PinPointe Cypress Creek Lakes

Seana Burris

Cy-Ranch Student Shines While Advocating for Awareness and Inclusion

By Patricia Hudson

In 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.

I love my family and my dogs, Bullet and Woof.

I am an aunt to my nieces Emberly, June, and Kinzi.

I have two older brothers, Blaine and Bubba.

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?

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).

How was it different from middle school? 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.

What is your favorite subject?

Swimming!

Do you have a best friend?

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.

What emotions were you feeling when you sent Seana off to high school?

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.

As an individual with an intellectual disability, what course of study does Seana follow?

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?

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.

Photo Credit: Thomas Coffman

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?

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?

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

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

What goals do you have as a Cy-Ranch swimmer?

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?

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?

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?

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

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?

I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me" (Philippians 4:13)

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.

To learn more about Down Syndrome, go to The Down Syndrome Association of Houston at www.dsah.org.

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.

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

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.

Canine Corner

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

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.

Nikki Karis, Founder of Tail Life, offers The 10 Commandments of Dog Ownership:

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.

2.Give me time to understand what you want from me. Please be patient with me.

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!

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!

6.Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it!

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!)

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.

9.Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old someday.

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.

** And always remember, I Love You!

Nikki Karis’ book, God Dogs is available through Amazon

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

Bridgeland Community Friday Night Bites

2nd Friday of the month: October 14 & November 11, 2022 • 6-10pm

Lakeland Village Center • 16902 Bridgeland Landing • Cypress, TX

Grab your lawn chairs and enjoy great food truck fare and live music!

Dewberry Farm 2022 Fall Festival

Open through November 13, 2022

77045 FM 362 @ Morrison Road • Brookshire, TX 77423

Over 40+ Attractions to enjoy during Fall! www.dewberryfarm.com

Bridgeland Community Fun Run/Walk for Heroes

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Festival Park • 16902 Bridgeland Landing Dr. • Cypress, TX 77433

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

Cy-Fair FD Fire Fest 2022

Saturday, October 15, 2022 • 10am-2pm

CFVFD Station 11 • 18134 West Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Live Fires & Rescue Demos, Fire Trucks & Life Flight Helicopter, Learn Hands Only CPR, Donate Blood, Hands on Activities for Kids

MESA Outreach You Bet, We Care Casino Night

Thursday, October 20, 2022 • 7-11pm

Sterling Country Club • 16500 Houston National Blvd. • Houston 77095

Presented by MESA Outreach - Sponsored by First Community

Tickets and sponsorships available online through October 14 at: https://events.idonate.com/2022.youbetwecarecasinonight

Tickets only sold online and will not be sold at the door.

Proceeds benefit the MESA Food Pantry and MESA-Outreach, Inc.

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!

14th Annual Nature Fest

Saturday, October 29, 2022 • 10am-4pm

Oak Meadow Park • 18310 House Hahl Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

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

Cy Woods FFA Crafts Market & Car Show

Sunday, October 30, 2022 • 10am-1pm

CFISD Ag Barn • 11206 Telge Rd. • Cypress, TX 77429

Awards for Best of Show, Best Classic, Car, Truck, Jeep, and Best Decorated. Check in starting at 9:00 am, Judging begins at 10am. Awards will be presented at 12:30pm. www.powr.io/form-builder/i/33002323

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com

And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

Gulf Coast Bread Pudding Company

by Patricia Hudson

There are shops that specialize in coffee. There are cake bakers and cookie shops. Then, there’s Gulf Coast Bread Pudding Company.

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.

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.

PLACES T O EAT The Best of Cy-Fair

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.

“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 seasonal.”

Customers 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! The

Crusted Sweet Potato Crumble

Nana’s Original

traditional too! In fact, now that I’m thinking about it, I’ll be heading over to try another flavor this afternoon!”

Rhonda 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) 815-3068

Mon-Tues Closed

Wed-Sat 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Sun 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cy-Fair Helping Hands Back to School Bash Draws Huge Crowd of CFISD Families in Need

Story by Patricia Hudson Photos by Daniel Arizpe

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 th e community's generous response, we have been able to distribute backpacks and school supplies to our clients, and to fill requests from CFISD schools.”

Barkley’s Bookshelf: Supporting Children’s Literacy

Photos by Daniel Arizpe

Barkley’s Bookshelf partners with individuals and community service organizations to collect books for distribution through schools and nonprofits for children in kindergarten-5th grade, to inspire a passion for reading through book ownership.

Barkley’s Bookshelf, a 501©3 organization, was founded in March 2022 by five National Charity League, Inc.Sustainers with the goal of creatingpersonal libraries for children in K-5th grade to support children’s literacy. The mission statement of Barkley’s Bookshelf is: Enriching children’s love of reading by providing books they can call their own.

