PinPointe Cypress Creek Lakes

Jaime Connor Pierce

Cypress Gardener and History Buff Revels in Educating Community

By Patricia Hudson

An avid gardener, teacher and historian, Jaime Connor Pierce is well-known in the Cypress community. Jaime and her husband Scott Pierce moved to Bridgeland in 2013. “We love being surrounded by nature here and enjoy kayaking, bike riding, fishing, and great neighbors,” explains Jaime.”

“We were both raised in Memorial. Scott graduated from Westchester and I graduated from a rival school, Stratford. We met in Houston when my best friend, who was also Scott’s next-door neighbor, introduced us! We were married at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in 1985, and will celebrate our 39th anniversary in August.”

Jaime was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from Houston Baptist University with a double major in Marketing and Management. Scott attended Texas A&M and then Ocean Corporation to become a commercial diver. He worked in the oil field in various careers until he retired in 2022.

“After graduation, I worked in the mortgage field until our daughter was born. Then I became a preschool teacher and worked at a Landscape Architecture firm until our son was born,” shares Jaime. “I became a substitute teacher when we moved from Garden Oaks to Copperfield

Westcreek in 2001. Later, I went back to school and became certified to teach English and Special Education. I taught English at Cypress Ranch High School until 2018, when my mother suffered a stroke and Lauren was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and had two- year -old twins. I cared for my mother at home until she died and, through God’s grace, Lauren was healed of AML. I returned to subbing and have been at Bridgeland High School since 2019. I am currently there until the end of the school year.”

Jaime has an affinity for gardening. She became interested in getting her hands dirty as a young child. “I’ve loved getting my hands in the soil and growing things, and taught my children about gardening. Our daughter is an avid gardener too. “In addition to growing plants for butterflies and bees, my garden is filled with lots of milkweed for monarchs, sweet basil, Thai Basil, oregano, marjoram, chives, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, bluebonnets and daffodils. I’m growing a Texas peach tree for the first time; it is loaded with peaches! Sadly, I have not had much luck growing Queen Palms, Italian Cypress, or citrus trees, due to our clay soil and hard freezes.”

Passionate about gardening, Jaime is an active member of the Bridgeland

Photo Credit: Rose Poole Photography

Photo Credit: Rose Poole Photography

Garden Club. “In March, we hosted the Texas Garden Club, Inc. District IV Spring Convention. I chaired the event, along with several members of our club, the president of Cypress Creek Lakes Garden Club and three other clubs. Over 100 people attended the daylong event. The theme for the convention was ‘Milkweed for Monarchs.’ Milkweed is the only plant on which Monarchs lay their eggs and their caterpillars eat, therefore they are completely dependent upon this plant, which is diminishing due to construction. Our venue was filled with butterfly-themed decor, including a Monarch photo op. Butterflies help us by pollinating other plants, including blooms on fruit and vegetable plants and trees. This pollination is vital to our food supply. Our event was aimed at creating awareness, educating people and giving them seeds to plant. I encourage everyone to plant either native or tropical milkweed in their gardens and let the caterpillars eat the leaves. The plants are perennial and will come back!” states Jaime convincingly.

in honor of their bravery. One of my 2nd great grandfathers was killed on his way home from the Civil War to see his new baby girl, so she grew up without her father. After visiting his lonely grave in Louisiana, I decided to join the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor his memory. I was then invited to join Colonial Dames XVII Century, in honor of my ancestors who were instrumental in the success of Colonial America; Matoaka ‘Pocohontas’ and John Rolfe. In these groups, we send care packages to active military, donate to VA hospitals, honor veterans, including participating in Wreaths Across America, care for cemeteries, support teachers and women's shelters, learn about history, and refurbish historical markers. I also volunteer with the Montgomery Historical Society as a docent. As Winston Churchill said, ‘Those who fail to learn fro m history are doomed to repeat it.’ This quote is actually paraphrased from the Bible.

