CYPRESS & CY-FAIR TEXAS NEWS 2012

Cy Woods Student Selected as Presidential Scholar Candidate

Cypress Woods High School senior Hannah Richter was recently selected as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964 by executive order of the President to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors.

Scholars are chosen on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas, including academic and artistic success, leadership, and involvement in school and the community. They represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth.  Richter is now eligible for selection as one of the 500 semifinalists and ultimately as a scholar, each of which will be posted on the U.S. Department of Education website in April and May, respectively.

Richter is active in orchestra, soccer, National Honor Society, Proclaim the Name, and Spanish National Honor Society. She frequently volunteers for missions and events through Cypress Bible Church. She was named an AP Scholar with Distinction in 2011 and received Superior performance ratings on the cello in both Solo (2009-2011) and Ensemble (2011) competitions. Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Specialists Named Among 2011-2012 Texas Super Doctors - Featured in Texas Monthly as Best in Texas Healthcare
Cy-Fair, Texas News
Posted on Feb. 2, 2012

Travis Hanson M.D., Korsh Jafarnia M.D., Bruce Moseley M.D., Scott Rand M.D., Plinio Caldera M.D., Greg Seelhoefer M.D. and HoSun Hwang M.D. Among the Elite Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists Featured in the Recently Released Super Doctors Issue

The distinguished group of orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians of Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are featured in the much anticipated Texas Super Doctors 2011-2012 issue of Texas Monthly magazine only recently released.

Determined through peer nominations and reviews, the list of selected Texas Super Doctors is carefully guarded until the coveted Texas Monthly magazine Super Doctors issue officially hits the newsstands.

The renowned orthopedic and sports medicine group, with sub specialties in hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, shoulder, spine, total joint, and sports medicine was recognized for the strides made at the new Methodist Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook as well as individual accomplishments.

Korsh Jafarnia, M.D. expanded the hand and upper extremity program at the advanced new facility to include a new Hand Center unlike anything currently available in northwest Houston - featuring specialized occupational therapy and the latest in hand, wrist and elbow treatment.  Dr. Jafarnia also co-authored research findings published in 2011 - examining high-energy shockwave therapy in the treatment of Tennis Elbow.

Bruce Moseley, M.D. and Travis Hanson, M.D. kept professional and amateur athletes alike in the game - serving as part of the official healthcare team for organized sports throughout Houston.

Scott Rand, M.D. with the assistance of Greg Seelhoefer, M.D. succeeded in establishing an accredited Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship program - only one of two such programs in the greater Houston area.   Rand is the PCSM Fellowship program director.

And together the physicians participated in educational Injury Reports on ESPN’s 97.5 NFL Sports Reports and public seminars on the Methodist Willowbrook campus. 

With decades of combined experience, the physicians have served as team physicians for Rice University, U.S. Soccer, the Houston Rockets, the Houston Comets, the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Olympic Basketball “Dream Teams” as well as dozens of area high school teams and organized sports clubs.

“We stay focused on providing our patients with the best treatments and rehabilitative therapies available in orthopedic medicine.  Improving quality of life and returning individuals to the activities they love are the greatest accomplishments.  We’re pleased to also be recognized by our colleagues in this effort,” said Dr. Jafarnia. 

According to Methodist Willowbrook Hospital CEO and Senior Vice President of The Methodist Hospital System Beryl Ramsey, the group is helping to prominently distinguish Methodist Willowbrook in northwest Houston.

“We carefully selected these physicians for their work in each of their areas of specialty and contributions to orthopedic and sports medicine.  We’re very proud to have such a group on our campus and pleased to have Texas Monthly announce what we’ve long known,” said Ramsey.

To take a facility tour, learn more about these physicians, or check the dates for upcoming seminars, sports clinics and ImPACT Concussion testing go to www.methodistwillowbrookortho.com, or call toll-free (855) WB ORTHO (926-7846). 

Langham Creek Baseball Team Ranked Fifth in state
Cy-Fair, Texas News
Posted on Feb. 2, 2012

The Langham Creek High School baseball team has been ranked fifth in the state in the 2012 Class 5A Pre-Season Poll released by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association (THSBCA).

The Lobos are ranked behind only Corpus Christi Carroll, Spring Branch Memorial, The Woodlands, and Southlake Carroll high schools. “It is an honor being selected in the pre-season poll by your peers,” says Lobos head baseball coach Armando Sedeño. “With the schedule we have and playing teams that are ranked in the state, we will find out quickly if they are right. We will focus on a daily process to get us ready for a tremendous District 17-5A battle.” Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

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Cy-Fair ISD Teachers to Journey to Saudi Arabia
Cy-Fair, Texas News
Posted on Feb. 2, 2012

Three Cy-Fair ISD social studies teachers will travel to Saudi Arabia during spring break through an all-expenses-paid trip sponsored by the World Affairs Council (WAC) of Houston and Aramco Services. Cypress Lakes High School teachers Shelby Touchy and Andy White, Cypress Springs High School teacher Katherine Cantu, and Aragon Middle School teacher Ross Flood were selected for the trip, set for March 9 to 17.

According to WAC spokesperson Emily Bruxvoort, about 90 candidates applied for the trip, with only 10 Houston-area teachers were selected. The WAC promotes better understanding of the world’s people, politics, economies, and cultures, enabling citizens to participate more effectively in the global community.

