in January and plans to apply for dietetic internships that begin in the summer, which will qualify her to become a Registered Dietitian.
Alumni Basketball Players vs current Lady Warriors: Over the Christmas 2016 break, Coach Martin invited alumni basketball players to join the current Lady Warriors for practice and lunch afterwards. “We had a great time,” said Coach Martin. “The alumni still got it!” Alumni shown in photo: Courtney Higgs (’06), Charity White Gregory (’06), Kat Barnett Lopez (’07), Shannen Longridge (’13), Lexus Van Pelt (’11), Katie Moore (’14), Dai’ja Coleman (’15)