Aside from teaching and gardening, Jaime has a love of history that comes from her father and his family. “Going to museums, visiting historical places and reading historical nonfiction and fiction books are some of my favorite things to do. My 4th great grandmother, Martha Bratton, helped her husband, Colonel William Bratton, to win the Battle of Huck’s Defeat in South Carolina. Their family compound is now called Brattonsville and is a living history museum. They inspired me to join the Daughters of the American Revolution

Photo Credit: Rose Poole Photography

Aside from teaching, gardening and history, my passions include reading and book clubs, of which I am a member of three, and Community Bible Study. Travel is another favorite thing we do. Since Scott retired, we have traveled to Italy, Kauai, Grenada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Galapagos, and Egypt. We love sailing on our monohull and look forward to sailing a catamaran around the British Virgin Islands this summer. One of our favorite trips was taking the children to Grand Cayman, where we spent our honeymoon, and Scuba diving with Lauren. To relax, I read and garden. Our favorite place to ‘escape’ is on the water. We love to sail, dive, kayak, and walk on beaches,” comments Jaime.

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 email: texasteacher024@outlook.com.

Photo Credit: Rose Poole Photography

Abba’s House A Place of Refuge

As shared by Michael Meissner

Abba’s House is a non-profit ministry home that welcomes in newly arriving refugee women and children and helps them adjust to life in the United States. We work in cooperation with the official refugee resettlement agencies in Houston to welcome in refugees who are coming through the formal/legal UN refugee resettlement program. That means they are vetted and approved prior to coming, an d are on a formal track to become U.S. citizens. Normally, these new arrivals would go straight into their own apartment and have a short 4-6 month runway where they receive limited government support as they begin their new life. Abba’s House identifies the most vulnerable of this group (single moms who have no U.S. relatives or ties) and pushes “pause” on that process. We meet them at the airport, welcome them into a temporary home at Abba’s House, and pour into them for two months to help them adjust to their new reality here in the U.S. We have the joy of serving as the hands and feet of Christ to provide them a place marked by peace, safety, care, and rest. They become part of the Abba’s House family, and experience the love and welcome of God’s people here in the Cypress area. After two months of receiving all that we can pour into them, they then are placed in their new apartment (and then resume the more typical path of a newly arriving refugee.

What led you to this ministry?

Ultimately, this ministry is a response of faith. The Bible repeatedly talks about God’s compassion for the vulnerable, and specifically His heart for the “orphans, widows, and foreigners”. The refugees who come to Abba’s House often check all three of those boxes!

I had been involved in refugee ministry since the early 2000’s, starting initially as our church in Colorado helped welcome in

several of the Lost Boys of Sudan. When we started LifeBridge Church in 2008, we were regularly involved in serving the refugee community in SW Houston – doing parking lot VBS programs, helping out local missionaries, and attending events. But, always there was the desire to have more of a longstanding relationship with the refugee community. Through many conversations with the refugee resettlement agencies, the idea of Abba’s House was birthed. A group began exploring that possibility, and eventually the concept of this mission house was hatched – a home/place which would serve as an initial landing place for refugees coming to the U.S . through the formal refugee resettlement program. This home would serve as a house of welcome and hospitality; a place where they would experience good food, learn basic life skills, and have a season of safety and care before they begin the rigorous road to self-sufficiency in their new country.

Abba’s House is truly a community effort, with significant contributions from many different churches in the area. We knew early on that this venture would be best served if it was a community venture, rather than simply a ministry of any one church. Also involved were other key businesses and organizations. William David Homes played a huge role finishing out the initial ministry home. The camp-like setting of our campus was built in large part by Eagle Scout projects from troop 533. Countless volunteers have poured into making this campus and house such an amazing place of welcome and hospitality.

The challenges have been many –from the hyper-charged political atmosphere surrounding immigration, to the COVID debacle that slowed things to a crawl shortly after we opened, to the ongoing reality of trying to walk with and love people who come from messy and broken situations. But, with every challenge, we have found God to be faithful . . . guiding us through every obstacle and pro viding for all our needs along the way.