The planned Saudi Arabia trip will feature a tour of the Saudi Aramco compound, visits to Jeddah and Riyadh, and interactions with local teachers who can share their education experiences. Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

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Lone Star College Faculty Members Honored
Cy-Fair, Texas News
Posted on Feb. 1, 2012

Seven faculty members at Lone Star College-CyFair and LSC-Fairbanks Center were recently named 2011 Adjunct Faculty Excellence Awards Winners. Winners, recognized for their professionalism and commitment to student learning and success, represent each of the college divisions. They will be honored at a college-wide employee awards event later this spring.

This year’s award recipients are Ali Khansari, who teaches developmental math; Linda Jezek, who teaches math; Carolyn Doege, who teaches biology; Heather Scanio, who teaches music; Nancy Romero, who teaches psychology; Cathy Parks, who teaches accounting; Bo Cui, who teaches machining. For information on the college, visit www.lonestar.edu. Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

Ali Khansari, Carolyn Doege, and Heather Scanio

Linda Jezek, Cathy Parks, Bo Cui, and Nancy Romero

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Texas Children's Hospital West Campus Expands with New Sports Medicine Program
Cy-Fair, Texas News
Posted on Jan. 31, 2012

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus recently announced the expansion of outpatient services to include a new Sports Medicine Program dedicated to treating children for all types of sports-related injuries.

The new program provides comprehensive and convenient sports medicine care to the west Houston community and utilizes an interdisciplinary approach for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of children and adolescents from the physically active individual to the premier adolescent athlete.

“We are excited to expand our outpatient services to include a dedicated Sports Medicine Program,” says Michelle Riley-Brown, senior vice president of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. “With this comprehensive program, we are able to bring together highly skilled physicians across a variety of sub-specialties related to sports medicine care to fill a critical niche for the athletes in our community.”

The multidisciplinary Sports Medicine Program team is comprised of primary care sports medicine physicians, pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, pediatric and musculoskeletal radiologists, and sports-focused physical therapists, all of whom have specialized training and emphasis on pediatric and adolescent sports conditions. Patients of the new program also have access to other medical services needed to appropriately care for a sports injury, including pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric cardiology, pediatric neurology, pediatric pulmonary medicine, and pediatric regional anesthesia.

The Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Sports Medicine Program team includes Dr. Jorge Gomez, primary care sports medicine; Dr. Megan May, sports medicine and pediatric orthopaedic surgery; Dr. Scott McKay, sports medicine and pediatric orthopaedic surgery; and Dr. J. Herman Kan, pediatric musculoskeletal imaging. Visit www.westcampus.texaschildrens.org for more information. Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

 

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Lone Star College Student to Pursue Studies in Rome, Italy
Cy-Fair, Texas News
Posted on Jan. 31, 2012

Thanks to a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience through Lone Star College-Fairbanks Center, Samuel Washburn will be finishing his studies at the American University of Rome in pursuit of a new degree and on a new career path.

After being encouraged by one of his professors to study abroad, Washburn spent three weeks of summer 2011 in Italy immersed in the culture. In the fall, Washburn applied at Texas State University, Texas A&M University, and the American University of Rome. Washburn says he was “blown away and speechless” when at the end of the interview with American University of Rome phone interview, he was told he’d been accepted.

So this spring, Washburn is preparing for an Italian lifestyle taking Italian and working to save money for his return to Italy in May. “My study abroad experience was definitely worth it, 100% - it will change your life,” he shares. “The financial support is there and people are willing to help make it possible for you. And the friends I made are a big part of the reason I’m going back.”

Scholarship applications for 2012 study abroad programs are due Feb. 6. Applications are due Feb. 1 for LSC-CyFair’s study abroad program in Costa Rica, with biology and kinesiology courses; March 1 for Italy, with geography and history courses; March 1 for South Korea, with math courses; and April 1 for Sri Lanka, with an accounting course. For information, visit www.lonestar.edu/study-abroad. Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

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Cypress Ranch Key Club Supports Troops
Cy-Fair, Texas News
Posted on Jan. 31, 2012

Cypress Ranch Key Club recently worked alongside the Salyards’ Builders Club and the Cypress Springs Key Club to box care packages for Cypress Cares. Cypress Cares is a nonprofit organization that shows troops support by sending care packages out monthly. In preparation for the care packages, the Cy Ranch Key Club began collecting magazines, toiletries, and other items at the start of the school year.

In addition, the Cypress Ranch Key Club held several fundraisers throughout the beginning of the school year to raise money to purchase the goods that would be sent overseas. On the day of the event, members from all three clubs helped Cypress Cares box up and ship the much-needed items that U.S. troops deployed overseas will enjoy. The care packages made by Key Club members will be going to a group of soldiers who have recently lost many friends in battle. Key Club members hope the care packages offer them a much-needed pick-me-up and show of support. Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

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Technology Festival Features More Than 1,000 Student Projects

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Cy Lakes Wins TD Club’s Sportsmanship Award

Two teams of students from Hamilton Middle School recently completed a successful First Lego League (FLL) robotics season at the Lone Star FLL Championship at Reagan High School. The competition was hosted by the University of Houston’s College of Robotics Education.

Hamilton’s Team Elite Anti-Carbon Force placed 19th in robotics out of the 60 teams invited to the championship. Team members are eighth-grade students Cooper Le, Connor Joyce, and Nick Treviño.

Hamilton’s Team ATACK won the FLL Inspiration Trophy at the qualifying competition held at College Park High School. The award celebrates a team that is empowered by their FLL experience and displays extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit. Team ATACK consists of eighth-grade students Amogh Agnihotri, Tristan Craig, and Kyle Sanders, seventh-grade student Cade Cloud, and sixth-grade student Austin Sanders.

