3 February | March 2017
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Contents ON THE COVER: Lily Wachuku Cypress Creek Lakes resident
Serving the Community of Cypress Creek Lakes
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Lily Wachuku: Empowering Girls Worldwide to Succeed by Living Life The Girl Way
10 Cypress Happenings 11 Cy-Hope Kids Holds Summer Toy Drive 12 Spring Cypress Assisted Living Brings Paris to Resident Through Livin’ the Dream Program
14 I “Just Love Coffee” Café For So Many Reasons... 16 The Social Media Cleanup 18 Primrose of Barker Cypress to Celebrate 20 Years 19 Canine Corner 20 Cypress School News 22 The Power of Positive Thinking
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Lily Wachuku
Empowering Girls Wldwide to Succeed by Living Life e Girl Way PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
By Liz Chevalier Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with Lily Wachuku, a senior-to-be at Cy-Ranch High School. Lily is no ordinary high school teenager; She is on a powerful mission to change the world. The founder of the Girls’ Empowerment Organization, “Live Life the Girl Way,” (livelifethegirlway.com) Lily is seeking support from the Cypress community. Where did you grow up? Tell me all about yourself… I grew up right here in Cypress. I am from a family full of very diverse interests and a mindset for self-improvement and world betterment. This has definitely impacted me since the very beginning of my life. I have been raised to believe in myself, to strive for the best in all that I do, and to use my gifts and talents to positively impact the world. Schooling? I am currently a senior in high school and my academic plan is focused on STEM and French. I love learning new things and growing as a person! How did the organization begin? How many years? Tell me what you do, your mission...what do you want your audience to know. 6 August | September 2021
I started my Girls’ Empowerment Organization “Live Life The Girl Way” (livelifethegirlway.com), in the fall of 2018 to empower and encourage girls globally to work toward achieving all of their goals and dreams, to be confident in themselves and their abilities, and to never close the doors on great opportunities even when they seem like stretch goals. My organization's mission and platform are structured around providing helpful resources such as articles, YouTube videos, podcast episodes, and inspirational Twitter posts to help girls and young women to have access to the examples, habits, and way of thinking that they need to continue to work towards achieving lofty goals and ambitions. What drove you to move forward with the organization? For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to change the world positively. I always believed that I could make a positive change in the world if I tried. Three years ago, when I was thirteen years old, I finally took a step towards positively impacting the world and future generations by creating my organization. My driving force was definitely the belief that I could use my gifts and talents to inspire and empower girls everywhere.
How did you decide to start your organization? Much of my talent lies is writing and speaking, so I thought that the best way to inspire and empower girls was to incorporate those talents for the most positive impact. I found that the internet was the best way to reach many people while using my talents of speaking and writing, so Live Life The Girl Way was born soon after via the website livelifethegirlway.com. Grades? Favorite subjects, talents, fun time activities? I am currently in the top 9% of students in my graduating class. My favorite class is AP English because I can spend an entire hour each day doing what I love to do, which is reading and writing! My favorite things to do for fun are painting, reading, listening to music, and working for my organization. What challenges have you experienced running the organization in the pandemic?
A Letter From Lily My name is Lily Wachuku and I am a 16-year-old senior at Cypress Ranch High School, and a Cypress resident. I created “Live Life the Girl Way,” a web-based girls’ organization which focuses on empowerment for young girls and teens. My organization is over two years old and is frequently accessed by over 130 countries, with some of my posts averaging over 6,000 hits. My organization focuses on positive and uplifting messages for young girls and teens to encourage them to reach their full potential. I am also a motivational speaker. When I started middle school, I noticed that many of the girls around me lacked selfconfidence and didn't believe in themselves. The majority of the girls throughout middle school and high school weren't empowered or encouraged. They believed the stereotypes that society has for girls and women today; many didn't seem to think that there was a place for them outside of "girl careers." I have been lucky enough to have people around me every day that empower and encourage me to be my best self and to achieve all of my goals and dreams. This year, we have launched the campaign, “Fuel Her Dreams,” to raise money to educate girls in Malawi, Africa. Our mission is to fund one year of education for 20 girls in an effort to help combat child marriage in that country. “Live Life the Girl Way” is working with UNICEF USA to reach my goal of raising $3540. I am asking for the support of the Cypress community to help me “Fuel Her Dreams.” The fundraiser link is : charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/fuel-her-dreams1. The deadline for donations is September 30, 2021. Live Life the Girl Way is not a feminist organization. It is an organization dedicated to encouraging girls globally to achieve all of their goals and dreams, to eradicate their insecurities, and to take their place in the world. I believe that if I empower and encourage girls to Dream, Succeed, and Achieve, I can change the world for the better. "Live Life the Girl Way" can be accessed at www.livelifethegirlway.com. Lily Wachuku
The pandemic makes it difficult to have events that make it possible for me to connect with my amazing community. This challenges me to find creative ways to connect with and inspire others!
