Coles Crossing

Photo Credit: Mary Anne Heckman MAH Design LLC

Mark & Lester Childres

Coles Crossing Retired Couple is Busier than Ever

By Patricia Hudson

Mark and Lester Childres’ story began nearly 40 years ago, when Lester was just 15-years-old.

“We met at Stratford High School. Mark asked me out in my gym outfit, of all things. We dated 7 years, all through high school and college. We married in 1983, and will celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary August 27th,” shares Lester. They are parents to two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Sabor and Spike.

What was your college major? Did this align with your career choices?

“No, my Bachelor of Fine Arts was in Radio, Television and Film,” comments Mark. “My career was insurance broker, owner of Childres Insurance Group, specializing in under 65 Health Insurance and Medicare Supplements.”

“I have a degree in Fine Arts and Business,” adds Lester. “I was able to use my degrees while working at Pretty Penny Gift shop and throughout my career.”

Mark, how has your love of music evolved?

“I started playing guitar at age 8. Visiting my aunt and uncle in Chicago, her guitar caught my eye. I was so impressed with the sound when she started playing it for me. I began taking lessons when I returned to Houston. I had my first live performance at age 11; I performed the song, “Diary” by Bread, (my favorite group at the time), to a packed house at my elementary school talent show.”

“I continued playing though high school in three different bands, primarily rock and some country. At 19, I had an offer to go on the road with a band called Southern Comfort, but chose to stay home with my fiance’, now my wife, Lester. I stopped playing in college due to the school workload. I didn't start playing again until age 50. When I lost my mother-in-law, something snapped in my head; ‘If you're going to start performing again, you better do it while you still can.’ That was 4.5 years ago at Brew3O Taphouse and I have never looked

Photo Credit: Mary Anne Heckman, MAH Design LLC

back. I took a year of voice and guitar lessons to get back to where I was before.“

What instrument and genre of music do you play?

“Acoustic Guitar. I play Classic Rock and Country from the 60's to the present. My favorite genre is Old Country. Unfortunately, it’s not as popular as it used to be. Some places that offer live music don't allow any country at all. I primarily play in Cypress, but also in Tomball, Conroe, Katy, Pinehurst and Dobbin. I am booked an average of 1-2 times a week. Locally, I have performed at Creekwood Grill, Backyard Grill, and Brew3O Taphouse, to name a few.” Lester, you’ve retired not once, but twice?

“I started working at Pretty Penny Gifts at 16. After college, I became the manager. When my mom’s business partner decided to retire, I bought her out and became the co-owner with my mother Anne Heckman. Mother and I continued the legacy of our gift shop until mom's health declined; she retired,

and I became the sole owner. I decided to retire the business in 2012. I miss my wonderful staff and the customers, but I don't miss the business side of it. After retiring the first time, I realized just how much I missed the creative aspect in life, so I became a certified accredited staging professional and opened up Staged to Sell. Today, my staging company specializes in prelisting consultations, vacant home staging, and decorating homes. While staging, I helped my best friend with her wedding magazine business. It was supposed to be 2-3 days a week for a short time, but that lasted 7 years. I retired a second time to pursue my hand crafting business. What I’m doing now is staging, hand painting, home decorating and holiday decorating. Woodworking has always interested me, so I now own a laser and I am loving it!”

“Christmas has always been my favorite holiday and I have kept my creative juices flowing for over 10 years by sharing my talents with clients and

Photo Credit: Mary Anne Heckman, MAH Design LLC

Photo Credit: Mary Anne Heckman, MAH Design LLC

their families. lt is an honor for them to open their homes to me and allow me to spread holiday joy with them.”

Mark and Lester don’t believe in letting grass grow under their feet; they revel in traveling, riding jet skis, fishing, water skiing, and spending time with family and friends. Mark can usually be found playing guitar and singing. Lester also enjoys cooking, eating crawfish, reading and learning new painting techniques.

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 at: texasteacher024@outlook.com.

Canine Corner

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

Mom and I are featuring a young pup this time. His name is Benson! Tell our readers about yourself, buddy! There might just be a family out there that would be perfect for you!