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

Students Win 10 Yearbook Excellence Awards
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 23, 2012

Nine CFISD students have won 10 Gold Key awards in the 2011 Herff Jones Quill and Scroll Yearbook Excellence Contest.

The professionals serving as judges selected 214 national winners among the 1,505 entries evaluated. Judges commended the heightened creativity of the winners, as well as the fine reporting, in-depth captions and strong visual packages of the winning pieces.

The following students won Gold Key awards:
Jersey Village High School
• Sandy Tang, Student Life Spread, “A World Flair;”
• Yesenia Lagunas, Sports Action Photography, “Celebration;”
• Myrna Garcia, Student Life Spread, “Segway Time;”
• Rebecca Moscoso, Student Life Spread, “Taking Flight;” and
• Cameron Korenek, Sports Action Photography, “Pole Vault.”
Cypress Creek High School
• Asia Collins, Advertising, “Senior Ads;”
• Joy Atkinson, Sports Action Photo, “Leaping for the End Zone” and Index, “Index and Team Photos F-H.”
Cypress Falls High School
• Lila Love, Clubs or Organizations Spread, “National Champs;” and
• Leah Lebeau, Academic Photo, “Bridge Building.”

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

Catch the Dream Saturday at Cypress Lakes High School
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 20, 2012

Cypress Lakes High School will host the fourth annual Catch the Dream community event on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the campus, 5750 Greenhouse Rd.

Catch the Dream will feature many exciting activities for students and parents, including sessions that will focus on preparing for the workforce, college and/or careers after graduation.

Students and parents can attend sessions of their choice on financial aid (including loans, grants and scholarships), military options, college requirements, selecting a college and many more.

College and military representatives will be available in booths between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

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Broadway to Backpacks as Cy-Hope Nets $13,166
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 20, 2012

Last year’s performance of Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical Cinderella by the Foundry Performing Arts netted Cy-Hope $13,166. These monies will go towards furthering the goals of Cy-Hope, a non-profit in Northwest Houston that benefits at-risk children in the Cy-Fair public school district.

“The Cinderella fundraiser is one of a series of events to benefit Cy-Hope,” says Cy-Hope President Larry Dierker. The money raised will be used to fund programs, such as the Backpack Program, to support and encourage students, teachers, and school administrators to help every school in Houston’s Cypress Independent School District achieve Exemplary status.

Cy-Hope currently supports 22 schools with a backpack food donation program to give children food for the weekend. Two Hope Centers were opened to tutor, mentor, and teach life schools to children in at-risk communities in the Cy-Fair area. Since its funding, Cy-Hope has mobilized local businesses, churches, and community groups to support youth-centered programs.

For more information about Cy-Hope, contact cy-hope.org.

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

From left: Susan Bilberry, fundraising director for Cy-Hope;
Hailee Zera, Cinderella; Larry Dierker, president Cy-Hope;
and Lynda Zelenka, executive director Cy-Hope.

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Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Installs 2012 Board of Directors; Presents Ambassador and Business of the Year Awards
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 19, 2012

The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Installation Celebration was held on Tuesday, January 17 at Northwest Forest Hotel and Conference Center to a record number of businesses and guests. Television and radio veteran, Dan Lovett acted as master of ceremonies with a special appearance by guest speaker, Senator Dan Patrick. During the Installation luncheon, the members of the 2012 Board of Directors were installed and the Ambassador and Businesses of the Year were announced. The Chairman’s Award was also presented.

Representative Allen Fletcher performed the affirmation ceremony affirming, Mark Sappington, vice-president of Cobb, Fendley & Associates, a professional civil engineering and land surveying services firm, as chair of the 14-person board for a third year. Members of the board include: Mike Castro, City of Jersey Village; Chad Gaulding, Kwik Kopy Business Solutions; Jim Fordice, Maid Brigade of Northwest Houston; Debbie Gibson, McCall Gibson Swedlund Barfoot, PLLC; Keith Grothaus, Caldwell Companies; Dr. Mark Henry, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District; Mark Kilkenny, Mischer Investments, LP; Dr. Audre Levy, Lone Star College-CyFair; Mark McShaffry, The Backyard Grill; Jennifer Pittman, AmegyBank of Texas; Beryl Ramsey, Methodist Willowbrook Hospital; Mandie Shook, CenterPoint Energy; Stuart Snow, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District; and Dr. George Wright, Prairie View A&M University. New Chamber President Leslie Martone also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

Along with the installation of the 2012 Board of Directors, the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber named Christi Love, general manager for Community Impact newspaper – Northwest Houston, as the Ambassador of the Year. Ms. Love has served as a Chamber Ambassador for two years, participating in numerous ribbon cuttings, membership luncheons and special events. The other nominees for Ambassador of the Year were Catherine Hollis with the Langham Creek YMCA, John Labuda with Mathnasium of Cy-Fair and Victor Varma with Insure US.

The 2011 Businesses of the Year, in the Small, Medium and Large categories, were announced during the Installation Luncheon. Leslie Martone, president of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber said, “We have some amazing businesses in our area and choosing one winner for each category was very difficult for our panel of judges.” “To us they are all winners and we appreciate their support and commitment to the community.” The winners included:

SMALL BUSINESSES – FEWER THAN 10 EMPLOYEES: Winner was Your Community Magazine, a chamber member 13 years; Jody and David Castro started the full color direct mail coupon magazine 15 years ago. One of their many community projects is the Annual Happy Bear Toy Drive which collects toys for the Cy-Fair community supporting children at Boys and Girls Country and Cypress Assistance Ministries.