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Finish this statement: When things are the toughest, Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI -I… 2018 I read a good book, write poetry, or watch a ‘feel good’ or comedy movie to remind myself that better days are ahead. Family time usually involves…? Before the pandemic family time usually involved fun trips to Houston’s Museum District and Uptown Park Houston, but now family time usually involves family movie nights. What do you do to relax? Hobbies/Activities? Running a Girls’ Empowerment Organization while being a full-time student at age sixteen can definitely be very stressful! To relax, I like to listen to music, to dance, and to create art. What has helped you to get through Covid-19, any thoughts, correlations to what you do? Creating content for my organization has definitely helped me to get through COVID-19 because it gives me a greater purpose, which is to inspire and empower girls everywhere. I am so grateful for my organization during this time because it keeps me grounded and inspires me to stay positive and keep trying no matter what. Any additional comments? I am most excited about my new “Fuel Her Dreams” initiative. Recently, my Girls’ Empowerment Organization launched the “Fuel Her Dreams” initiative in collaboration with UNICEF USA. When I learned that many girls in Malawi were not given the chance to complete their education after primary school I was displeased; and when I heard that because of this many were exploited through child marriage I was angry. So, I launched my “Fuel Her Dreams” initiative to provide 20 girls in Malawi with an entire year of education this year. I need $3,540 to accomplish this goal. I am working as hard as I can to achieve this goal, but I still need help. I would greatly appreciate your donations to this fundraiser to help to save girls in Malawi from child marriage today. Learn more about my campaign to educate girls this year by googling “Fuel Her Dreams” today to find our GoFundMe page! charity.gofundme.com/o/en/ campaign/fuel-her-dreams1
If you know of an exceptional Cypress Creek Lakes, Greater Fairfield, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch individual or family that should be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com. 8 August | September 2021
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Cypress
HAPPENINGS S AV E T H E D AT E Saturday, August 21, 2021 • 6-10pm Bridal Oaks Venue 18224 Kz Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Cy-Fair Helping Hands presents our 1st Annual Stetsons & Stilettos Gala. Donations Needed: Sponsorships, Themed Silent Auction Baskets, Gift Cards. Merchandise, Trips, Sports Memorabilia, Services and monetary donations. Visit: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org and click on the Stetsons & Stilettos Gala Donate Tab to purchase tickets and for additional Gala information. Event proceeds will be applied to the Help Build Hope Building campaign for a larger facility. For questions and more information, please contact:
Jean Dreyer, Founder/ED Homeless Initiatives jean@cyfairhelpinghands.org Patricia Hudson, ED Community Outreach phudson@cyfairhelpinghands.org Lyndsey Theiss, Gala Chair 281.793.9943 or ltheiss@sayeplumbing.com Heather Swank, Gala Co-Chair 281.463.4968 or hswank@theissmotorsports.com To schedule a drop-off of donations at Saye Plumbing Contractors Inc, 9616 Telge Rd., call Monica, 281.373.4928 during business hours 8am–3pm
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Bridgeland Farmers Market (2nd & 4th Sundays) 10519 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 • 12:30-3:30pm Boardwalk @ Towne Lake Farmers Market (3rd Sat) 9945 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 • 12:30-3:30pm Fairfield Farmers Market (Starting in Feb 3rd Sundays) 15103 Mason Rd, Cypress, TX 77433 • 11am-3pm The Jersey Village Farmers Market (1st & 3rd Sundays) Jersey Village Civic Center Parking Lot 16327 Lakeview Dr. • 12-3pm This family-friendly event features locally grown food and handmade merchandise. Tomball Farmers Market (Saturdays) • 9am-1pm A year-round weekly North Houston Farmers Market, with over 60 local vendors featuring farmers, producers, bakers, artisans and more. Located in historic Downtown Tomball, TX TFM provides a diverse, fun, pet friendly, family outdoor shopping experience. Visit www.tomballfarmersmarket.org • (832) 422-5669 Cy-Fair Women’s Club Shop ‘til You Drop Saturday, Sept. 11 • 9am-5pm Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 www.cyfairwomensclub.org
For more upcoming Cy-Fair events, visit: www.bestofcyfair.com
By Stephanie Fantasia This summer The Andrea Curran Team is pairing up with Learning Express Toys Cypress to sponsor a special toy drive benefitting the children of Cy-Hope. The community is invited to help bring smiles to children by filling the Cy-Hope Hope Bucks Store with much-needed prizes. This special reward system allows children to feel accomplishment and pride for meeting challenging goals.
