ON THE COVER: Bridgeland Bears Cheerleaders: L to R: Cassidy Thompson, Kennedy Smith, Faith DeSpain, Jillian Sims, Halle Cheek, Kayla Lackey Photo Credit: Thomas CoffmanServing the Communities of Bridgeland & BlackHorse Ranch Contents 8 Seana Burris: Cy-Ranch Student Shines While Advocating for Awareness and Inclusion 12 Canine Corner 14 Cypress Happenings 16 Best of Cy-Fair: Gulf Coast Bread Pudding Co. 18 Half-Time Shows Are a Full-Time Passion 20 Cy-Fair Helping Hands Back to School Bash Draws Huge Crowd of CFISD Families in Need 21 Students Return to Classes for the School Year 22 Cypress School News 820 16
PinPointe Magazine 7
What is your favorite subject?
Brady Smith. He is talented, strong. He likes baseball. He’s a good friend. We chose to include Seana’s mother, Shannon, in this interview, as well.
Swimming! Do you have a best friend?
What emotions were you feeling when you sent Seana off to high school?
I love my family and my dogs, Bullet and Woof.
PINP O INTE RESIDENT PR O FILE
While Advocating for Awareness and Inclusion
Mixed emotions excited, happy, worried. We’ve had some challenges through the years with school. I believe Seana’s only disability is those around her who can’t see the possibilities.
I was super pumped about high school and that I was going to see Assistant Principal Mr. Heefner. I have a great mentor named Hunter Parry and Mr. Stanton has been very helpful. They have both helped Brady and I feel confident in getting to our classes. (Note: Brady and Seana are classmates).
8 September | October 2022
Seana Burris Cy-Ranch Student Shines
Photo Credit: Thomas Coffman
I n my previous life as an HISD educator, I taught and coached individuals with intellectual disabilities. In those 25 years, I was the teacher, yet I learned so much from my students. Their lessons of resilience, humor, loyalty, determination, and friendship resonate with me so many years later. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Seana Michal Burris, an exceptional 14-yearold freshman at Cypress Ranch High School. Meet Seana: Tell us three things about your family.
How was it different from middle school?
What makes you special? S trong – stubborn E asy-going A thletic N ice A wesome
How was your first day as a high school student?
As an individual with an intellectual disability, what course of study does Seana follow?
Depending on what the subject is, I feel she learns best by example. For example, we are watching You Tube videos to learn how to put hair in a ponytail.
For Seana’s core classes, she is in what they refer to as Resource classes, smaller class size, modified assignments. For her electives, she is in general education. How does she learn best?
I am an aunt to my nieces Emberly, June, and Kinzi. I have two older brothers, Blaine and Bubba.
By Patricia Hudson
Bigger building, more people! What classes are you taking? English, Algebra, Principles of Education, Health, Swimming, Biology, Geography Which one is the most challenging? Algebra is most challenging.
Seana started swim lessons at 5 or 6. She started swimming with Special Olympics when she was 8. At the same time, Michaela Lester, a friend we know from competitive cheer, invited us to join Cypress Mills Makos competitive summer swim team.
What do you foresee in Seana’s future? College? Independent living?
What do you perceive to be your daughter’s strengths? Her work ethic and determination. She believes she is the best at whatever she does. At what age did Seana learn to swim; what made you decide to have her swim competitively?
Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson
PinPointe Magazine 9
Seana wants to attend college at Texas A&M and she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. After college, she wants to live in an apartment next to her brother, Blaine. I don’t know how I will live without her, but I never want to be the one holding her back from anything. Seana, tell us about your try-out for the Cy-Ranch swim team. I did my best to work hard and do everything Coach Carnicle asked me to do. The captains were very welcoming when I arrived. How did you react when you found out that you had made the team? I was surprised when I made the swim team and I loved reading all the comments on Facebook and Instagram, supporting me.Seana with Brady - Photo Credit: Daniel Arizpe
Lots! I want to be selected for swimming on the U.S. Special Olympics team and represent Texas and our country. What do you do in your free time?
10 September | October 2022
What goals do you have as a Cy-Ranch swimmer?
Watch YouTube, play with my dogs, go to rodeos and cheer for my favorite cowboys. I also volunteer with Trinity Oaks. They are about getting people back into the outdoors through hunting and fishing. I also volunteer with Sky High for Kids to help raise awareness for children with pediatric cancer at their annual fundraising events. I have donated my hair three times, and have been a part of raising over $20,000 for the organization. What is your Favorite TV show?
I want to become a stronger, faster swimmer and be invited to district and invitational meets. You are a Special Olympics athlete. In what sports do you compete? Track, Swimming, Basketball and Volleyball. How many SOTX medals have you won?