Small Business Finalists were InsureUS and Strong Vision Center.

MEDIUM BUSINESSES – FEWER THAN 50 EMPLOYEES: Winner, Energy Capital Credit Union has been a member of the chamber for 5 years. The company adopted Hairgrove Elementary in Cy-Fair ISD as its local school partner to offer continued support for the students; as a partner in education, they dedicate one hour a week to mentoring students and collect school supplies for students at the beginning of the yea. Energy Capital also received the B.E.S.T. Award from Cy-Fair ISD.

Finalists were Houston Family Arts Center and Mathnasium of Cy-Fair.

LARGE BUSINESSES – MORE THAN 50 EMPLOYEES: Winner, Texas Emergency Care Center at Cypress have been a chamber member for 3 years. The supports, Cy-Fair ISD Salute to the Stars, Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, Project Prom and Coach for the Cure. The center donated the training software that high school trainers and staff use for all of their athletic programs. TECC supports several social awareness programs in the community and nationally. Since 2008 they have been a partner of the American Heart Association, sponsoring the Go Red for Women and Heart Walk. The 2011 walk raised almost $240,000 and attracted over 2000 walkers and the TECC team was the top fundraising team collecting over $35,000.

Finalists were Cobb, Fendley & Associates and Langham Creek YMCA.

Debbie Blackshear, president of the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union was also honored with the Chairman’s Award for her contribution and service to the Cy-Fair community and the chamber of commerce.
For more information on the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, including a list of upcoming events, visit cyfairchamber.com or contact the Chamber at 281-373-1390.

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.
Large Business of the Year winner Texas Emergency Care Center

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NAM Endowment Dinner to Feature Author David Cook
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 19, 2012

The Northwest Assistance Ministries Endowment Fund Board is pleased to announce their spring event – An Evening with David Cook. This special dinner will occur on Tuesday, April 24 at 6 p.m. at Champions Golf Club.

This year’s featured speaker is David Cook, author of Golf’s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia. Cook is one of the country's top Peak Performance coaches and seminar leaders. He is the former director of applied sport and performance psychology at the University of Kansas (1984 – 1996) where his peers elected him president of the National Sport Psychology Academy in 1992. He also directed the Mindset Academy at the Westin La Cantera Resort, a nationally recognized mental training academy for aspiring competitive golfers from 2001 - 2006. He served as "Mental Training Coach" for the San Antonio Spurs from 1996 to 2004 including two World Championships, the Kansas Jayhawks 2008 National Championship, as well as many PGA Tour winners.

Cook’s business clients include Fortune 100 companies Exxon/Mobil, Sprint, HP, Texas Instruments and American Express. Golf Digest recently named him one of the “Top 10 Mental Game Experts” in the world of golf. As past president of the National Sport Psychology Academy, he is known as a leading authority in the science of Peak Performance.

Cook’s first performance novel, Golf’s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia, follows the story of Luke Chisolm, a talented young golfer set on making the pro tour. When his first big shot turns out to be a very public disaster, Luke escapes the pressures of the game and finds himself unexpectedly stranded in Utopia, Texas, home to eccentric rancher Johnny Crawford. But Johnny's more than meets the eye, and his profound ways of looking at life force Luke to question not only his past choices, but his direction for the future. This inspirational story was released as a movie starring Robert Duvall in 2011.

This inspirational speaker combines his knowledge of golf, life and a deep spirituality. Make plans to join us for an incredible evening benefiting the current and future services of NAM. Tickets start at $250. For more information, contact Tanecia Snid at 281-885-4608 or at tsnid@namonline.org.

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.


David Cook

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HFAC’s Powerful A Lesson Before Dying Opens Jan. 20
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 19, 2012

Great drama has the ability to embody social ideas in a compelling narrative that possesses both emotional and intellectual power. Ernest J. Gaines' A Lesson Before Dying, required reading in many high schools, offers an inspirational story of institutional injustice and personal redemption. Houston Family Arts Center’s (HFAC) production of Romulus Linney's stage adaptation of Gaines' novel is guaranteed to stir the emotions and touch your heart.

A Lesson Before Dying, directed by Lisa Garza, HFAC Assistant Artistic Director, opens Friday, January 20 and runs weekends through February 5 at the HFAC Garza Main Stage Theatre.

Adapted closely from the Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel, A Lesson Before Dying is set in 1948 rural Louisiana and tells the story of two young men, both trying to break free of the chains that society has placed on them. This uniquely theatrical interpretation by Linney focuses on the struggles of the poor and oppressed to try and gain pride and dignity within a hostile and racist environment.

A young man is to be executed for a murder he probably did not commit, but in the Jim Crow South of the 1940’s, the question is not if young Jefferson will be executed but how he will face his death. His godmother, Miss Emma, wants him to die like a man and seeks the help of a reluctant young plantation schoolteacher, Grant Wiggins, to make sure Jefferson knows just who and what he represents before he takes his final steps. Grant is torn between his desire to flee Louisiana with girlfriend Vivian and his duty to serve his community. Their struggle through these final lessons is what creates the dramatic arc of this powerful play and novel.