and I are both past presidents of the Cypress Gems chapter of the National Charity League. This is where we were introduced to Cy Hope Hope Centers. Until then we did not realize the need for something like this within the Cy Fair community. The impact that Cy Hope has on our local community is incredible and we're thrilled to be able to support them any way we can.”
When asked why this project for Cy Hope is so special, Andrea Curran of The Andrea Curran Team responded, “Becky Souther, owner of Learning Express Toys Cypress,
Donation Drop Off through August 15, 2021: Learning Express Toys Cypress 25704 Northwest Fwy • Cypress, TX 77429
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PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
Livin’the Dream
Spring Cypress Assisted Living Brings Paris to Resident Through Their Program:
Story and Photos by Patricia Hudson
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rayson Moss moved to Spring Cypress Assisted Living and Memory Care, 16306 Spring Cypress Road, Cypress, in August, 2019. Since his arrival, 96-year-old Grayson has become an integral part of Spring Cypress. An Ambassador on the Welcome Committee, Grayson takes great pleasure in greeting new residents. This spry nonagenarian loves to exercise every day, and takes delight in encouraging others to get involved. “Grayson is such an interesting gentleman, so filled with knowledge and such a pleasure to be around,” explains Shelli Smith, Vibrant Life Director at Spring Cypress Assisted Living. One of Grayson’s lifelong dreams has always been to visit Paris, France. As 12 August | September 2021
VLD, I decided to fulfill his dream by giving him a trip to Paris through our Livin’ the Dream Program. ‘The Dream’ is similar to ‘Make a Wish’ or a ‘Bucket List.’ It is something they have always wanted to do in their lifetime, but not yet had the opportunity to do. While we couldn’t actually fly him to Paris, we were able to bring Paris to him! He was especially pleased that his extended family, numbering more than a dozen, along with his friends, were there to share in his dream.” Arrangements for the Paris themed event held in early May included a stamped passport at the start of the journey, and jaunty French berets donned all around. Intent on making this an extra special event, Shelli contacted
Grayson’s family, some of whom live in the Coles Crossing community, and shared her plans. Smith then connected with Frenchwoman, Veronique Howard of Arts & Crepes Bistro on the Go. Veronique’s sons, Jason and Matisse, dressed to impress in striped shirts, aprons and red berets, and helped to create the mood by setting up a French Bistro, complete with a background reminiscent of a sidewalk cafe in Paris. A 6’ Eiffel Tower enticed patrons to approach their Parisian themed eatery on wheels. Trays of assorted meats, cheeses, and crackers made the rounds. Grayson and his guests were delighted with the pièce de résistance: delectable crepes of Nutella and crème brulee, each topped with decadent dollops of whipped cream, and served with a cool beverage. Delightful bite-sized cheesecakes completed the food offerings. For Grayson and his guests, the entire experience was très magnifique! Grayson loved every minute of it, and still talks about his day in Paris,” reflects Smith. “It was a lovely, lovely evening of great memories,” recalls Grayson fondly.