My family is invested in this ministry in a very personal way; I am Executive Director and Julie and I serve as “house mom and dad” in the ministry home. We live on site, and literally welcome in refugees from all over the world into our home. We have living quarters for our family on one side of the house, living quarters for the refugees on the other side, and then the shared middle space where we cook, eat, and gather all together. It makes for a unique and rich living situation, with all sorts of lively conversations and interesting meals.

The community gets involved on a daily basis as well, with women volunteers coming in each weekday morning to work with the refugee moms on basic life skills or with the children in a homeschool education setting. Evenings and weekends often provide opportunities for our volunteers to take the family out to experience “American life” – taking them to the movies, bowling, a youth sporting event, or eating out at a restaurant. For many of our guests, all of these things are brand new experiences, so we try to provide many opportunities for them to experience the joys of their new country. Still others help out around the campus on weekend -working in the garden, taking on campus improvement projects, etc. This place is often bustling with life, activity, and community!

What have been some of the most impactful events for those you have served?

Almost every month we host a community potluck dinner with around 50-60 people from all different walks of life – volunteers, supporters, former guest families, and those simply interested in knowing more. At many of these, our guests will share their story. Sometimes they are careful and guarded, but other times they pour out their souls as they share their story. Many of them have experienced some of the worst that our world has to offer, but by sharing it out loud they find healing and comfort.

Also impactful is simply watching the friendships that develop as our American volunteers spend time with our refugee guests. We have much to offer our guests – food, shelter, and all the practical tips on how to adjust to life in America. But, we find that they have much to offer us as well – the power of human resiliency, the depth of faith that comes only through facing severe adversity, and the richness of cultural differences that can be such a beautiful thing. Abba’s House is a place where people from two extremely different worlds come together and often find some of deepest bonds and meaningful friendships that last long beyond the two months that they are here in this ministry home.

Assimilating into American culture must be difficult for these families.

Yes, adjusting to a new culture is often a difficult and scary endeavor! About half of our guests come in with at least a basic understanding of English, but many of them have to learn from the beginning. Others come from extremely remote situations, where they weren’t ever exposed to many of our modern advances. One family from Zambia stands out in particular. They lived their entire life in a remote refugee camp where the entire village shared a single hand-pumped well for water, and they cooked over an open fire. So, when they came here to America, we had the joy of introducing them to things like hot and cold running water, showers, locked doors, can openers, microwaves, washing machines, etc.

All of it was brand new, and filled with wonder, complexity, and curiosity.

Another woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo showed us the vastly different life experience she had lived when she came to us the first morning and asked if we could help her build a fire in her room, as she had been cold during the night. We then got to introduce her to thermostats and electric heat and a.c.

Other families co me from larger cities and are fairly westernized. Some are as highly educated as anybody here in the U.S. Others come in having never been to school

and we are teaching the ABC’s to the mom, right alongside her children. One of the most humbling moments is watching as our volunteers teach a grown woman how to write her own name or read a simple sentence for the first time in her life.

Families are with us at Abba’s House for two months, and then they move on to their own apartment, the kids begin school, and the mom begins her job. Success is often simply survival. Most of them live paycheck to paycheck, and the first 4-5 years they are hanging on by a thread. But they make it. They figure out how to pay their bills and keep food on the table. Most of them work extremely hard, oftentimes a couple of mini mum wage jobs. Over time, they may learn how to drive a car. The kids struggle in school at first, but eventually catch up to where they should be academically. They start playing on a sports team, and begin exploring the possibility of going to college someday – all things that would have been fantasy dreams back in the refugee camps. Life is hard for a while, but through hard work, faith, and persevera nce, they begin forging out a better life for themselves. This country is a blessing to them . . . and they are a blessing to this country.

For additional information, email Michael Meissner: michael@abbashousetexas.com

An extended version of this article is available at www.bestofcyfair.com

I’m at Risk for Colon Cancer. What Should I Do?

The average lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is approximately 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. As many as 53,010 people are expected to die of colon cancer in 2024.

Your lifestyle, genetics, and age all influence your personal risk of developing colon cancer. If you have a higher-than-average risk of developing the disease, it’s important for you to take steps to protect yourself.