The exceptionally talented cast of local Houston actors features Chris Boldon as Grant Wiggins and C. Dean Wilson as Jefferson. Also featured are Alethea Bailey as Vivian Baptiste, Rita Hughes as Miss Emma, Steven Dowell as the unexpected ally Deputy Sheriff Paul Bonin, Scott Thornton as the irascible Sheriff Guidry, and Brian Matthew Carr plays the outspoken Reverend Ambrose, Grant's bitter enemy in the education of Jefferson. The children are played by Santana Draper, Halle Hudson, Haley Jackson, Gabrielle North and Alexus Shaw.

All performances of A Lesson Before Dying will be held on the Garza Main Stage Theatre at the Houston Family Arts Center, 10760 Grant Rd. This play is recommended for ages 13+.

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

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Schools Honored with HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze Awards
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 18, 2012

Thirteen Cy-Fair ISD elementary schools are among an elite group of schools to receive the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze Award, recognizing excellence in nutrition and physical activity.

The following schools received the four-year distinction that will not expire until July 2015:

• Ault Elementary School
• Birkes Elementary School
• Black Elementary School
• Copeland Elementary School
• Farney Elementary School
• Hamilton Elementary School
• Keith Elementary School
• Moore Elementary School
• A. Robison Elementary School
• Sampson Elementary School
• Swenke Elementary School
• Warner Elementary School
• Yeager Elementary School

• Cypress Lakes High School senior Rafael Diaz won Best of Show for his drawing titled “Rejoicing the Forgotten.”

• Cypress Ranch High School senior Madeline Weaver for her drawing “Old Paint”
• Cypress Falls High School senior Katelyn Miller for her drawing “Looking Back”

• Cypress Ranch senior Alyssa Brönstad for “Through the Eyes of the Dreamer”
• Cypress Falls sophomore Jaydi Segura for “Emma Lou”
• Cypress Lakes senior Edgar Garcia for “My Uniform”
• Cypress Woods High School sophomore Christian Doyle for “Wagon Wheel”

• Spillane Middle School eighth-grade student Kaitlyn Skinner won Best of Show for her drawing “Up Close and Personal”
• Hamilton Middle School eighth-grade student Jessica Meadath won a gold medal for her drawing titled “Bovine Brothers”

• Lamkin Elementary School third-grade student Jacob Martone won Best of Show for his drawing titled “Broke n Busted”
• Moore Elementary School fifth-grade student Tessa DeLaFuente won a gold medal for her drawing titled “Wanted”

The rodeo art exhibit will be displayed in the hallways of Cy-Fair ISD’s Instructional Support Center, 10300 Jones Rd., through Jan. 30, and is open to the public during regular business hours.

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

Spillane Middle School eighth-grade student Kaitlyn Skinner
won Best of Show in the Middle School division for her drawing
titled “Up Close and Personal.”

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Painting with a Twist to Host Breast Cancer Fundraiser
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan, 18, 2012

Painting with a Twist studios located in Cypress, Katy and Sugar Land, Texas will welcome guests on Sunday, Feb. 19 2 - 5 p.m. at a special Painting with a Purpose paint class to raise funds for breast cancer research. The studio will offer refreshments and a give-away during the paint pARTy. The fundraiser will benefit Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.

“We’re delighted to partner with Painting with a Twist studio to raise funds for breast cancer research,” says Catherine Hill, executive director of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. “Our family of committed partners is growing and we love their help in spreading the word about the important work of the Vera Bradley Foundation.”

Vera Bradley owners Barbara Baekgaard and Patricia Miller founded the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer in 1998. To date, it has contributed $15 million to the world-renowned research team in the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis. The team of researchers at the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories is making significant progress and gaining national recognition for their work in the following areas:

• Detection of cancer long before tumors form
• Identification of women at high risk for developing breast cancer
• Breast cancer prevention discoveries
• Safer and more effective therapies through individualized therapy based on genetics
• Better treatment of recurrences of breast cancer and prevention of metastasis
• Enhancing lives of survivors through approaches that improve both length and quality of life

• Disease process- what it means to be diabetic
• Living with Diabetes- family, friends and coping strategies
• Meal planning- carbohydrate counting, label reading and dining out
• Physical Activity- types, effects and importance
• Monitoring Blood Glucose- goals, meters and management
• Complications- prevention/reduction
• Behavioral goals- setting them and creating change for improved health

• students begin school on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012
• Labor Day, Sept. 3, is a student/staff holiday
• the calendar has a three-day Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 21-23)
• a 12-day winter break is scheduled for students (Dec. 24-Jan. 8)
• a one-week spring break is scheduled for March 11-15, 2013
• Good Friday, March 29, is a student/staff holiday
• the school year will end on June 5, 2013
• Feb. 18 and June 6, 2013 are designated as inclement weather makeup days

• have an overall grade point average of 92 or above, including grades 9-12 and the first six weeks of grade 12
• have been a member of the team in good standing at the time of nomination
• be a senior
• be of good moral character

The following football players received Elite, First Team, Second Team and Honorable Mention recognition:

Elite
Ryan Jicha, Cy-Fair
Conner Patrick, Cy-Fair
Charles Fly, Jersey Village

First
Tyler Lee, Cypress Creek
Jonathan Monroe, Cypress Creek
David Welch, Cy-Fair
Tyler Castro, Cypress Falls
Daylan Skidmore, Cypress Woods
Gary Tesch, Cypress Woods