I’m a tall, lean guy, a 65-pound hound mix, looking for my forever family. My activity level is medium, and as I am 2 – 3 years old, I am equipped for jogging or a sprint around the block. I like kids, some dogs but have not met cats. My shots are up to date, I’m fixed and microchipped. Nobody is sure of my backstory. I was found wandering in Bay City and caught a ride to Houston and to Loving Arms

Pet Placement. If you let me, I will happily climb into your lap for movie night.

Loving Arms Pet Placement is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit created to address the problems of stray and abandoned cats and dogs in Houston and Harris County.

Dedicated volunteers foster animals in their homes as an alternative to taking the animal to a shelter. To adopt Benson, or to learn more about this nonprofit, go to: www.lovingarmspetplacement.com or call 281-879-7980.

Mike & Darlene Jarrar:

Cypress Creek Lakes Couple

Recognized for Support of Cy-Fair FFA

As the saying goes, Cypress Creek Lakes residents Mike and Darlene Jarrar weren’t born in Texas, but they got here as fast as they could. Darlene moved to Houston with her family in 1972. She attended Dean Middle School and graduated from Jersey Village High School. Just 17-years-old, Mike graduated high school, left his home land of Israel, and moved to Houston in 1973.

The couple met at a country western club and married a year later in Las Vegas in 1982. “That's when I convinced him to move to Cypress. He thought Cypress was in Timbuktu, since he was living in southwest Houston,” reminisces Darlene wryly. Little did they realize the impact their move would make on hundreds of CFISD students.

Mike is founder, president and CEO of Jarrar & Company, Inc., a commercial plumbing enterprise. “Mike has run the company for 45 years,” explains Darlene. “I worked in the business from 1981 until 2014, and continue to help out in the office when needed.”

Mike and Darlene supported each of their four children’s extracurricular activities. “Rebecca went to Cy-Fair, (drill team); Nadia attended Cy-Falls, (varsity softball and FFA); Jennifer went to Cy-Falls, (varsity softball), and Michael graduated from Cy-Woods, (drum line and musicals). I volunteered in the Cy-Fair schools for 10 years, and served on the Adam Elementary Board for two years,” comments Darlene.

Nadia’s interest in raising a goat for Future Farmers of America, (FFA), led to her parents’ introduction to the program. Darlene explains, “We were asked to go to the livestock show; her goat did not make the auction. The following year, she raised a turkey, it didn't make auction either, but we were at the show and were impressed with the program. These students are the future of America. They learn work ethic, community service and leadership skills. A lot of work goes into raising these animals and a twice daily commitment to taking care of them. We love helping these kids because a lot of them would not be able to afford college or pursue their dreams without the buyers from the FFA show. We attend the auction from the time it starts until the last animal is auctioned off; this will be our 21st year.” Mike and Darlene’s efforts on behalf of CFISD FFA did not go unnoticed. Kyle Atkins, CFISD alumni and Cy-Woods agricultural teacher petitioned the school board to consider naming the Arena after the Jarrars. On December 12, 2022, the CFISD Board of Trustees approved Mike and Darlene Jarrar as the namesakes for the arena of the CFISD Exhibit Center.

The Board action was documented as follows:

The Jarrars have generously supported the CFISD Livestock Show & Sale since 2003, donating a total of $1,440,606 to

student projects. They have received the Livestock Show Association Top Volume Buyer award—given to the buyer who made the largest contribution at the show—for 14 of the 16 years it has been given. At the 2022 show, the Jarrars contributed $76,890, accounting for more than 10% of the total sales.

More than 400 students have benefitted directly from the money spent on projects by the Jarrars, and countless more have benefitted indirectly. Throughout the years, Mr. Jarrar has personally spoken with others before, during and after the show, encouraging them to become or remain buyers. Once the sale floor starts to fill with buyers, it is not uncommon for him to encourage fellow buyers to contribute a little extra for the good of CFISD students.

The Mike and Darlene Jarrar Arena is located at the CFISD Exhibit Center at 11206 Telge Road. The CFISD Exhibit Center was recently renovated as part of the 2019 Bond to accommodate additional seating in the arena area, an enlarged area for animal pens and student projects, and new restrooms with dressing room stations.