If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, B r i d g e l a n d / B l a c k h o r s e R a n c h , Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, o r 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. PinPointe Magazine
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I “Just Love Coffee” Café for so Many Reasons . . .
The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT Story and Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida, Founder, Metta’s Local Eats & Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity
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ust Love Coffee Café owner, Tamara Hamilton, is a remarkable woman that comes from humble beginnings. An endearing and nostalgic memory rests in the wise, hard-working, yet gentle hands of her “Granny,” as Tamara spent the summers learning to cook from scratch. Tamara lovingly reminisces, “That coffee can full of bacon grease was a Holy Grail of sorts; we fried everything in it. It was Southern cooking at its best.” Recalling the nostalgic smells of that kitchen. Tamara’s greatest treasure is Granny’s handwritten recipes passed down to her, as she lovingly makes them for her own family. This hands-on background is exactly where Tamara cultivated her love for food. But what spurred her passion was an instance shared with her husband/co-owner of Just Love Coffee Café, Jon Hamilton. “While on a vacation cruise, Jon and I opted to do the Chef's Table dinner on the ship. Being in the restaurant business, I was in absolute awe of the kitchen aboard the ship; it was expansive and immaculate and impressive!” Pivotal food experiences throughout Tamara’s life paired with those shared with Jon, led to the realization that the food industry is where they would stake their claim. I asked Tamara, “Why Just Love Coffee?” She responded thoughtfully, “After being in the franchise business for over 21 years with a large firm in Houston, it was time to find
something for myself. The Just Love concept combines great coffee, tasty food, and a platform for our passion: to give back to our community.” As franchisees with Just Love Coffee Café, Tamara and Jon are free to customize the restaurant and menu to their liking, affording the pair the most control over product, flexibility over market drivers, a hand in creativity, and an intimate handshake with quality. While most coffee places have great coffee and mediocre food, and restaurants have fabulous food and “eh” coffee, Tamara wanted to offer the best of both worlds. The couple built their home in Cypress about two years ago, after falling in love with the community and its people. Residing at the very edge of Cypress at the cuff of Tomball, they delighted in the many walking and biking trails, but realized that there were no coffee shops or eateries in the area. When a “For Lease” sign appeared in a strip shopping center, Tamara laid it to prayer. Her answer became clear; this would make a great spot for a cafe!
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Giving back to the community is one of Tamara’s driving factors as a businesswoman. Her story is familiar and inspiring. Tamara explains, “There was a time in my life many, many years ago that I needed some help. Not much, but just a little help. I was behind on bills and
trying to raise a son on my own and I just couldn't seem to make ends meet. There was a sweet couple that helped me catch up on my electric bill and filled my fridge and pantry with groceries. That was just enough to help me get back on my feet. I think of them often and try to pay it forward as I can because I know that there are so many people out there in the same situation that I was.” I LOVE Just Love Coffee Café. It’s Food and Fellowship as its core of intent, Just Love Coffee Café started a “Love Fund” when the restaurant opened. This fund helps families out with small expenses like a trip to the grocery store, an unexpected prescription, a tank of gas to get to work, clothing, water bill, etc. Bingo Night Wednesdays’ and Trivia Night Thursdays’ proceeds go into the fund. Just Love Coffee Café recently partnered with Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity, benefitting Cy-Fair Helping Hands in serving the hungry and homeless. Just Love Coffee Café is a family-owned business with a houseful of boys, ages 19, 18, and 7. The 19-year-old runs the kitchen and is training to be a manager. Three
additional locations are planned over the next few years, a legacy for each son. Tamara explains, “I believe in leaving them a future and not just a sum of money. We do have stress; living and working together doesn't leave you with much alone time, and it's hard to leave work at work sometimes.” Tamara and Jon are God-driven; their strength and faith comes from their steadfast beliefs that anything is possible, and Just Love truly is. Just Love Coffee Café 13727 Sunset Canyon Dr. Tomball, TX 77377 281-547-6984 Justlovecoffeecafe.com
For more restaurant reviews visit: www.bestofcyfair.com. And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress
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THE SOCIAL MEDIA CLEANUP U N F O L LOW E V E RY ACCO U N T T H AT D O E S N ’ T M A K E YO U B E T T E R .