Master Chef Who is your favorite musician? Cody Johnson. Music? Til You Can’t (Song by Cody Johnson) What are you planning to do after graduation? Go to college and become a doctor. I want to help others. As an individual with Down Syndrome, what is the one thing that you would like to share with others?
Before the 8th Grade Dance -
Photo Credit: Daniel Arizpe
About Down Syndrome October is recognized as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. It was started by the Down Syndrome Society in the 1980’s to raise awareness of the condition and to advocate for acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome.
About Special Olympics Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Those activities give them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.
I want people to know that we are more alike than different, I just have an extrachromosome. You can do anything you set your mind to with lots of hard work and determination. Anything else that you’d like to add?
If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
To learn more about Special Olympics and to become a volunteer, go to www.specialolympics.org.
Seana with her medals: Track in 2022, Gold in 2x50 relay, Silver 200m run, Bronze softball throw
PinPointe Magazine 11
I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me" (Philippians 4:13)
To learn more about Down Syndrome, go to The Down Syndrome Association of Houston at www.dsah.org.
3.Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4.Do not be angry with me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends and your entertainment. I only have you!
2.Give me time to understand what you want from me. Please be patient with me.
8.Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am in pain or sick, or my heart might be getting weak and I cannot tell you.
12 September | October 2022 Sophia and I are taking a departure from our normal column to discuss something very sad. Facebook is fraught with heartbreaking accounts of people rehoming, surrendering and dumping dogs. The birth of a baby, an upcoming move, no time, or too much trouble are all reasons given for relinquishing what was once a member of someone’s family. We advocate for these animals that are so deserving of a good life.
Canine Corner
By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
5.Talk to me, even if I do not understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. You only have to look at my tail!
10.Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it” or, “let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there.
Nikki Karis, Founder of Tail Life, offers The 10 Commandments of Dog Ownership:
9.Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old someday.
** And always remember, I Love You!
7.Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you. (DON'T HIT YOUR DOG!)
6.Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it!
Nikki Karis’ book, God Dogs is available through Amazon
1.My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be very hard and painful for me. Remember that before you adopt me.
14th Annual Nature Fest Saturday, October 29, 2022 • 10am-4pm Oak Meadow Park • 18310 House Hahl Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Mark your calendar to attend this unique shopping extravaganza! Free Admission! Vendor Marketplace with over 250 vendors. No strollers or wagons permitted. www.cyfairwomensclub.org
Saturday, September 24, 2022 • 6:30-7pm: VIP Cocktail, 7-11pm: Event Majestic Oaks • 20125 Cedar Ln. • Tomball, TX 77377
Register at www.FromTheVineMinistries.com
Cy-Fair Women’s Club Shop ’til You Drop
Over 40+ Attractions to enjoy during Fall! www.dewberryfarm.com
HAPPENINGS Cypress
Boots & Tiaras Fundraiser
Tickets: $50 per person (Dinner & 2 drink tickets)
Bridgeland Community Fun Run/Walk for Heroes Saturday, October 15, 2022 Festival Park • 16902 Bridgeland Landing Dr. • Cypress, TX 77433
Saturday, September 17, 2022 • 10am-2pm Hockley Recreational Complex, 28515 Old Washington Rd. • Hockley Harris Co. Precinct 4 has teamed up with Niftee 50ees Classic Cruisers to bring you a free classic car show. Enjoy children’s crafts, games, a petting zoo, pony rides, and lots more.
4th Annual Coles Crossing BBQ Cook Off Saturday, October 29, 2022 • 12-4pm Coles Crossing Community Ctr • 13050 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress BBQ Cook off, live band, kid’s Halloween costume contest & more!
For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com
Saturday, October 1, 2022 • 5-8pm - VIP entry 4pm Lakeland Village Center • 10615 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress
Started following Hurricane Harvey to help Cy-Fair friends and families in need and continues helping local residents. Proceeds will be donated to Cy-Hope. Purchase tickets at: atasteofcyfair.com
Silent Auction, Dinner, Music, Dancing, Games, Cash Bar & More
Benefiting From The Vine Ministries
Dewberry Farm 2022 Fall Festival Opens September 24, 2022 77045 FM 362 @ Morrison Road • Brookshire, TX 77423
Sponsored by MD Anderson Cancer Center
4th Annual A Taste of Cy-Fair
Saturday, September 10, 2022 • 9am-5pm Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Precinct 4 Classic Car Show
Headline Act: Jungle Jordan, Inflatable Zone, Outdoor Laser Tag, Face Painting, Balloon Art, Kids’ Craft Area, Petting Zoo, Nature Exhibitors, Stage Performers and More! Admission is free, but a few activities will require a small fee. All proceeds will be donated to Cy-Hope. For more information, call 281-304-5588
loads of food, wine, beer, music, a silent auction, and festivities!
