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Academics
Class of 2026
The class of 2026 began the next chapter in their lives after their commencement ceremony on Friday, May 22, 2026. Their minds and hearts were full of memories from their time at Cypress Christian School.
The class of 2026 began the next chapter in their lives after their commencement ceremony on Friday, May 22, 2026. Their minds and hearts were full of memories from their time at Cypress Christian School.
They could not be more thankful for the teachers and coaches who have played pivotal roles in shaping them into the individuals they are today. The unwavering guidance and dedication of each coach and teacher, both in the classroom and on the playing field, have helped nurture their character. These people spent countless hours investing their time and knowledge into them, meticulously developing hard-working and God-fearing men and women. The students are profoundly thankful for the lessons they have received, which they will one day share with others. Across all sports and subjects, they could not be more grateful for each coach and teacher. With every prayer, every good morning and every blessing, their lives have been forever impacted.
Most importantly, they are grateful to their parents for prioritizing a Christian environment that established a strong foundation of faith in them. They are immensely grateful for the steps their parents have taken to ensure they would leave high school with an academic foundation grounded in biblical values. Their parents helped guide them in the Lord’s ways through the ups and downs and stood by them as they contemplated their future, and they couldn’t be more thankful.
Alpha Omega Seniors
Students who attended CCS from kindergarten through their senior year were recognized for the impact they have left on the hearts of those at CCS throughout their K-12 educational career. Those 23 students are: Riley Chelette, Grace Philipp, Kayla Geyer, Rachel Czagas, Allie Boujaoude, Mary Wax, Maddy McKnight (front row l-r), Trey Hallinan, Zoe Brashier, Zak Wright, Tatum Webb, Caden Chelette, Addie Basham (second row l-r), Jaclyn Millender, Aidan Salazar, Shane Stubblefield, Ellie Wisenbaker, Lilah Johnson (third row l-r), Gabriel Caldwell, Aidan Leonard, Hudson Dennis, Michael Conomos, Thomas Shappley (back row l-r).
Valedictorian & Salutatorian
Valedictorian: Cailea Chalton earned the distinguished honor of being named Valedictorian for achieving the highest grade point average in her class, and was awarded the Faculty Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Cailea will attend Ringling College of Art & Design in the fall. Her life verse is Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Salutatorian: Sophie Fransen earned the title of Salutatorian for achieving the second-highest grade point average among her peers. Sophie will attend Baylor University this fall. Her life verse is Isaiah 43:19 – Behold, I am doing a new
thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
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 Sophie Fransen.
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 Brayden Dawson and Zoe Brashier. Brayden will attend East Texas Baptist University this fall. His life verse is Hebrews 11:1 – Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Zoe will attend Oklahoma State University this fall. Her life verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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 Maddy McKnight. Maddy will attend Wheaton College in the fall. Her life verse is James 1:2-3 – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
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 2026 is Cailea Chalton.
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 Cailea Chalton and Gabe Caldwell. Gabe will attend the University of North Texas this fall. His life verse is Romans 5:8 – But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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 Zak Wright. Zak’s life verse is Isaiah 53:4-5 – Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
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 Luke Larkey who exemplifies these attributes. Luke will attend Blinn College/Texas A&M University. His life verse is Romans 8:18 – I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
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 Conley Martin. Conley will attend Oklahoma State University this fall. Her life verse is Romans 8:18 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Rebecca (Becky) Obenland Memorial Scholarship
The Rebecca (Becky) Obenland Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Becky Obenland who loved our Lord Jesus Christ and loved teaching at Cypress Christian School for 25 years of her teaching career. She loved her colleagues and her students. The Lord took her home to Heaven on September 10, 2024. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who feels a call of God to become a Christian school teacher, a pastor or a missionary. The Rebecca (Becky) Obenland Memorial Scholarship is awarded to William Werlein and Giselle Vanegas. William will attend Baylor University this fall. His life verse is Philippians 1:21 – For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Giselle’s life verse is Psalm 96:1-2 – Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
Commit for Life Scholarship
The Commit for Life Scholarship is presented by the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. This year’s recipient is Alison Richard. Alison will attend Louisiana State University this fall. Her life verse is James 1:2-3 – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Cy-Fair Women's Club Scholarship
The Cy-Fair Women’s Club Scholarship is awarded to students who serve the community, with particular emphasis on their community service, grades and extracurricular activities. The Cy-Fair Women’s Club Scholarship is awarded to Alison Richard.