Here at GastroDoxs, Dr. Bharat Pothuri and our entire team recognize that colon cancer poses a significant health risk and is of extra concern for some people.

We offer the following proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk. We also recommend screenings to detect cancer early.

What raises your risk of colon cancer?

The following factors put you at higher risk for colon cancer:

Age: The risk of colon cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 50.

Family History: Know your family history and find out if anyone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has been diagnosed with colon cancer, your risk is nearly double the average.

Personal History: If you've had colon cancer or certain types of polyps in the past, your risk of developing it again is increased.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of colon cancer over time. Irritable bowel syndrome does NOT increase your risk of colon cancer.

Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption can all contribute to an increased risk of colon cancer.

What can you do?

If any of these risk factors apply to you, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself.

Get Screened: Regular screening for colon cancer is the most effective way to detect it early. Early detection means early treatment, which gives you the best chance of beating cancer. For anyone with an average risk of colon cancer, screening with colonoscopies usually begins at age 45. If you don’t have any concerning signs, you can return for another colonoscopy in 5-10 years.

However, if you're at increased risk due to family history or other factors, Dr. Pothuri may recommend screening before age 45 and at more regular intervals.

Know the signs and symptoms: Be aware of any changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, blood in your stool, abdominal pain or cramping, or unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, don't ignore them. Make an appointment with us at GastroDoxs immediately.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit your intake of red and processed meats. Get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and drink alcohol only in moderation.

If we recommend a colonoscopy or other screening test, don't hesitate to schedule it. These tests can save your life by detecting cancer in its earliest stages or identifying precancerous polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous.

By understanding your risk factors for colon cancer and taking proactive steps to manage them, you can greatly reduce your chances of developing this potentially deadly disease. Don't wait until it's too late – take control of your health today. Please reach out to our team at GastroDoxs to schedule an appointment at

Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs

Cypress Community Garden Network Holds First Open Garden Day

By Patricia Hudson

As one drives around the Cypress area, chances are, you might just pass a thriving community garden; there are four such gardens and a greenhouse within four miles of one another. The brainchild of Ron Richter, Cypress Community Garden Network, (CCGN), was started to expand the community garden movement in Cypress. Its purpose is to share resources, develop best practices, build relationships, and support and educate the community.

The first Open Garden Day was held in March. Gardening aficionados and beginners alike began their day at the Reach Unlimited Greenhouse, 11832 Mueller Cemetery Road. Greeted by Reach Executive Director of Operations Kris Lusebrink and Gardening Instructor Rossana Gonzalez, guests perused the herbs, vegetables and trees offered for sale, and were invited to join “The Scavenger Hunt.” Gardeners collected a large plastic pot before being directed to the second location, St. John Lutheran Church, 15235 Spring Cypress Road. Gardening Director Mark Froehlich shoveled rich soil into each bucket from a large mountain of dirt. The next stop was the Cy-Fair Helping Hands’garden on the grounds of Bayou City Fellowship, 1 Kwik Kopy Lane. Following a brief history of the garden, volunteer Lynn Hummel and Garden Coordinator Ken Grau challenged visitors to match the garden bed numbers to the vegetables planted in them. Everyone added a healthy tomato plant to their pot of soil. Gardeners then drove to the Living Legacy Center, 12527 Cypress North Houston Road. Elizabeth Hilbun, Executive Director of the Center, scooped rich fertilizer into each pot. The final stop was the Messiah Lutheran Faith Community Garden, 11522 Telge Road. Garden Director Ron Richter explained their composting process, while seeds were disseminated to delighted gardeners.

Scavenger Hunt participants

Mark Froehlich at St. John's garden

Elizabeth Hilbun at Living Legacy garden

Lynn Hummel, Pat Hudson, Ken Grau at Cy-Fair Helping Hands' garden

Crave Fusion Bistro & Cocktails

Bringing Crave-Worthy

Southern Caribbean

Food to Cy-Fair

Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida

OThe Best of Cy-Fair

PLACES T O EAT

wners Bridgette Williams and Isaac Bradley had a dream. That vision is now an upscale reality located at 11702 Grant Rd Suite C, Cypress, TX 77429. The restaurant is a compilation of comfortable lines, Chef-led food, and contagiously delicious cocktails. "We wanted the name to be a one-word concept summary of what we were about at the heart of it all, ‘Crave’ Fusion Bistro," explains Williams.