When he isn’t supporting CFISD students, Mike can be found working, cooking, painting and wanting to repair any and everything that breaks down. Darlene's hobbies are scrapbooking, diamond dotting and spoiling her five grandchildren, Asher, (13), Kaia, (12), Clara (11), Zechariah (8), and Aubrey (5). “We love to go to Las Vegas, go on cruises and take our RV on the road. We love to have our neighbors over for summer barbecues,” shares Darlene. “I go on scrapbooking weekends with my friends as much as I can. I am also a part of the Cypress Creek Lakes Empty Nester's and Bunco group.”

Darlene Jarrar, fourth from right, Board Trustee Debbie Blackshear, third from right, CTE Director Denise Kubecka, far left, join agricultural education students and staff from Cypress Falls and Cypress Woods high schools and at the Dec. 12 Board of Trustees meeting.

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

B.F. Adam Golf Classic

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Blackhorse Golf Club • 12205 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Benefiting the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation

Visit www.thecfef.org for more info. Sponsor/Donations: Contact Marie Holmes, Marie@TheCFEF.org or 281-370-0144.

Cypress Cars & Coffee

Saturday May 13, 2023 • 8-10am

Fairfield Baptist Church • 27240 Highway 290 • Cypress,TX 77433

Open to the public to visit but show cars are required to register and requested to provide information in advance of the show. Visit our website www.cypresscarsandcoffee.com and submit your vehicle year, make, and model for registration or DM us on FB or IG. Registration is FREE.

Hope For Veterans

Saturday May 13, 2023 • 11am-7pm

VFW Post 8905 • 21902 Northwest Freeway • Cypress, TX 77429

This event will provide education regarding the environmental toxins which cause chronic multi-symptom illnesses and how to effectively treat your chronic illnesses. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about different therapeutic modalities, including therapies like stem cell patches, CBD, and various holistic protocols to assist in promoting a healthier you. www.operationtruth.net

Cy-Fair ISD Important Dates

Beauty & the Beast Musical

Thursday, May 11, 2023 - Saturday, May 13, 2023

Bridgeland High School • 10707 Mason Rd • Cypress, TX 77433

Opening Night: Thursday, May 11 • 7pm

Elementary Field Trip Matinee: Friday, May 12 • 9:30am

Friday Night: May 12 • 7pm

Breakfast with Beauty & The Beast: Saturday, May 13 • 10am

Saturday Matinee: May 13 • 2pm / Closing Night: May 13 • 7pm

Thursday, May 25, 2023: Last Day of School

GRADUATIONS: Details at www.cfisd.net/graduation

Wednesday, May 24, 2023: Cypress Ranch Graduation • 4pm

Thursday, May 25, 2023 : Cypress Woods Graduation • 8pm

Friday, May 26, 2023: Bridgeland Graduation • 6pm

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com

And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

Havana Bistro 555 PLACES T O EAT The Best of Cy-Fair

Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida

Carlos and his wife Julissa Ramos, owners of Havana Bistro 555, live in the heart of the Fairfield Community and are two of the nicest humans to cross paths with. Their Cuban Coffee shop concept is located at 28404 US-290, in the Fairfield Town Center next to HEB.

Want to hear something really cool? Carlos and Julissa recently sold the iconic Rice and Bean in Cypress along the 290 stretch just off Fry. Together they have owned and operated several successful businesses throughout Houston and the surrounding areas for 20 plus years, but decided it was time to downsize to focus on their dream of launching a unique Cuban coffee concept and they could not be more thrilled.

Carlos said that he often found himself in the R&B kitchen for days, weeks, and even months on end. While the work was rewarding, he admitted that he’s not getting any younger and that this Bistro serving up Cuba’s finest in pastry offerings, salads, sandwiches, soups, and more would be the perfect balance to share his golden years alongside his wife and partner, Julissa.

What a love they share of food and heritage, and . . . of each other. I was blessed to be able to sit with Carlos and Julissa and talk about many things, but none less important than the time they shared in Miami, Florida back in the dating day when they’d meet up at Cuban coffee shops for dates and dreams; this turned into marriage and reality in just one year. The heartfelt reason behind the inspiration of the Havana Bistro 555 was to bring that nostalgia to Cypress.

Carlos’ roots are buried deep in Cuba, but in 1994, he took a boat with his sister to Miami where under the command of his dad’s restaurant, he learned the hard way what it took to run a restaurant with

integrity and a high attention to every last detail. In 2007, he and Julissa sold everything they owned, and moved to Cypress, Tx, with a dream and a dollar.