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BY ALLISON OKUNEYE
nsecurities, we all have them. Some are self induced, others are generational gifts from our family, and some are brought on by society. We can’t avoid feeling it completely, but we can control what we consume in regards to our social media accounts. Being intentional about the people we let into our social worlds can make a huge difference on our daily mood and overall sense of worthiness.
I don’t typically wake up and instantly start feeling bad about myself. It can take only 5 minutes of scrolling Facebook or Instagram and the insecurity, mom guilt, and shame starts to creep in. Over the last year, I made a choice to unfollow ANY account (friend, family, acquaintance, or stranger) that was not adding value or positive energy in my life. Setting this boundary was a game changer. My social media became a place of joy, positive vibes, good energy and a bright spot in my day. It is no longer a daily reminder that I am not a good (or crafty) enough 16 August | September 2021
mom, or a savvy enough business woman, and I don’t feel the pressure to be the woman “doing it all flawlessly.”
Even the Mom Blogger accounts that claim to be “authentic” and “transparent” and “hot mess moms” are still doing it all while having makeup/perfect messy bun/clean clothes/ showered all while taking photos of their kids that magically fall into their online aesthetic.
What we forget in this socially connected world, is that we CAN have someone in our lives, and still NOT follow them on social media. It IS possible to be friends in real life, and NOT on Facebook. Having a relationship with someone DOES NOT MEAN you also have to subscribe to their 2AM thoughts. I know this may seem harsh, drastic and controversial and in doing this I have had to have that awkward conversation about if and why I unfollowed. My response has been this,
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT ACCOUNTS ARE GOOD FOR ME? Does this account post content that encourages, inspires, and energizes me? Does this account make me feel bad about myself? Is this account using my insecurities to sell a product? (Frequently uses buzz words like, “boss babe”, “financial freedom”, “supportive community”, “build your own business”, etc.)
“Yes I did unfollow on social media, the (political/emotional/negative/argumentative/mom guilt/constant sales) posts were just too much. No hard feelings, I just had to minimize and be more intentional with the content I am consuming”.
Guess what? The world didn’t end. Solid relationships are still fully intact, and my social media is now a more positive and fun place to be! My hope is that you find the courage and confidence to set boundaries for yourself and choose to follow accounts and people that are adding value to YOU, and encouraging you to grow! Don’t forget that giving someone unfiltered access to your free time and mental space is an HONOR. You should be selective about who and what has access to that space. Stay fearless,, and SELECTIVE friends!!
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Primrose School of Barker Cypress to Hold 20 Year Celebration - August 2-28
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fter 25 years as a Senior Executive in the Refining and Marketing Business, Jim and Susan Tanner decided it was time for a career change, and began searching for a career that required less travel, “…one that we would be able to share, and most importantly, an opportunity to provide a valuable service to the community. In 2004, we discovered Primrose Schools and knew from experience in searching for quality care for our children Jake and Lily, that Primrose was unique in that it offered parents both an educational preschool environment and excellent child care services for working parents. The Cypress area is known for quality schools, and we knew
Primrose was the right fit for the community,” explains the couple. “Who children become is as important as what they know” is a belief that is at the core of the Primrose Balanced Learning approach. The exclusive early learning approach balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. More than a curriculum, it is a life-changing early learning experience for children and their families. “After being part of the Primrose family for 17 years, we enjoy seeing and hearing the success of children who have experienced the foundation that a Primrose education provides. Many of our families have grown children and are still in touch with us. It is very rewarding to hear from parents that they attribute part of their child’s success to our Primrose School.”
Primrose School of Barker Cypress Awards
Primrose President’s Award for school excellence. (TwoTime Recipient) Primrose Children’s Foundation Platinum Sponsor Award for Spring Fling fund-raising activities, benefitting Save the Children, (National Level), and Cypress Assistance Ministries, (Local level).