The previous concept at this location was of a bar, and during COVID, Bridgette and Isaac took the opportunity to redesign the space to a restaurant that’s different than anything existing in the surrounding area today.

Executive Chef Leon Cedelli, with 15 years’ experience at the helm, did a bit of abroad travelling himself; he worked intimately with the owners on making their culinary vision a reality. Food is just one aspect of attention for this local eatery. Bridgette and Isaac also brought in

professional mixologist Justin McClendon, James Harden’s personal bartender, to create craft cocktails blended with comfort familiars, igniting a memorable experience between and food and drinks.

When Bridgette and Isaac were asked where their passion for food comes from, I always look forward to hearing it’s from deep family roots and table time with grandparents. An early on exposure to friends and family gathering over BBQ and a lick-the-bowl kind of childhood was the spark between food and fellowship.

Bridgette says, “You won’t be disappointed by coming to elevate your pallet to something you’ve never had before. A place of love, comfort, and libation. We crave to make you feel like family and welcome you to eat and be rejuvenated to tackle the world again.” Isaac adds, “We have clients that sit for hours to relax and just breathe.”

Go and check them out folks, and welcome the Crave Fusion Bistro & Cocktails team to the

neighborhood. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday and dinner five days a week, closed on Monday. Live music on the weekend. Crave became a part of the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce on November 2, 2023.

Crave Fusion Bistro & Cocktails

11702 Grant Rd. • Suite C

Cypress, Texas 77429

Phone: 832-559-3097

Days/Hours of Operation:

Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Thursday: 4 pm – 9 pm

Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9:30 pm

Metta Archilla-Ishida

is a Contributing Writer, Founder of Metta’s Local Eats FB Group, #onmettasfork

Canine Corner

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

Meet Prince

Mine is a particularly sad case. I was abandoned by my owner at a boarding facility with my little yorkie friend, Sparkle. We were inseparable. Unfortunately, my little friend passed away and I am now on my own. I am fixed, up to date on shots, healthy and weigh about 40 lbs. I am medium to low activity level and mostly want a soft bed and humans to love me. I am really looking forward to becoming part of a family. How about yours?

Loving Arms Pet Placement is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization created to address the problems of stray and abandoned cats and dogs in Houston and Harris County. This organization is comprised of dedicated volunteers who foster animals in their homes as an alternative to taking the animal to a shelter. www.lovingarmspetplacement.com

Isaac Bradley & Bridgette Williams

Cy-Fair’s Own Amy Ramon Has Been

Selected as Fire Chief of

the Year

Here’s Why.

By Leah Gowin Marketing & Community Relations Director Cy-Fair Fire Department

When you build a life on what you’re passionate about, it takes you to some surprising places. CyFair Fire Department Fire Chief Amy Ramon is a good example. When she started out with Cy-Fair Fire Department, she was a 20-year-old volunteer firefighter driven by a desire for saving lives and serving her community. Now, almost 34 years later, she’s accepting the prestigious Texas Fire Chiefs Association Fire Chief of the Year Award.

“The fire service is a calling; people get into it and never leave,” says Brent Scalise, chief of operations for Cy-Fair Fire Department. “Amy is the perfect example of that. She has a skill set that is not easily found in the fire service. Not only does she have an understanding of all aspects of emergency services, she’s also an attorney and a financial expert. Amy could have chosen any number of paths in the private sector, but her love for this profession and its people won out, and we are grateful for that. No one could deserve this honor more.”

1. Great People. Cy-Fair makes a real effort to attract and retain the best and the brightest talent. Its incredibly low turnover rate means experienced people, which is vital for a lifesaving profession.

The award, which is given by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, is unique in that the recipient is chosen by his or her peers from around the state of Texas. Every Texas fire department is allowed one vote. (Notably, Ramon is the first woman to receive the award.)