Havana Bistro is a refreshing welcome. Carlos confirmed that everything is made in house from heritage family recipes. I’d say the Guava and Cheese pastry is a hands down personal favorite of mine, but there is just so much more left for me to try.

Other Cuban pastries include Beef, Cheese, Coconut, and Guava. Their Empanadas are true Cuban in authenticity and stuffed with a variety of filling to include Beef, Chicken, Ham and Cheese, and Potato and Jalapeno. They also serve a variety of Colombian, Venezuelan, and Argentinian empanadas. Try them all and find out which is your personal favorite.

The star of the menu will most definitely be the Cuban Sandwich.

Ohhhhhh my goodness! This made to order sandwich stole my heart. The bread is fresh with a distinct crunch that lends way to a soft center filled with all the right meats, cheese, a perfectly thin layer of pickle and spackling of mustard and sided with crisp fries. Amazing. Their offering of desserts is crazy tempting from Flan to Tres Leches, fruit tarts, Panetela Borracha, tarts and more. What a nice thought to grab one of their Cuban coffees and sit for a bit with a sweet pastry to mull over life’s simple pleasures. The Cortadito, coffee lattes, frappuccino, and other Cuban favorites will win you over too, but none so wonderfully balanced than the Cortadito made of a double shot of espresso topped with steamed evaporated milk. But don’t take my word for it; this is one local worth trying out for yourself. Happy eating.

Havana Bistro 555

28404 US-290

Cypress, TX 77433 (346) 304-2649

www.havanabistro555.com

Hours of Operation

Monday – Saturday: 9am - 8pm Sunday: 10am - 6pm

by Liz Arrington

WhenI was a kid, I was an avid reader. I was one of those kids who could always be found with her nose in a book. As the years rolled by and I charted my way through the responsibilities of adulthood, reading for fun became less of a priority for me.

So, how does a former voracious reader turned busy suburban mom reconnect to the joy of reading?

BOOK CLUB! I’ve been included in a couple of really great book clubs, and I really enjoy the conversations and friendships that I’ve built there. Here are a few pointers for starting or joining a book club:

Create your group. You basically have two choices here: join a book club that is already in place, or form your own. The key part to joining or forming a great book club is finding a group that can connect on multiple levels. You don’t necessarily have to be friends outside of a book club, but it’s a wonderful way to expand your circle.

Book club members should have enough in common that it makes sense to meet together, but allows for hearing new and different perspectives. The most important element is the ability for members to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions of a book without fear of judgment or harsh criticism. Pick a format. The n ext step is to decide the structure of the book club. When and where will you meet? How will books be chosen? What is the food and drink setup? These are all important pieces to put into place for a well run book club. I like the monthly book club approach, each member takes a month for hosting the club to discuss a book of their choosing. The consistency of a schedule like that makes it easier for me to work into my busy life, and if I happen to miss a meeting I know I can quickly jump back in the next month. I’m also a deadline girl, so if I know I have to finish a book within a certain amount of time I’m much more likely to get it done.

You may already have an idea of the genre of books you want to include in your club. It’s a good idea to set expectations from the start, especially regarding certain content areas that may be sensitive to others. Do you provide content warnings, or avoid any spoilers? It’s also important to keep in mind the time commitment or access required for books that you choose. Being thoughtful in your approach to selecting books shows your book club friends that you value and respect their time, and makes a happier group.

READ! I’ll be the first to admit I’ve shown up to a few book club meetings unprepared. Be warned, my fellow book clubbers, this is a slippery slope. When enough people stop reading on a regular basis, the club loses something. The goal of book club is to enjoy connecting with others through reading, to engage your mind in thoughtful discussion, and to expand your world. With so many options for reading these days, there are many ways to stay on top of your bo ok club goals. It can be a challenge, but it is always worth the effort.

Keep an open mind. You’re venturing into the unknown when you read a book recommended by another person. The old saying is true, you can’t judge a book by its cover! Read with an open mind, and you almost always gain something from the experience.

Happy reading- Book Clubbers!!

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

What Are The Treatment Options for My Loved One with Colon Cancer?

RADIATION THERAPY

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. You usually undergo a number of treatments over a set period of time.

CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs affect the cancer cells and prevent them from growing, dividing, and making more cells.

