For the second consecutive year, students in the Senior Capstone Engineering class at Cypress Christian School partnered with Reach Unlimited to design and build innovative solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Under the leadership of Mrs. Gonzalez, students spent the spring semester applying engineering principles to real-world challenges, combining technical knowledge with Christ-centered service. Rather than completing hypothetical classroom assignments, students worked directly with Reach Unlimited staff and clients to develop projects that would have a lasting impact.
The partnership began with a visit to the Reach Unlimited campus, where students met the individuals they would be serving and learned about their daily needs. From there, they researched ideas, developed budgets, created project timelines and designed prototypes before building and refining their final products.
This year’s engineering teams completed three custom projects:
An enhanced changing table designed with safety as the highest priority, providing greater security and ease of use for caregivers and clients.
A life skills cabinet created to help individuals practice everyday tasks such as doing laundry and preparing meals, supporting greater independence.
A portable music cart designed to travel throughout the facility, providing calming sensory experiences while encouraging clients to actively engage by playing instruments themselves.
Throughout the semester, students collaborated with Mr. Lemuel Duran and Mr. John Van Rieg, gaining valuable hands-on engineering experience while learning how thoughtful design can improve the lives of others.
The semester culminated at the Senior Capstone Engineering Banquet, where students presented their completed projects to Reach Unlimited staff, clients and families. For many students, the greatest reward came not from completing the engineering process, but from witnessing the smiles and gratitude of the people whose lives would be impacted by their work.
“This project is about so much more than engineering,” said Mrs. Gonzalez. “Our students learn that their knowledge and talents can be used to solve real problems, serve others and reflect the love of Christ. Watching them build relationships with our Reach Unlimited partners and see the impact of their work is one of the most rewarding parts of this class.”
The Senior Capstone Engineering program exemplifies Cypress Christian School’s commitment to preparing students for college, careers and lives of faithful service. By combining STEM education with servant leadership, students discover that innovation can be one of the most powerful ways to love and serve others.
Congratulations to Mrs. Gonzalez and the Senior Capstone Engineering students for demonstrating what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Jesus through engineering, compassion and service.