The official launch of Barkley’s Bookshelf was June 15th. In early August the first Book Fair was held at the ‘Back to School Bash’ hosted by CyFair Helping Hands, where 576 books were distributed to children in need. Distributed books were donated by local businesses and individual donors. The fall schedule includes Book Fairs at Cy-Hope’s Hope Centers and Boys & Girls Country.

“Literacy is the key to the future success of every child,” said Brenda Polivka, founder and president of Barkley’s Bookshelf. “If Barkley’s Bookshelf can provide books and be a small part of a child’s education journey, that’s important. It makes a difference.” How you can help? There are many opportunities for you or your organization to get involved with Barkley’s Bookshelf.

•Host a Book Drive! Details are on the website at www.barkleysbookshelf.org under the ‘How to Donate Books’ tab.

•Sort Books! Once book donations are received, they must be sorted to ensure quality standards.

•Volunteer at Book Fairs that will be held in September and October. Email us at info@BarkleysBookshelf.org for details.

•Follow us on social media and share our posts! Find us on: Facebook @BarkleysBookshelf Instagram at barkleys_bookshelf LinkedIn at Barkley’s Bookshelf

Barkley’s Bookshelf is off to an exciting start. Together, let’s support children’s literacy in our community.

For more information visit www.barkleysbookshelf.org or contact us at info@BarkleysBookshelf.org

Brenda Polivka (far left), President/Founder with the staff of Barkley’s Bookshelf

by Liz Arrington

There 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 interest.

Friday Night Lights- it really is so theatrical.

We are entering my oldest son’s second year of high school, and suddenly the football s chedule 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 we ekend 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 chap erones, 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?

We do all of this because we see the ways that being in the band shapes our kids into incredible young adults. Their 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, Sof tball 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 th at’s what contributes so much to the energy that fills the stadium on Friday Nights, it’s filled with a thousand hearts beating with pride and love for these students.

And really great music.

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

CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS

Source: CFISD News Media

Bridgeland HS Wins International CANstruction Award

Bridgeland High School architecture students recently won the International CANstruction Competition “Best Meal Award” for their structure titled “Good Night Hunter” depicting the story behind Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting Starry Night.

CANstruction is an international nonprofit organization aimed at providing canned goods to local food banks by hosting competitions where teams consisting of architects, engineers, contractors and student mentees design and build large structures made of cans. After the competitions, the food is donated to local food banks.

During the 25th Annual CANstruction Houston Competition and Exhibition, Bridgeland students partnered with VLK Architects to create their Starry Night structure. At the competition, the team earned the “People’s Choice Award,” the “Most Cans Award” and the “Best Meal Award.” The structure was built from more than 6,900

CFISD Trio Named to the Texas Sports Writers All-State Baseball Team

taco-inspired canned food items, including beans, corn and nacho cheese and included taco spice packets and taco shell boxes to help create the village.

After winning awards at the Houston competition, the structure moved on to compete against other structures from other city competitions from across the world.

“This is an extremely big accomplishment,” said Josh Simmons, Bridgeland architecture teacher. “This isn’t just an award that’s won by high schools, this is an award that’s competing against industry professionals, major architecture and construction firms and other huge partners in major cities across the world. The fact that we won is absolutely mind-boggling. This is a huge win for us and I’m super excited to be a part of it!” Fo r more information visit www.canstruction.org.

25 CFISD Students Named 2023 National Merit Semifinalists

Three Cypress Ranch High School baseball athletes earned honors on the 2022 Texas Sports Writers Association/Blue Bell Class 6A all-state team. 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.

A total of 25 CFISD seniors representing seven high schools were confirmed as semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, officials announced on Sept. 14, allowing academically talented students to continue in the competition for approximately 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million.

The following students have been named National Merit semifinalists:

BRIDGELAND

Henry Hoover

Andrew Jung

Aditya Naidu

Catherine Pfaffenberger

Reid Zepeda

CY-FAIR

Juan Durante

Maggie Ni

CYPRESS RANCH

Riven Amdal

Sarah Hall

Matthew Noriega

Veronica Patino

CYPRESS RIDGE

Yannick Mofor

CYPRESS WOODS

Travis Allen Eric Baquerizo

Megan Cornejo

Bidushee Khan

Brandon Morrison

Rahul Rathan

Brinley Scott

Vittal Sivakumar

Andre Zhang

JERSEY VILLAGE

Kasim Dawood

LANGHAM CREEK

Ryan Colby

Nitya Kodali

Zahin Rahman

Charlie Feris

Alex Renfrow

Joshua Ibe