A chemotherapy regimen usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. A patient may receive one drug at a time or a combination of different drugs given at the same time.

Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs

If your loved one is among the 100,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed this year, you definitely have questions about treatment options. The best care plan depends on the type and stage of cancer, the possible side effects, and the patient’s health and preferences.

As a board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri of GastroDoxs is part of a care team that treats colon cancer. Here are some of the most common recommendations he makes for colon cancer treatment.

Weighing the Treatment Options

You should always take time to learn about all of your loved one’s treatment options. Ask questions about anything that seems unclear. For example, you’ll want to know what the goals of each treatment are and the possible side effects. Various treatment approaches result in similar benefits, regardless of patient age. Older adults may pose unique treatment challenges because they’re more likely to have additional medical conditions, have compromised health, and take several medications. Older adults may also struggle with nutrition and social support –factors important to healing.

Common Treatments for Colon Cancer

The most common treatment for colon cancer is surgery, and it cures approximately 50% of patients. Recurrence of cancer following surgery is possible. Other therapies that may be offered alongside surgery or instead of surgery including the following:

TARGETED THERAPY

Targeted therapy affects the genes, proteins, or tissue environment that contributes to canc er growth. Targeted therapy blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells. It also protects healthy cells.

IMMUNOTHERAPY

Immunotherapy harnesses the body's natural defenses to fight cancer by improving the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells.

Treatment Recommendations According to Cancer Stage

If your loved one has Stage 1 cancer, then surgical removal of the tumor and lymph nodes is usually the only treatment needed. Stage 2 cancer usually requires surgery and may also benefit from adjunct radiation or chemotherapy.

Stage 3 colon cancer requires removal of the tumor and chemotherapy.

Metastatic stage IV cancer, requires extensive treatment that usually includes a combination of therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Because the cancer has spre ad to other tissues and organs in this stage, surgery may be conducted on multiple affected areas of the body. Metastatic cancer is very hard to cure, but treatment can add years to a patient’s life. If your loved one has a diagnosis of colon cancer, contact Gastro Doxs today at 832.632.4070 or book an appointment with Dr. Pothuri and his team online at gastrodox.com to discuss their treatment options.

Friendship

By Jackie Devine

Makes Life Worthwhile

Over sixty festive Traveling Seniors of Cypress paraded through the doors of Fairfield’s Lakeside Trails Clubhouse on March 23 to gather for their much-anticipated Easter Pot Luck. Adding to the fun, many wore elaborate Easter bonnets decorated to the nines with flowers, bunnies, lambs, chicks, ribbons, bows, and colorful eggs. The only thing missing was Judy Garland belting out, "In your Easter Bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you'll be the grand-est lady in the Easter Parade."

Their meal was catered by Olive Garden. Participants brought delicious desserts, and everyone stayed for Bingo. Easter Bonnet winners were Pat Meyer, first place; Mari Hall, second; and Joan Vallance, third.

The Traveling Seniors of Cypress continues to attract retirees from around the area looking for ways to maximize fun and friendship. Many have found they have begun to shed work buddies and social contacts as they’ve left the workforce. And much to their sur-prise, the grandkids become more involved in their own lives, and grandparents aren't as much in demand. So, seniors begin seeking new interests to keep them engaged, alive, and healthy.

Jo Ann Lambert, trip coordinator, says, "We tell our travelers, ‘Enjoy life while you can. None of us has been promised another day.’ Social involvement and physical exercise keep us on the move and help promote optimal mental function, which contributes an essential piece to our health puzzle.”

Trips and activities which may be of interest:

May 5: Cinco de Mayo tour Tour of Austin in a Double Decker Bus. Lunch: Guero’s Taco BarThe bus leaves at 7:00 a.m. Stop at Buc-ees for R.R. Break. $35.00 Bus

May 24: Good Shepherd Church Camp Hearne. Lunch at Dixie Diner. We will Tour the German WWII P.O.W. Camp and hear the history. The bus leaves at 9:30 from G.S.M.C.. $5.00.

June 13: Astros vs. Washington Nationals. First Base Premier Field Seat Tickets. DOLLAR DOG NIGHT $55.00 (includes $15.00 food/beverage voucher). The bus leaves from FBC at 5:30.