CELEBRATION THROUGHOUT AUGUST:
August 2 - 27, 2021 Celebration events including 20 school days of fun giveaway items for the children, August 2 – August 27
BIRTHDAY PARTY:
18 August | September 2021
Saturday, August 28, 2021 • 10am - 12pm Balloon Twister Entertainer, Birthday Cookie Decorating, Cake Walk, Craft Projects, Face Painter, Professional Photo Booth, Toddler Play Zone, and Trackless Train Rides. Guests will be invited to view picture displays of Primrose of Barker Cypress through the years. Current and past Primrose families are invited to attend.
Canine Corner
By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
Harris County Seeks Pet Fosters, Adopters, and Funds for Heal a Heart Program
“Like so many other shelters across the country, Harris County Pets has faced an increase in its animal population over the last several months, as this is typically the time of year that many cats and dogs are breeding,” Eddie Miranda, Senior Public Information Officer reports. “Our facility is over its capacity to comfortably house our cats and dogs on a daily basis since May, and we are encouraging everyone to foster, adopt, volunteer or donate to Harris County Pets.” For information, as well as photos of adoptable pets, go to: www.countypets.com. Appointments are required, and may be made by calling 281-999-3193. Interested fosters should call the main number or email foster@phs.hctx.net.
Julia
ID# A576584
Donations of canned and dried pet food are needed. A list of additional items can be found on the webpage: www.countypets.com/donate/.
Heal a Heart: Harris County Pets Counts on Community Support to Sustain its Life-Saving Program for Heartworm-Positive Dogs
Summer is the time when heat, humidity, and wet conditions combine to create the perfect storm for mosquito breeding in a coastal area like the Houston region. Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting numerous diseases to both humans and pets. For dogs, no other mosquito-borne illness is more prevalent than heartworm disease.
Currently, about a quarter of the dog population at the Harris County Pets facility is heartworm positive. Heartworm disease can be fatal to animals, especially dogs, but it is highly treatable with a 95% success rate, according to Veterinary Centers of America Inc. At least one out of every three dogs currently at the Harris County Pets Resource Center is heartworm positive. Monetary donations to the Heal a Heart program provides free heartworm treatment to select heartworm positive dogs adopted at the facility. Friends of County Pets, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, administers the funds for this program, made possible by the support of caring residents. The program covers the cost of heartworm treatment at the Harris County Pets Clinic. Typical cost for heartworm treatment can range from $300 to over $1,000. “We have numerous heartworm-positive dogs at our facility that are highly adoptable and would make great companions in a forever home,” said Michael White, DVM, MS, director of the Harris County Veterinary Public Health Division, which operates HCP. “The Heal a Heart program removes this costly barrier to adoption by funding the treatment of many deserving heartworm-positive pets in our shelter.”
Amelia
ID# A571856
Rocko
ID# A575242
Harris County Pets & Harris County Public Health 612 Canino Road • Houston, TX 77076 (832) 927-1133 • www.countypets.com PinPointe Magazine
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CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS Source: CFISD News Media
Former Cypress Ranch Teammates Selected in MLB Draft hard I’ve worked and how much my friends and family have believed in me,” Cowser said. “I’m very grateful for Sam Houston to give me the opportunity to get better and develop. I’m forever grateful for that.”
Ty Madden and Colton Cowser have been friends since middle school and were teammates on the Cypress Ranch baseball team. From 2015-2018, the longtime friends and other Mustangs advanced to postseason each year with deep runs and finished the 2018 season as Class 6A state semifinalists. But their mutual successes didn’t stop there. The Class of 2018 graduates shared the stage during their watch party at Creekwood Grill in Cypress alongside friends and families as the former Mustangs were selected on day one of the 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft, held from July 11-13, at the Bellco Theatre in Denver, Colorado.
Madden was originally chosen in the 43rd round with the 1,022nd pick by the Kansas City Royals three years ago but opted to go the college route instead. At the University of Texas, he was 4-1 with a 3.40 ERA in 15 appearances including eight starts as a true freshman and went 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 25 innings the following year as a starting pitcher.
