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Academics
Class of 2024
The class of 2024 began the next chapter in their lives after their commencement ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024. Their minds and hearts were full of memories from their time at Cypress Christian School.
They will forever be thankful for the individuals who sacrificed to provide a wonderful experience for them at CCS. They are blessed to recall teachers, coaches, friends, fun experiences, times of challenge and growth and carry these remembrances with them into the future as they step into a new season of life. They say, “Thank you to those who spent countless hours investing their time and knowledge into them, meticulously developing hard-working and God-fearing men and women. They say, “Thank you to our parents for prioritizing a Christian environment that instilled unwavering Christian values and for demonstrating them at home. We have immense gratitude for the steps you have taken to ensure we would leave high school with academics grounded in biblical values. You helped guide us in the Lord’s ways through thick and thin and stood by us as we stressed about the future.”
Footprint Recipients
Students who attended CCS from kindergarten through their senior year were recognized for the footprints they have left on the hearts of those at CCS throughout their K-12 educational career. Those 22 students are: Sarah Olenick, Annika Sandhu, Claire Petru, Lydia Gwyn, Alex Slabic, Camden Maxey, Sophia Swanton, Anna Smith, Kynsie Ramirez, Brittany Patterson, Macy Murray, Madison Fowler (front row l-r), David Conomos, Reyli Garza, Bo Rittiman, Matthew Lee, Keaton Barbisch, Ayden Farrell, Aidan Dougherty, Thomas Walsh, Parker Hirth, Sam Girard (back row l-r).
Valedictorian & Salutatorian
Valedictorian: Keaton Barbisch earned the distinguished honor of being named Valedictorian for achieving the highest grade point average in his class, and was awarded the Faculty Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Keaton will attend Baylor University in the fall. His life verse is James 1:2-4 – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Salutatorian: Marko Micic earned the title of Salutatorian for achieving the second highest grade point average among his peers. Marko will attend Texas A&M University this fall. His life verse is Psalm 23:6 – Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Spirit of Paul Scholarship
The Spirit of Paul Scholarship was established to encourage students to develop and display the driving spirit and perseverance of the Apostle Paul, who accomplished much for the early church. The recipient of this award has exhibited that same drive and perseverance. This CCS scholarship is funded by donations given to CCS in memory of loved ones. This year’s scholarship is given to Will Simcik. Will will attend Texas A&M University in the fall. His life verse is 1 Chronicles 16:23-24 – Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!
Will Rhodes Athletic Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of CCS Student William David Rhodes. Each year there are two recipients: one male and one female. The recipients of this award are CCS students who make public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ, who demonstrate Christ-like behavior to fellow students and athletes, and whose lives are living witnesses to others as they lead their teams and follow their coaches. This year’s recipients are Claire Johnson and Luke Wisenbaker. Claire will attend Baylor University this fall. Her life verse is Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Luke will attend the University of Mississippi this fall. His life verse is Colossians 2:14-15 – By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.
Andrew Gladney ('05) Memorial Heart of Gold Scholarship
The Andrew Gladney Heart of Gold Memorial Scholarship was established to recognize a graduating senior who, much like the alum the scholarship memorializes, has a “Heart of Gold” – loving and accepting all, inside and outside the community of CCS. One who strives to do their very best; participates wholeheartedly in activities to reflect Christian character and sportsmanship; and diligently pursues and excels academically according to their ability. The recipient of this year’s award truly embodies and has continually and faithfully demonstrated each one of these character traits during their time here at CCS. This year, the Andrew Gladney Heart of Gold Memorial Scholarship is presented to Ashleigh Townsend. Ashleigh will attend Texas A&M University. Her life verse is Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Linwood Brown Memorial Scholarship
Linwood Brown spent most of his adult life faithfully serving in the classroom teaching mathematics. Mr. Brown left a legacy of peace. 1 Timothy 6:6 says, Godliness with contentment is great gain. Therefore, it makes sense to award the Linwood Brown Scholarship to a student who exemplifies that same peace. This student was often observed helping her peers with difficult math problems and participating in class discussions with a quiet fortitude. Her compassion for others was reminiscent of one who knows the Lord. This year, the recipient of the Linwood Brown Scholarship is Kynsie Ramirez. Kynsie will attend the University of North Florida this fall. Her life verse is Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Faculty Scholarship for Academic Excellence
The Faculty Scholarship for Academic Excellence was founded to give the faculty of CCS the opportunity to recognize graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding effort to achieve overall academic excellence.
The recipient of the Faculty Scholarship for 2024 is Keaton Barbisch.
Fine Arts Scholarship
Cypress Christian School has a rich heritage of producing students who excel in the areas of music, art and drama. The Fine Arts Scholarship reflects an overall excellence in the arts. This year’s recipients are Rayne Harris and Robby Mynes. Rayne will attend Abilene Christian University this fall. Her life verse is Romans 14:8 – For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Robby will attend Oklahoma Baptist University this fall. His life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Elizabeth Buck Memorial Scholarship
The Elizabeth Buck scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates high interest in the area of design and architecture. Elizabeth Buck was awarded a scholarship in 1948 to attend college in Massachusetts for interior design. She decided to follow her heart to marry a man she had known for her entire life and passed away right before their 64th anniversary. Throughout her life she was able to use her skill and knowledge to make each home a place of welcome and friendship. Her granddaughter is a teacher at Cypress Christian School and three of her great grandchildren are currently attending to learn more about making their decisions based on faith and family. The family of Elizabeth hope that through this scholarship her Christian character and love of family and friends will help others use their skill and knowledge to make homes and buildings a place of welcome. This year’s recipient is Regina Hernandez-Rodriguez. Regina will attend Universidad Anahuac in the fall. Her life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Travis Chaffin Memorial Scholarship
Travis Chaffin was a student at Cypress Christian School who loved the Lord with all his heart, and he loved the sport of baseball. To his classmates and teammates, he was an encourager, a leader, a great athlete and a friend. To his teachers, Travis was a gifted student and someone who worked hard to achieve his very best. To everyone he came into contact with, Travis was a shining light for Christ. The scholarship is awarded to a student who shares in these attributes and that has the potential to make an impact on this world with their own Christian walk. This year, we honor Drew Mestayer who exemplifies these attributes. Drew will attend East Texas Baptist University this fall. His life verse is Romans 12:1 – I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Tammy Otts Memorial Scholarship
The Tammy Otts Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Tammy Otts and the impact that she had on her many students and families during the 10 plus years that she taught at Cypress Christian School. Mrs. Otts had three children who graduated from CCS. Although we were saddened by her passing on June 14, 2022, we are delighted that she is now in the presence of God. The Tammy Otts Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who will be pursuing a degree in education. This year’s recipient is Brody Johnson. Brody will attend Oklahoma Baptist University this fall. His life verse is Matthew 7:12 – So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Cy-Fair Women's Club Scholarship
The Cy-Fair Women’s Club offers college scholarships to seniors (both male and female) who reside in Cypress Fairbanks ISD boundaries and are graduating at any CFISD high school, home school or private school — and plan to attend, on a full-time basis, an accredited two or four-year college, university or technical school. The Cy-Fair Women’s Club is dedicated to helping the community through fundraising for worthwhile organizations who serve others. Successful candidates for this scholarship should demonstrate a strong commitment to serve others, as well as academic achievements, involvement in their school, leadership qualities and personal character. The primary focus of this scholarship is to award students who give back to their community through community service. The Cy-Fair Women’s Club Scholarship is awarded to Brayden Stovall. Brayden will attend Texas A&M University this fall. His life verse is Psalm 40:2-3 – He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