June 22: Luau Potluck at Lakeside Trails Clubhouse. Wear your Luau getup, sample delicious Hawaiian food, and meet new friends. The fun begins at noon at Lakeside Trails Clubhouse, 16125 Country Fair Lane, in Fairfield. Bring extra dollars to play LCR and 50/50.

August 24: Ice Cream Social and Pot Luck Dinner: Finger Sand-wiches. Lakeside Clubhouse, 16125 Country Fair Lane. The fun begins at noon.

October 26: Halloween Potluck and Halloween Costume Contest. Begins at noon at Lakeside Clubhouse. Enjoy Bingo and prizes.

Extended Excursions

May 13-21 Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge, and Much More: $995.00.

August 4-14: Niagara Falls and Toronto: $1369.

November 13-18: Branson Christmas Show: $750.

For more information, contact Jo Ann Lambert at pstlgrl@gmail.com or Jackie Devine at jackie.devine@comcast.net.

Pat Meyer, first place Mari Hall, 2nd place Joan Vallance 3rd place Connie McNamarah, third place runner-up

CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS

Source: CFISD News Media

Bridgeland

Play Advances to State Competition

HS One-Act

Cypress Woods HS Senior Selected as 2023 Coca-Cola Scholar

Cypress Woods High School senior Victoria Zhang was recently selected as a Class of 2023 Coca-Cola Scholar.

Zhang is one of 150 seniors from across the nation to receive the desig nation of a Coca-Cola Scholar and will receive a $20,000 college scholarship. Less than 1% of applicants were chosen for the Class of 2023. The final 150 seniors, who were selected from an initial pool of more than 91,000 applications, exemplify superior leadership, service and academics.

Bridgeland High School’s UIL One-Act Play production was selected to advance to the UIL Class 6A state competition after earning first place at the Region II-6A contest hosted April 22 at University High School in Waco.

By advancing to the state competition, Bridgeland’s production, Henry Lumper, is among the top eight Class 6 A plays in the state.

Cypress Creek High School was the Class 5A state runner-up in 2011 while Cypress Woods High School advanced to the state contest in 2012.

Bridgeland will compete in the UIL Class 6A One-Act Play State Competition on May 6 at the Round Rock ISD Performing Arts Center.

“We are beyond proud to represent Bridgeland at the state level,” said Adam Delka, Bridgeland head theatre director. “What an incredible opportunity with a truly special group of young performers and technicians.”

The following Bridgeland students earned region one-act play awards:

Rex Koern - All-Star Cast

Ethan Miller - All-Star Technician

Reid Adkison - Honorable Mention All-Star Cast

Mackenzie Mann - Honorable Mention All-Star Cast

“It is truly an incredible honor to join this fantastic family,”

Zhang said. “Everyone is dedicated to making a positive change both within their community and the world at large. I am inspired by all the amazing people I have met through the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me get here and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

In addition to receiving college scholarships, students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will have opportunities to network , collaborate and take part in a coaching program with other Coca-Cola Scholars and Coca-Cola Scholars alumni.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement- based scholarship program in the U.S. With the addition of the 2023 class of scholars, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 6,750 Coke Scholars nationwide with more than $81 million in scholarships since 1986.

Pope ES Student Crowned USA National Miss Texas Junior Princess

Pope Elementary School kindergarten student Mila McKeown recently won the title of USA National Miss (UNM) Texas Junior Princess at the USA National Miss Texas competition held in Katy.

As part of the pageant, Mila was tasked with creating a platform to share with others. Her platform, BeYOUtifulChoose to Be You, is focused on telling students and adults to be their unique selves.

“Everyone is beautiful in their own way,” Mila said. “There is something special about everyone. I love who I am, and I want everyone to love who they are because they are awesome! Everyone should feel happy about themselves.”

In addition to being evaluated on her platform, Mila was judged on fun fashion, her interview, gown and casual

wear. During the interview, which counted for 40% of her overall score, Mila was asked difficult questions about not only her platform, but her volunteer work and why she wanted the title.

As UNM Texas Junior Princess, Mila spends time volunteering with multiple charities, including Feed the Hunger, Boys and Girls Country of Houston and Caring Queens, an organization that helps foster children participate in pageants.

Mila will compete for the title of USA National Miss Junior Princess at the UNM national competition July 48 in Hollywood, Fla., and a prize package, including scholarships, worth more than $150,000.