VIP: $100 per person (VIP parking, VIP seating & 4 drink tickets)
5K & 10K Timed Run/Walk, Kid's 1K Run Walk Race starts at 8am, Kid's 1K starts at 9am 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Trophy for 5K & 10K, Shirt and Hand Towel for all Runners. Register at: www.blrunforheroes2022.eventbrite.com
14 September | October 2022
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T here are shops that specialize in coffee. There are cake bakers and cookie shops. Then, there’s Gulf Coast Bread Pudding Company.
16 September | October 2022
The GulfCompanyPuddingBreadCoast PLACES T O EAT The Best of Cy-Fair
Proudly developed by the owner himself, the recipes include delectable offerings such as Banana Rum, Coconut, Vanilla, Creole, White Chocolate, Cherry, Peach and Chocolate. Recommended sauce flavors for each pudding include Salted Caramel, Pecan Praline, Passion Fruit, Bourbon Caramel, Butter Rum, Lemon and Makers Bourbon. (For optimum enjoyment, detailed heating instructions come with each sale). Whether served hot, cold or at room temperature, Gulf Coast strives to offer the community a unique bread pudding experience. Gourmet bread puddings are sold by the slice, as Crusted Bread Puddings such as Crusted Sweet Potato, in “Puddin’ 4 Packs,” and by the pan.
Nana’s Original
Max Peters, owner and originator of Gulf Coast Bread Pudding Company opened this unique shop at 17001 FM 529 in late January of 2022. “I saw a hole in the market as a bread pudding lover. Only restaurants serve it and there was no place that offered varieties in bulk. I saw the opportunity to create a one stop shop just like the cupcake and cookie shops,” explains Peters.
“The Banana Rum is the most popular on our menu: caramelized rum bananas baked inside a vanilla bread pudding with a Nilla Wafer crust,” comments Max. “Our recommended sauce flavor is butter rum. We like to do traditional bread puddings as well as Customersseasonal.” definitely have their favorites. “Mama’s traditional, (New Orleans style bread pudding with raisins and a sweet creole spice), is my favorite with the rum sauce; It reminds me of my grandmother’s bread pudding,” shares Karla Woods
“Omigosh,” says Ryan Heath, “we had the coconut with passion fruit sauce and it was amazing! by Patricia Hudson Crusted Sweet Potato Crumble
PinPointe Magazine 17 traditional too! In fact, now that I’m thinking about it, I’ll be heading over to try another flavor this Rhondaafternoon!”Tichenor, who considers herself a “pro,” adds, “Absolutely, positively one of the best desserts I’ve eaten in a while.” As for me, the Banana Rum with Butter Rum sauce only served to tantalize my taste buds. I’ll be back Max Peters, I’ll be back. Gulf Coast Bread Pudding Company 17001 FM 529 Houston, TX 77095 (281) Wed-SatMon-Tues815-3068Closed11:00am – 7:00 pm Sun 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Max Peters - Owner Butter Rum
We do all of this because we see the ways that being in the band shapes our kids into incredible young adults. The ir excitement about the music and the showmanship, the sense of family they build with one another. Over 250 high school students working together toward a common goal, it’s something to behold. It’s really hard not to get swept up in the energy and enthusiasm, the sound and the incredible way it all comes together. It means so much to be a part of something like this. For me, it’s band. But for those countless other families sitting in those stands on Friday nights, I have no doubt there are parents just like me that can say that supporting their child’s high school activity gives them the same sense of purpose and satisfaction. Football moms, Dance moms, Cheer moms, Softball Moms, Baseball Moms… the list goes on and on. It’s not about reliving the glory days, or channeling your own unfulfilled high school dreams. It’s about nurturing and sharing in an activity that fuels your child. Being there to witness their growth and maturity, to share with them in a sense of identity and vision for the future. To communicate your support in a meaningful, purposeful way. I think that’s what contributes so much to the energy that fills the stadium on Friday Nights, it’s filled with a thousand hearts beating with pr ide and love for these Andstudents.really great music.
by Liz Arrington
18 September | October 2022
T here are few things more “Texan” than high-school football games! Experiencing that electric feeling of cheering on incredible student athletes, the nervous back-and-forth on the scoreboard, and the pride of connection with a community invested in this common Fridayinterest.Night Lights- it really is so theatrical. We are entering my oldest son’s second year of high school, a nd suddenly the football schedule has become the center point for our family’s fall activities. Each week we sit among other parents, family members, neighbors, and friends with a kid who has a role to play in this spectacular production. I love the game, but I’m there for one thing. I’m with the Band. I’m unapologetically a Band Mom. I know I’m not alone, I’ve seen many of my local friends go through the same transition. Every weekend we’re posting pictures of our musicians- sweaty in the Texas heat under the lights in the stands. Shots of them dressed in full uniform- somehow playing a throwback song from the seventies while simultaneously walking sideways, backwards, and ending with a full-on sideways squat. Color guard members with their beautiful costumes, beaming out into the crowded stands as they twirl and toss their brightly colored flags. There’s a reason Marching Band counts for a physical education credit!