Sam Houston State sophomore outfielder Cowser was drafted fifth overall by the Baltimore Orioles, becoming the highest selectee in program and Southland Conference history and only the second player from Cy-Fair ISD to be chosen that high. “It’s an honor,” said Cowser in a Cy-Fair ISD press release. “It’s awesome that the Baltimore Orioles believe in me and believe that I have the skillset to contribute to their organization eventually.” Only 27 selections later, University of Texas right-hand pitcher Madden became the program’s highest pick since 2011 when the Detroit Tigers took him with the 32nd pick. “This is amazing,” Madden said in the press release. “I can’t thank the Tigers organization enough for giving me this opportunity. Let’s roll.” At Sam Houston State, Cowser was named Southland Conference Player of the Year this past March, after batting .374 with 76 hits, 61 runs, 16 HRs and 52 RBI, and also made the all-conference first team as an outfielder and was named to the alldefensive team. He was a Freshman All-American in 2019 and became the first player in program history to be voted conference Hitter of the Year that year as a true freshman. “For this to be a reality now, it just tells a lot about how Cowser with Orioles GM Mike Elias
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This past season, the third-year sophomore posted a 7-5 record with a 2.45 ERA and 137 strikeouts as a starting pitcher in 18 games across 113.2 innings. He was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and was recognized on three different All-American teams after helping lead the Longhorns to the College World Series.
Ty Madden (left) and Colton Cowsser watching the MLB draft at Creekwood Grill
“Going to school was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Madden said. “Back then I thought I was ready, but I wasn’t. My time at Texas was the best time of my life and the way my game developed was unbelievable. I’m glad I made that decision three years ago.” They joined former teammates and current minor league players who were drafted out of high school in 2019: J.J. Goss, Matthew Thompson and Jared Alvarez-Lopez. All were part of the team that finished as state semifinalists in 2018. Madden and Cowser became the highest pair of teammates to be drafted this high since Cypress Falls’ Everts and Scott Kazmir were taken in the first round, fifth and 15th overall, in 2002. “We’ve been best friends since eighth grade and we’ve always talked—whether if it was in whiffle ball games or working out—about taking it to the next level and experiencing this together,” Madden said. “We went back and forth on whether to do this but I’m glad we did.” Madden at Comerica Park
Bridgeland High School Quarterback Named to Prestigious Elite 11 Bridgeland High School senior Conner Weigman was named to the 2021 Elite 11, a prestigious honor in which the premier competition brings together the nation’s top high school quarterbacks to compete, challenge themselves and improve their skillset. Weigman earned his invitation to the finals competition after excelling during his junior season with the Bridgeland football team and at the Elite 11 Houston Regional in March. He led the Bears to a 12-1 record and District 16-6A championship in 2020, throwing for 3,803 yards and 42 touchdowns and adding 665 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
Conner Weigman
Weigman won the Rail Shot Challenge on the first night, finished second in the Mega-Target Accuracy Challenge and placed fourth at the Pro Day Workout. The final 11 were named on July 3 and determined by Elite 11 staff based on junior season film and performance (50 percent), and event evaluation and traits (50 percent). Weigman is just the sixth Houston-area quarterback to be named to the final Elite 11 in the competition’s 23-year history. He is also the first Elite 11 member in CFISD history.
Weigman finished second in athletic testing at the Houston Regional, solidifying his invite to the Elite 11 Finals. Twenty talented quarterbacks across 11 different states (four from Texas) made the finals roster. The Elite 11 Finals were held June 30-July 3 in Los Angeles, and included advanced, one-onone quarterback instruction, leadership training and high-level skills competitions.