Second
Matt Minner, Cypress Creek
Logan Muhl, Cypress Creek
Mark Walker, Cypress Creek
Robert Walter, Cypress Creek
Zach Danford, Cy-Fair
Trevor Mendes, Cy-Fair
Jake Bracher, Cypress Falls
Cori Womack, Cypress Falls
Justin Bradley, Cypress Ranch
Tyler Henning, Cypress Ranch
Brian Hogan, Cypress Ranch
Matthew Teague, Cypress Ranch
Cameron Smith, Cypress Ridge
Tyler Mock, Cypress Woods
Braxton Norris, Cypress Woods
John-Albert Arechiga, Jersey Village
Clay Cannaday, Jersey Village
John Erck, Langham Creek
Lucas Nesbitt, Langham Creek
James Perez, Langham Creek
Cody Smith, Langham Creek

Honorable Mention
Kory Lee, Cypress Creek
Joshua Bear, Cypress Ranch
William Heller, Langham Creek

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

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Annual Food Tasting Scheduled for Feb. 9
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 17, 2012

The Cy-Fair ISD Food Service Department invites students, parents, faculty and friends to sample the latest products available in school cafeterias during the Annual Food Tasting on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Rd.

Community members are welcome to attend and enjoy a variety of foods made by potential district vendors while providing input on the new products available for school lunch and breakfast.

For more information, call Trisha Jensen in the Food Service Department at 281-517-6552.

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

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Black Elementary Student Wins First Place in Wrestling Tournament
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 17, 2012

Black Elementary second-grader Dubem Muoneke recently won first place in the rookie HWT division at the Cotton Bowl Nationals Wrestling Tournament held in Allen, TX.

Muoneke is a member of the Cy-Fair Cyclones wrestling club and is a straight-A second grade student at Black Elementary.

Please mention you found this on www.CyFairMagazine.com.

The Houston Rockets will team up with Cy-Fair ISD for a fundraiser to benefit school libraries when they hold the Dribble-A-Thon on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Rd.

Children of all ages are invited to register in the fun event, in which participants will engage in various activities including dribbling courses, passing stations, a pop-a-shot, a cha-cha-slide, mingling with Rockets mascot Clutch and other contests.

The registration fee is $25, which covers a basketball, T-shirt, certificate, and a ticket to one of three Rockets games:

• Friday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Sunday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. vs. the Utah Jazz
• Wednesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. vs. the Charlotte Bobcats

Participants will also receive a pledge form that they can use to acquire sponsors who can support each dribbler in the Dribble-A-Thon. The goal for each dribbler is to raise $50, and the entire pledge amount will be donated to CFISD libraries.

“With a successful event providing funds to our libraries, every student in our district will be positively impacted by the Dribble-A-Thon,” says Pam Scott, director of Partners in Education.

To participate in the Dribble-A-Thon, download a registration form from the district website.

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The team held a bake sale complete with a pink lemonade stand and breast cancer awareness station, and also sold t-shirts. The girls wore pink basketball shoes and pink eyeliner for the event.

Langham Creek head coach Annette Steward said senior player Rebekah Douglas initially approached her about putting on the event, so she put her in charge of it. Teacher Kristi Crawford, who lost a dear friend to breast cancer, served as the coordinator of the event, which raised $800 to go toward Causes for a Cure, a 501(c)(3) charity to help find the cause of breast cancer.

“I was proud to hear that we raised $800. This game not only educated my athletes, but also brought awareness to our students at Langham Creek and our community,” Steward says.

Causes for a Cure was founded by Betty Sommer, the mother of Lowery Elementary School teacher Stacey Gaecke, who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2010. More information on the foundation can be found at www.causesforacure.org.

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The Langham Creek basketball team celebrates its first
Shoot for a Cure game on Dec. 16, in which the team
raised $800 for the Causes for a Cure breast cancer charity.

Combined with his first-round score of 74, Dunn won the event by 12 strokes with a two-round total of 135. His masterful second round included seven birdies in a row.

“It’s a very special round for Matthew to do something like that,” said his coach at Cypress Creek, Philip Franklin. “I’ve watched him grow as a player, and he’s always been really good at shooting at the flags. He’s always had the capability of doing something special like that.”

Dunn is committed to golf for the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., next year. His goal for his senior season at Cypress Creek is to advance to regionals and eventually to state.

“I was kind of in a zone where everything was going my way,” Dunn said of the record-breaking round. “It was a great feeling, and everyone has been supportive in telling me they’re proud of me.”

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Matthew Dunn

Cy-Fair ISD Students Make TSATA All-State Academic Team
Cy-Fair Texas News
Posted Jan. 12, 2012

A pair of Cy-Fair ISD student trainers have been named to the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association (TSATA) All-State Academic Team.

Cypress Lakes High School senior Jordan Craig and Cypress Falls High School senior Lauren Thompson received the honor this week. To be eligible for the award, student trainers must:

• be graduating seniors
• carry an overall grade-point average of 92 including grades 9-11 and the first six weeks of the student’s senior year
• be in good standing as an athletic training student
• be of good moral character

• Kevin Bonilla, Cypress Woods – first place, 120 pounds
• Brad Klewitz, Cypress Woods – second place, 152 pounds
• Brandon Criddell, Langham Creek – second place, 170 pounds
• José Gonzalez, Cypress Ridge – third place, 113 pounds

• Gaby Long, Cypress Creek – first place, 102 pounds
• Diaysha Moore, Cypress Ridge – first place, 119 pounds
• Anna McAleavey, Cypress Creek – first place, 128 pounds
• Joly Velasquez, Cypress Lakes – first place, 138 pounds
• Kimberly Rodriguez, Langham Creek – second place, 119 pounds
• Anel Cantu, Cypress Falls – second place, 138 pounds
• Taylor Alva, Cypress Woods – third place, 128 pounds

• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with identification tags with current information. Cats should wear break away / safety collars. Microchipping your pet is always advised.
• Keep your pets indoors in a quiet area that is familiar to him / her with plenty of fresh water and give dogs several safe chew toys. Dogs who are crate trained may feel safest in their kennels. Cats will do best in a bathroom or utility room with food, water and their litter box.
• Resist the urge to soothe and comfort your agitated pet as this can actually reinforce his / her stressed behavior. Instead, stay calm and “matter of fact” when dealing with a pet who is upset by loud noises.
• Frightened outdoor dogs have been known to jump high fences and dig holes to escape the sound of fireworks. Indoor animals should be kept away from large glass windows or doors because when scared they are capable of crashing right through.
• Make sure to keep all alcohol, festive foods / chocolates, floral arrangements and party decorations away from your pets. Alcohol can be dangerous and deadly while balloons, streamers, party hats and confetti can become lodged in your pet’s intestines, causing an intestinal blockage. Chocolate is especially toxic to both canines and felines.

• Housing: Provide proper shelter for your pets whether they live indoors or outdoors. Indoor pets should have their bed or crate placed in a safe and warm place that is away from drafts. Outdoor pets should have a well-insulated house that is wind-resistant, waterproof and elevated off the ground so wind and moisture can’t seep inside. Install a door flap to protect against drafts and gusts of wind. Extra blankets and straw will also help to increase your pet’s warmth. Room and floor heaters should be kept away from your pet, as they are an obvious fire hazard and can cause serious injuries as well.
• Food and Water: Make sure to provide fresh, clean water for your pet every day. Outdoor pets need to consume 25 to 50 percent more calories than usual because the cold weather tends to deplete their energy. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian to learn what is right for your pet.
• Cars are Refrigerators: A car can act as refrigerator in the winter. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during the winter months, as they will freeze to death.
• Cats and Cars: Keep your cats indoors during the winter. Not only can outdoor cats freeze, but they sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars to stay warm. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Give an outdoor cat a chance to escape by banging loudly on the car hood before starting your car.
• Warmth: If you have a short-haired breed of dog, consider getting him / her a sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly to keep him / her warm. Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter months, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.
• Antifreeze: Dogs and cats are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol. A tiny lick can kill your dog or cat, so make sure to check your car for leaks on your driveway or gutter. Keep containers tightly closed and clean up spills immediately. Check your local retailer for “pet safe” antifreeze.
• Rodenticides: Rat and mouse poisons are commonly used during the winter months. Place them out of reach, as they can cause fatal bleeding or kidney failure in your pet.

• Alicia Boado, third grade, Bane Elementary School, Winter Wonderland (Mixed Media)
• Mekayla Hughes, fifth grade, Kirk Elementary School, Fall (Mixed Media)
• Adelynn Molina, fifth grade, Kirk Elementary School, Fall Colors (Mixed Media)
• Lauren Kerner, 12th grade, Cy-Fair High School, Lost Hope (Photograph)
• Lani Grantland, 12th grade, Cy-Fair High School, Duma, TX (Photograph)
• Shelby Beatty, 11th grade, Cypress Ranch High School, Broken (Photograph)
• Emily Martin, 11th grade, Cypress Ranch High School, Washed (Photograph)
• Ernesto Ordoñez, 12th grade, Cypress Ranch High School, Paralellism (Photograph)

• Proper Identification: Make sure your pet is wearing proper ID tags (with current information) and has been microchipped in the event he/she dashes out the door and becomes lost.
• Skip the table scraps and sweets: Any sudden change in a pet’s diet can cause severe indigestion and diarrhea. Bones can splinter and cause blockages. Greasy, spicy and fatty foods can also cause stomach upset or even worse – an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. Sweets can kill, so keep chocolate, desserts, all types of candy and the foil / cellophane wrappers they come in out of your pet’s reach.
• Yeast Dough/Baking Ingredients: Keep raw dough out of your pet’s reach. If eaten, it will expand in your pet’s stomach and could become a life-threatening emergency. Both baking soda and baking powder are highly toxic, along with nutmeg and other spices.
• Use caution with alcoholic beverages: Many holiday plans include adult alcoholic beverages. If ingested, an animal can become sick and weak and possibly go into a coma, which could lead to death due to respiratory failure.
• Use caution with floral arrangements: Many festive holiday plants such as mistletoe and holly berries can be toxic to pets. Lilies are especially deadly to cats.
• Fire Hazards: If you spark up the fireplace, keep unsuspecting, curious pets away from the sparks and flames and make sure to never leave any lit candle unattended.
• Christmas Tree Water: The water that keeps your tree flourishing may contain fertilizers which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and cause vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea in your pet.
• Decorations: Ribbons, tinsel, pine needles and glass tree ornaments, if ingested, can become lodged in your pet’s intestines, causing intestinal blockage. Tape down electrical cords, as chewing on them could cause pets to be badly burned or electrocuted.
• Unwanted Gift: Never surprise a friend, spouse or partner with a gift of a pet for the holidays. A companion animal is for life, not just the holidays.