As band parents- we are up sooo late on a Friday night, sitting in dark parking lots while the buses unload. Or, we’re riding those buses to volunteer as chaperones, loading and unloading heavy props, taking photos, fundraising, supporting our directors and student leaders. We’re showing up at the school on Saturdays to feed an army of band and color guard students before they head out for a day of competition. We wear the gear. Y’all. My closet is filling up with boxy printed t-shirts in blue and yellow. I’m not even embarrassed about this. What is style when you’re a band mom?
Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com
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Cy-Fair Helping Hands Back to School Bash Draws Huge Crowd of CFISD Families in Need
Photos by Daniel Arizpe
Story by Patricia Hudson
20 September | October 202220 May | June 2022
An estimated crowd of 1,000 came out to Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ first-ever Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 6, 2022. More than 40 community churches, businesses, schools, and organizations helped to create a carnival-like atmosphere with games, give-aways, entertainment, grilled hot dogs and shaved ice for CFISD families. “Not only were we thrilled to distribute age-appropriate backpacks to hundreds of Cy-Fair students in need, but this event also served as an outreach effort. We were able to share information about our food pantry as well as ESL programs, services, and education offered throughout the community.” explains Director of Community Outreach, Patricia Hudson. “We are exceedingly grateful to everyone that contributed to the success of this event. As a result of the community's generous res ponse, we have been able to distribute backpacks and school supplies to our clients, and to fill requests from CFISD schools.”
Dr. Cheryl Salyards, Salyards Middle School namesake, helps welcome students back to school. Credit: CFISD News Cooper and Eliza Knox were escorted to Warner Elementary by members of the Houston Police Department. Their dad, Houston Police Department Tactical Flight Officer Jason Knox was killed in a police helicopter crash two years ago. Photo by Daniel Arizpe
Dr. Mark Henry, CFISD superintendent, fists bump a student at McGown Elementary.
Credit: CFISD News
PinPointe Magazine 21 CYPRESSAroundStudents Return to Classes for the 2022-2023 School Year
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD welcomed students back to 93 campuses Aug. 22, beginning the 2022-2023 school year that marks the district’s 83rd year in existence.
“We’re excited about getting the school year started,” said Dr. Mark Henry, CFISD superintendent of schools. “The first day of school never disappoints. It’s exciting to see all the smi ling faces. Students are excited to see their friends and their new teachers. We’re going to have a great year!”
Reverend Sean Horrigan kicks off the school year with Christ the Redeemer Catholic School students. Photo by Thomas Coffman
Cypress Woods graduate Natalie Cornejo placed 10th in medical spelling. HOSA is an extracurricular program that is designed to develop future health care leaders through student lead activities. Through HOSA, students can compete in regional, state and international competitions in different categories. The 2022 international conference featured approximately 10,600 students representing every state in the United States and several countries from around the world.
Bridgeland High School students, from left, Avneet Deol, Puneet Pahl, Dathri Gundappa, Sarvani Nookala and Bhavneet Chutani
Source: CFISD News Media
CFISD students earned top awards at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) International Leadership Conference, held June 22-26 at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.
Three Cypress Ranch High School baseball athletes earned honors on the 2022 Texas Sports Writers Association/Blue Bell Class 6A allstate team, released on July 30.
Graduates Charlie Feris, Joshua Ibe and Alex Renfrow helped lead Cypress Ranch to the District 16-6A championship and appearance in the Class 6A Region II area round. Feris and Renfrow earned honorable mention as pitchers. Ibe also earned honorable mention as a first baseman. The all-state team is voted on by the Texas Sports Writers Association, which is comprised of sports writers and editors from daily and weekly newspapers across Texas as well as sports internet services. It features three starting pitchers, one relief pitcher, one player at the remaining eight positions and a designated hitter. First, second and third teams are selected in addition to those who earned honorable mention.
Charlie Feris Alex Renfrow
Bridgeland, Cy Woods Students Place at HOSA International Conference
Bridgeland High School seniors, from left, Rithvik Katikaneni, Avanish Shilpi, Rohil Watwe and Shreyan Katta
22 September | October 2022 CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS
Bridgeland seniors Avanish Shilpi, Rithvik Katikaneni, Shreyan Katta and Rohil Watwe placed first in community awareness. Bridgeland seniors Avneet Deol and Bhavneet Chutani, along with graduates Puneet Pahl, Sarvani Nookala and Dathri Gundappa took home third in public service announcement.
Joshua Ibe
CFISD Trio Named to the Texas Sports Writers All-State Baseball Team