CTE Students Receive Reimbursements for Industry Certifications A total of 1,099 CFISD career and technical education (CTE) students recently received reimbursements totaling $41,819 to help offset the cost of certification exams. In 2019, the Texas Legislature amended the Texas Education Code permitting the state to provide a one-time reimbursement to CTE students that passed a certification exam and earned a certification from a state-approved listing of advanced certifications. CFISD offers more than 50 certifications from the list, with plans to add additional certifications soon. Students who received reimbursements include Cypress Woods High School graduate Blake Stuart, who became the first student from CFISD to earn his real estate sales agent license. Students who passed their respective certification exams prepared for the tests utilizing industry-standard material, software and equipment for little or no cost through district CTE courses, saving students hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the certification earned. “I am often asked why students should pursue and earn the certifications made available through the CTE courses they are taking,” said Denise Kubecka, director of career and technical education. “My simple answer is, ‘why would they not?’ Having an industry-recognized credential on their résumé when they graduate from high school could be the edge they need to set themselves apart from others as they apply for what comes next. As a bonus, getting certified through CFISD happens at a fraction of the cost of doing so through an outside agency. Again—why would you not?” For more info visit: www.cfisd.net/CTE PinPointe Magazine
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Using Positive Affirmations to Improve Our Well-Being by Liz Arrington
fter a year and a half of a life put on hold, we have found ourselves in a position of looking forward for the first time in a long time. And, personally, I have found it to be a struggle. It’s been hard to make decisions, re-engage in social interactions that are entirely different now, and cope with daily reminders of our changed society.
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I wouldn’t even be sharing this in such a public way, except I have a feeling that I am not alone in this. I see this exhaustion, weariness, overwhelm, all around me. Studies are showing that parents are burned out, exhausted, uncertain, and weary. Cautiously optimistic at best. And, to be honest, it's a feeling that has dominated so much of my mental space that it’s really hard for me to be compelled to write about anything else. So, if you’re like me and looking for a little help in turning the negatives into positives; read on, friend. Going into this summer, I felt deeply disaffected and discouraged. I found myself back in the position of balancing responsibilities as a mom of two boys on a summer schedule, a wife, a business owner, friend, 22 August | September 2021
and just my own SELF. I felt like I was spinning way too many plates, and dropping all of them. I needed a mindset adjustment. When a friend reached out about setting positive affirmations for a new month, I took that as my sign to recharge my mindset. I spent some time exploring the areas of my life where I felt like I was drowning, and created a list of about 8 affirmations to focus on over the course of the month. I attempted to be realistic and specific, I knew that if I took on too much at once I would become overwhelmed immediately and give up. I challenged self-defeating beliefs by replacing “I can’t...” with “I Am...” I focused less on what I couldn’t control, and more about what skills I possessed to manage my circumstances. Here’s the crazy part. This shift in thinking actually worked! Out of the blue, several opportunities fell into place. I was prepared with a plan for balancing out the different areas of my life in a way that worked so much better for me and my family. I was happier, less stressed out, and seeing actual results. Was it perfect? Not at all. But, it was so much better.
Before I dive into the specifics of setting intentions and affirmations, I want to be clear about one thing. It’s part of my nature to be a generally positive person, I tend to just look for ways to see the bright side. However, I am extremely cautious about oversimplifying positive thinking. Toxic Positivity is an extremely harmful way to avoid or minimize “bad” or “negative” feelings, and is not a valid solution to your problems. If you are struggling at this moment, there is most likely a valid reason for this. The last thing any of us needs is some stranger telling us to just “be happy and look on the bright side!” I would literally be tempted to start a fight with that stranger. So, if we know that having a positive outlook improves our mental health and well being, and even opens us up to opportunities for growth, how do we incorporate a positive outlook in a healthy and supportive way? For myself- I started with positive affirmations. Positive affirmations are defined as statements that affirm something to be true. Affirmations allow you to elevate your level of optimism, without having to immediately change your circumstances. The more specific you can be about setting affirmations, the
greater sense of control you begin to gain over your own experience. You open yourself up to reconnecting with your strengths, rather than fighting against your weaknesses. There is an art to this process. There are so many resources to guide and support you in the practice of setting positive affirmations, created by people who are much more qualified than myself. I’m here to encourage you to explore and set your own affirmations, focusing on the messages you need the most in your life to reignite your energy and point you in a positive direction. Start as small and specific as you need to be, share the journey with trusted friends or your partner. Together, we can move ourselves forward through this period of time, with our own sense of autonomy and growth. We can do this! Liz Arrington combines her background in working with children and families with her love of music, to provide early childhood music and movement classes to the families of Cypress. Online music classes also available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com.
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