Chief Ramon’s career in the fire service began in 1990, when she worked as a volunteer firefighter with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department. She quickly progressed to station officer, board member, and assistant chief of EMS, before accepting the role of fire chief in July of 2014. For the next five years, she built a team and a culture centered around service and community.

In 2019, Chief Ramon led the department in the transition to a career department utilizing full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters. Under her leadership, Cy-Fair has grown into a firstclass operation. It is now one of the largest, busiest combination fire departments in the United States, with over 38,000 emergency responses each year.

Today, Cy-Fair Fire Department is known for its “three-legged stool” approach to where it focuses resources and energy:

2. A Culture of Continuous Learning and Training. Cy-Fair invests heavily in training, both tactical and leadership. “At CyFair, a very high level of competency is just the price of admission,” notes Mike Clements, assistant chief–administration at the Cy-Fair Fire Department. “Our investment in both types of training keeps everyone safe, ensures optimal outcomes, and leads to happier, more engaged employees.”

3. State-of-the-Art Equipment and Facilities. Being the best in this area allows people to do their best work and protects people, property, and the environment from fire damage. Most important: It saves lives—both citizens’ and firefighters’.

Cy-Fair Fire Department is making a name for itself in the medical and first responder industries. Leaders are routinely recognized for their best practices and showcased in trade publications, podcasts, and other programs.

All that said, fire service is a tough field to excel in. There are multiple challenges to master: intellectual, emotional, political. A fire chief must be able to hold up under traumatic circumstances, make hard decisions quickly, gain the trust and respect of those they lead, and build cohesive teams out of individuals with strong personalities and a variety of strong (often conflicting) opinions.

By Patricia Hudson

On Thursday, May 16, 2024, at approximately 6:10 pm, a tornado touched down in Cypress, Texas. According to a report from the National Weather Service released the followingSaturday morning, the Cypress tornado was an EF-1 with winds of 110 miles per hour, with a path length of .77 miles. The tornado touched down near the intersection of Tuckerton and Greenhouse Roads then tracked southeast through the Highlands subdivision.

The storm left a path of devastation. Downed transmission towers, electric poles and high tension cables blocked roads, caused massive blackouts around Cypress. Enormous trees, some as old as 40, were uprooted, damaging houses, vehicles, and yards. Power outages wreaked havoc with traffic, as endless lines of cars backed up at each main thoroughfare. Grocery stores and residences tossed freezers and refrigerators of spoiled food, leaving families to forage through pantries and wait for stores to restock.

Without AC and other conveniences of which we have become accustomed, there was a run on generators at home improvement stores, while there was a scramble to fill gas tanks and load up on ice at service stations. High school athletic events, proms and other celebrations for graduating seniors were either cancelled or rescheduled.

In light of the chaos caused by the tornado, there were some positives to be noted. As the hours turned to days without power, neighbors came to the rescue with food, lodging and generators. Churches, businesses and organizations provided water, food, and cooling centers. Electricians worked overtime and linemen from across the country came to the rescue. Even CFISD high school students had something in which to celebrate; after losing instructional time as a result of the tornado, spring final exams and all other school level exams were waived. The tornado, dubbed The Houston Derecho, will be remembered in Cypress for years to come.

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

HAPPENINGS Cypress

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com. And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Hiring Event

Saturday, June 8, 2024 • 10am-2pm

HCSO Academy • 2316 Atascocita • Humble, TX 77396

We're hiring for multiple positions and inviting all interested applicants to attend the event. You can undergo pre-background screenings and pre-employment testing onsite. We offer many benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation, a pension plan, and more! The event is open to everyone! harriscountyso.org

Bridgeland Cheer Clinic

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Clinic: 8am-1pm / Performance (Open to Spectators) Noon-1pm

Bridgeland HS Performance Gym 10707 Mason Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

K-8th Grade. $50 General Ticket: Includes Clinic, T-Shirt & Snack

$70 VIP Ticket (Limited Special): Includes Clinic, T-Shirt, Snack and performance at BHS JV Football Game on 8/29 6:30 @ BHS https://bit.ly/BHSClinic24

