ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – MAY 2021
Alumni on Campus
Next Step Breakfast
Cypress Christian School held the annual Next Step Breakfast in April 2021. This event supports the Warrior Fund that provides resources for tuition assistance, academic enhancements, facility improvements, technology upgrades and more.
This year’s event featured a video of CCS alumna Gabby Kostecki (’20) where she shares the exciting outcome from her K-12 journey at CCS. Most recently, Gabby, who is a freshman in the Honors College at the University of Houston as a Tier One Scholar, won the Distinguished Freshman Leader Award at the University of Houston. This prestigious award is given annually to one student in the entire freshman class (5,400 students for the 2020-2021 school year). Gabby is extremely honored to have received this award as she pursues her studies in Mathematical Biology with a minor in Spanish.
Guests heard speaker CCS alumnus Cody Chaffin (’13), Youth Pastor of Cy-Fair Christian Church, share the impact that partnering with Cypress Christian School has had in his life and the lives of his family members.
Also contributing to the event was alumnus Josh Graber (06). His company, Ice Designs Houston, provided the beautiful Cypress Christian School ice sculpture – adding even more school spirit to the event. For more info: Facebook.com/IceDesignsHouston
Alumna Coach at CCS
In addition to an outstanding Warrior basketball season assisting Lady Warriors basketball coach Marsha Martin, Warrior Alumna Coach Daija Coleman (’15) did a great job coaching the boys and girls jump and relay teams throughout the 2021 track season. In fact, she did such a great job, that in conjunction with her fellow coaches, both the girls and boys varsity track teams are State Champions, making CCS athletic history in that this is the first year that both teams won the state championship in the same year! Way to go, Daija! Way to go, Warriors!
Alumni Children are CCS Kindergarten Graduates
Congratulations to Tannith Patterson, daughter of Michael Patterson (’99) and wife Tiffany, and congratulations to Nathaniel Hull, son of Catrina Beaty Hull (’09) and husband Jeff who are CyChristian Kindergarten Graduates! Onward to first grade!!!
College Graduations
Morgan Spencer-Roth (’17) graduated summa cum laude from Abilene Christian University with a B.S. in Kinesiology. In addition, she earned the prestigious honor of University Scholar for her area of education.
ACU Faculty Honor 52 Graduates as University Scholars
Morgan started graduate school last summer pursuing a master’s degree in athletic training with plans to graduate in May 2022. She has worked with the ACU football team, as well as the Hardin-Simmons University football team, This summer Morgan will intern with an XFL arena league football team in Kentucky. After earning her master’s degree, she will pursue a career as a collegiate or professional athletic trainer.
Hannah Gould (‘16) graduated from Abilene Christian University with a B.S. in Child and Family Services. Next steps…Hannah is getting married May 29, and will pursue her certification to be a Certified Child Life Specialist.
Karylina Parodi (’16) graduated in May with a B.S. in Marine Biology, and in August, will complete her degree in Marine Fisheries from Texas A&M University-Galveston. Karylina is a research assistant for the university and will be pursuing her master’s degree in the next academic year.
Makayla Stowell Dansby (‘15) earned her master’s degree in Operations Management from the University of Alabama, where she also earned her undergraduate degree. She is employed by Spartan Invest (a real estate investing company) and was recently promoted to Operations Manager of the new branch of the company in Chattanooga, TN. Makayla and her husband/fellow CCS alumnus Grayson Dansby (’13) are moving to Chattanooga, TN, to begin her new position. Grayson is a paramedic and will work for Grundy County EMS.
Lauren Lee (’17) graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a B.S. in Kinesiology. She says, “These past four years have been fun and exhausting. I’m so thankful to my parents for the opportunity and support to go to and complete college!”
Warrior Ministry
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/
Warrior Weddings
Hunter Byrne Marrs (’12) married Thomas Marrs on December 12, 2020, at Sandlewood Manor in Tomball, TX. Her matron of honor was CCS alumna Kayla Dornbusch Justice (’12). Former CCS student Shelby Reddick Ward was also a bridesmaid in the wedding.
Hunter holds a BBA and MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas. She is a Global Corporate and Investment Banking Associate with Bank of America. Her husband is a Senior Oil and Gas Attorney with Kiefaber and Oliva LLP. The couple attends Second Baptist Church (Cypress Campus), and they enjoy fostering cats for the Harris County Animal Shelter. Photo by Daniel Colvin Photography
Chelsea Vincent Denzler (’11) and husband Daniel were married April 9, 2020, and recently invited friends and families to celebrate their first wedding anniversary as they held their second wedding ceremony and hosted a reception. The joyful event was held at Hodge Podge Lodge in Montgomery, TX. They look forward to moving into their first house in Willow Creek Farms in Katy, TX, this August.
Chelsea holds a B.A. in Great Texts from Houston Baptist University and an M.A. in Classical Studies from Villanova University. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters of Apologetics from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chelsea is a language specialist and teacher at Berean Christian Academy in Katy, TX. Daniel is an athletic trainer for Houston Independent School District. The couple attends Kingsland Baptist Church where Chelsea is a community group leader and a member of the choir, and Daniel is a member of the church safety team. Chelsea also enjoys volunteering at the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston. Photo by Stephanie Davis Photography
Welcome, Little Warriors
Heather Bennett Pucek (’03) and husband A.J welcomed Isaiah Jackson Pucek on April 29, 2021, measuring 19 inches long and weighing 7 lbs., 2 oz. Heather says, “We are so thankful he is here. He gets lots of cuddles from his older siblings Heidi (8), Elsie (6), Jackie (4) and Abraham (2).
The family lives in Liberty Hill, TX, close to A.J.’s job, where he is head of sales at Cooper Stone. They are enjoying exploring the Austin area including churches like Hill Country Fellowship Church. The kids are especially enjoying all the amazing parks and taking the boat on the lakes.
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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.