• Dr. Debt financial responsibility
• History of the stock market
• Marketing Concepts
• Resume’ Preparation
• Dress for Success and Interview Success
• Business Plans

• Logan Hibbeler, Smith Middle School
• Shannon Kummer, Aragon Middle School
• Harrison Kummer, Birkes Elementary
• Sarah Young, Aragon Middle School
• Morgan Mayer, Aragon Middle School
• Emily Green, Lowery Elementary School
• Evelyn Taylor, Birkes Elementary
• Shivani Tripathi, Warner Elementary School
• Chase Greer, Smith Middle School

• The company must be an active Chamber Member (1-3 years)
• The company should demonstrate a considerable contribution to the community, whether financial or through service contribution
• The company should demonstrate a growth in employees, revenue, and/or market share
• The company should demonstrate an environmental improvement and/or social responsibility

Cy-Fair High School runners

• Cypress Falls will face Alief Elsik on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Crump Stadium, 4214 Cook Rd. in Alief
• Cypress Woods will meet Aldine Eisenhower on Friday at 7 p.m. at W.W. Thorne Stadium, 1865 Aldine Bender Rd. in Aldine
• Langham Creek will play Alief Taylor on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Crump Stadium
• Cy-Fair will battle Aldine Nimitz on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Rd.

• Terry Luong, Cypress Ridge High School senior, won Best Cake for his “Carrot Cake w/ Orange Cream Frosting"
• Christy Nguyen, Cypress Ridge senior of the Cy-Fair Culinary Academy won Best Presentation for “Chai Tea Cupcakes"
• Morgan Carlson, Cypress Springs High School junior, won School Spirit for “Blueberry Angel”

• Cypress Woods vs. Aldine Nimitz, 7 p.m. Tuesday, M.O. Campbell Center, 1865 Aldine Bender Rd.
• Cypress Falls vs. Aldine MacArthur, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Campbell Center
• Cy-Fair vs. Alief Hastings, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Morton Ranch High School, 21000 Franz Rd.in Katy
• Cypress Ranch vs. Alief Elsik, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Morton Ranch High School

• Jersey Village Police Dept., 16401 Lakeview Dr.
• Harris Cty. Constables Office Pct. 4 - Cypresswood Annex, 6831 Cypresswood Dr., Spring
• Katy ISD Police Dept., 20370 Franz Rd., Katy
• Tomball Police Dept., 401 Market St., Tomball
• Pct. 1 Constable's Office, HCC-Spring Branch commons area, 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N.

• Identification: Make sure all pets are wearing a collar and identification tag and / or microchipped with current information. If they escape out an open door and become lost, this info is their ticket home.
• Leave your pet indoors: Avoid taking your pet trick or treating. Even the most well-tempered dog may panic and become aggressive if a ghost or goblin jumps out of the bushes. Instead, keep your pet in a quiet room, away from the noise, excitement and strangers in costumes. Keeping your pet safely indoors will also eliminate the possibility of him or her becoming a victim of mistreatment, teasing, chasing or abuse.
• Candy can kill: Chocolate can be toxic to your pets, especially dogs. Xylitol, the artificial sweetener found in some candy, can be poisonous to dogs as well. Loose candy wrappers made of aluminum foil or cellophane can cause intestinal blockage and vomiting. Ask kids not to share their candy with pets.
• Decorations: Keep lit pumpkins and candles out of your pet’s reach, as they pose an obvious fire hazard. Ribbons, streamers, electrical cords, confetti and those cobwebs can all be dangerous if ingested by a curious pet.
• Pets in Disguise: As cute as it may be to dress up your pet, costumes can restrict an animal’s ability to bark, breathe, move, see or hear. Be especially careful when using costumes which use rubber bands, as they can cut into your pet’s skin and cause injury. Opt for something simple and fun like a Halloween bandana.

• Opening night keynote speaker Katie Couric, American journalist and author
• A Texas-size Hall of Exhibits on Thursday, Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 12 where guests can enjoy an appearance by the Harlem Globe Trotters, a girl fashion show hosted by Justine Magazine, live penguins at the SeaWorld booth and plenty of interactive and fun activities (Visit girlscouts.org/convention for specific activities and a full schedule)
• Kick-off Girl Scouts of USA Forever Green Take Action Project. Unveiling of Rain Garden, November 12 at the Houston Arboretum
• 100th Anniversary girl and adult celebrations on Saturday, Nov. 12

• Reducing the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment
• Treating patients more quickly during the critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can be preserved
• Monitoring patients when it is not certain that they are having a heart attack to ensure that they are not sent home too quickly or needlessly admitted to the hospital

• Youth Internet Safety and Online Predators
• Helping Students Handle Stress
• Mentors + Students + Staff = Success
• Fundraising Guidelines and Best Practice Fundraising Ideas
• HEP Development Services: Finding Funds and Making Donations go Farther
• Video Techniques, Sneaks and Cheats
• Taking Care of Your Personal Health While Maintaining Your Busy Lifestyle
• Reaching Out to Diverse Volunteers
• Add Social Networking to Your Toolkit
• Math Education – How Parents Can Assist Their Kids in Developing Number Sense at Home

• Board of Trustees are listed with phone numbers and email addresses
• Meeting agendas and minutes are posted
• Budget, revenue and expenditures and check registers are available reports
• Administration contact information is provided
• Public records services are provided
• Audit records are posted online
• Purchasing information and bid opportunities are posted
• District accountability reports and performance reports are posted
• Employment opportunities and the hiring process are highlighted
• Background check policies are included in the employment process
• Local tax information is posted
• Bid proposals, approved bids and ordinances regarding vendor contracts are posted on the website