St. Cuthbert School 40th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, September 24, 2024 • 10am-1pm

17020 West Rd. • Houston, TX 77095

Bring your kids and be a part of our celebration! The event includes train rides, music, games, silent auction, craft area and food trucks. Admission is free! www.stcuthbert.org

TRAvELInG

SEnIOR

OF CyPRESS TRIPS & ACTIvITIES

June 11: Ocean Star Off Rig Museum in Galveston and Lunch at Katie’s Seafood (Day Trip). Bus leaves at 8:30. $10

April 24-May 3, 2025: Shades of Ireland, 10 Days: 13 Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners with Optional 3-Nigh Lond Pre Tour Extension or Optional 3-Nigh Edinburg Post Tour Extension. HIGHLIGHTS… Dublin, Irish Evening, Choice on Tour: Dublin City Bus or Walking Tour, Kilkenny, Waterford, Choice on Tour: Waterford Crystal Factory or Waterford Medieval Museum and Wine Vault, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Jaunting Car Ride, Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Cliffs of Moh er, Sheepdog Demonstration, Galway, Castle Stay. Round Trip Air from Houston Intl, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers. Double Occupancy: $3,999.

All trips leave from Fairfield Baptist Church. Please park facing the ditch and apartments. All trips must be paid for within five days of registering, or you will be removed from the list. For info, contact Jo Ann at pstlgrl@gmail.com or Jackie at jackie.devine@comcast.net.

Seniors of the Class of 2024

Share Their Future Plans

CHAynE ALLEn Bridgeland High School

Will attend University of Louisiana Lafayette playing Softball and majoring in Kinesiology

SIMOnE ROSIA CADIEn

Will attend Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia studying Biology to become Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

DEAn FAnTASIA Bridgeland High School

Will attend Texas State University majoring in Clinical Psychology

Will attend Lone Star before transferring to Stephen F. Austin

CHRISTOPHER ALLEn Bridgeland High School

Enlisted in the US Navy

COMPTOn

High School

Will attend Oklahoma State University majoring in Recreational Therapy

LAnDOn FATERKOWSKI

High School

Will major in Atmospheric Science at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi

ELIZABETH HAuBRICK

Majoring in Equity and Education at the University of Texas–San Antonio

Majoring in Horticulture Plant Science to share his love of nature as a Park Ranger

LIAM ARRI Cypress Ranch High School

Will attend Blinn Bryan Campus

Will attend Angelo State University where she will be a member of the Volleyball team

TAnyA FInKELSHTEyn Bridgeland High School

Will attend Texas A&M majoring in Bioenvironmental Science

SCARLETT HEEFnER

Ranch High School

Will attend University of Arkansas majoring in International Business

the US Army

ETHAn BROWn Bridgeland High School

Plans to study Physics at University of Texas

Major in Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University

EMMA KATHERInE GOuRGuES Bridgeland High School

Will attend Stephen F. Austin University. Majoring in Mathematics. Minor in Military Science/Army ROTC

Majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M

and

CAMBEL

Cypress Ranch High School

SARAH

Bridgeland

AMELIA CREACy Bridgeland High School

ILIAnA EnSLEy Bridgeland High School

to study Business

HAyLIE GREEn Cypress Ranch High School

Bridgeland High School

Cypress

HunTER LESTER Cypress Ranch High School

Will attend Howard University where he will major in Finance

JOHn LAWREnCE LOnG II Bridgeland High School

QuEnTIn MARTIn Bridgeland High School Enlisting in

ARIAnnA vIELMA Bridgeland High School

Will pursue Bachelor of Science

major in Sound Recording Technology at Texas State School of Music

COnnOR ZATOPEK Bridgeland High School

Bridgeland

Source:

CFISD news Media

Bridgeland Robotics Team Finishes Strong at World Championship

CFISD robotics teams completed a successful competition season at the Vex Robotics World Championship, held April 25-27 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

Bridgeland High School robotics team 77786, nOSHA, went 6-4 in the Science Division. After round-robin qualification matches, Bridgeland was ranked 15th out of the 82 teams in its division.

