Seana Burris: Cy-Ranch Student Shines While Advocating for Awareness and Inclusion

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. Photo Credit: Thomas Coffman

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.

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 with Brady - Photo Credit: Daniel Arizpe Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

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.

Before the 8th Grade Dance - Photo Credit: Daniel Arizpe

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?

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.