Bridgeland qualified for the elimination tournament as the 13th-ranked alliance, “Not only is making it to the World Championship a huge accomplishment, but qualifying for the elimination tournament at this extremely competitive tournament is a profound accomplishment,” said Devin Mu rphy, Bridgeland robotics adviser.

Bridgeland students also received a personal season best at the Skill Competition, scoring 302 points to rank 81st out of the 362 competing teams.fighting hard before losing in the Round of 16.

Bridgeland, Cy-Fair Baseball Teams Advance to Regional Semifinal

Bridgeland High School and Cy-Fair High School baseball teams advanced past the regional quarterfinal round of the UIL Class 6A playoffs and will move on to the regional semifinal beginning May 23.

Bridgeland defeated Klein Oak in a best-of-three series. Bridgeland won game 1, 2-0: before dropping game 2, 13-3: and clinched with a 9-3 win in game 3. The Bears advance to face Rockwall Heath in the 6A Region II semifinal in a bestof-three series to be played at Concordia University Texas Tornado field (11400 Concordia University Drive in Austin TX):

CFISD Athletes Win Three Championships at 2024 uIL State Track Meet

CFISD athletes claimed three individual state championships and 12 total medals from the University Interscholastic L eague (UIL) State Track and Field Meet, held May 2-4 Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.

Bridgeland High School senior Lillian Harden placed first in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles.

Bridgeland junior Benjamin Montgomery won gold in the boys’ 3,200-meter run and Cypress Springs High School senior Jacoby Harmon won the boys’ 800-meter run.

Harden finished first with a time of 13.52 after finishing second in 2023. Montgomery qualified last season and finished fifth as part of Bridgeland’s 3,200-meter relay. Now, as a junior, he won his event in a time of 8:51.50. Harmon won the gold in his event with a finishing time of 1:51.99.

Cy-Woods Students Win uIL State Theatrical Design Contest

Cypress Woods High School students Emily Hacking, Isabella Jaramillo, Megan Janger and Marcus Alfaro placed first overall in Group Theatrical Design at the UIL State Theatrical Design Contest, held May 10-11 in Austin.

The 2024 contest required students to create original designs for Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown. Students were asked to select a theme and create a thematic statement to include a motif, concept or commanding image to drive all design decisions.

Cy Ranch Junior Invited to Compete in nike Outdoor nationals

Cypress Ranch High School junior Celeste Robinson has captured the attention of the sporting world, earning an invitation to compete at the prestigious Nike Outdoor Nationals, set for June 12-15 at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.

“Whenever I received news that Nike wanted me to run for them, I was so excited,” Robinson said. “I couldn’t believe that God had blessed me with an opportunity as big as this. Younger Celeste would be very proud.”

This July, Robinson will travel to Nike headquarters in Oregon for orientation. For the

2025 track season, she plans to travel across Texas in addition to Florida, California, Oregon and New York to run as a Nike athlete.

Nike’s interest spiked due to Robinson’s record-breaking performance this year. Throughout her junior track season, Robinson has shattered records and left her mark on the track, including breaking the Cypress Ranch and CFISD record in the 100-meter dash (11.37) and in the 200meter race (23.25). Additionally, she holds the Region II-6A 200-meter record.

CFISD Student Wins State Bus Safety Poster Contest

Sprague Middle School eighth grade student Case Madison claimed the first-place overall title in the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation (TAPT) School Bus Safety Poster Contest.

The TAPT School Bus Safety Poster contest was established to increase school bus safety awareness and to afford opportunities for students to win scholarships. School districts in more than forty states participate in local and state level competitions to select artwork that promotes school bus safety.

(from left) Robert Mock, Donovan Bechi, Joshua Holmes, Thad Rauch and Stephen (Wyatt) Conger

Lillian Harden of Bridgeland

from left, Marcus Alfaro, Isabella Jaramillo, Megan Janger and Emily Hacking

Celeste Robinson of Cy-Ranch

Case Madison and his winning poster