Class of 2022

The class of 2022 began the next chapter in their lives after their commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 22, 2022. They are grateful to their moms who fed them, their dads who supported them, their coaches who pushed them and to their teachers who led them every step of the way. They are eternally grateful for every piece of advice and every moment of support offered over the past 13 years, and will carry it in their hearts as they begin a new chapter. Though excited and anxious for what is to come, they will remember all the memories that made up our high school years.  They will remember the sacrifices and dedication to ensure their success and every second of kindness they were shown. All these experiences have shaped them into the people they need to be in order to accomplish great things for God’s kingdom. They are stepping out into the bright futures that God has laid out for them, and the class of 2022 is not done running the race.

100% of graduates were accepted to colleges and universities. Those acceptance are coming from 90 different colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and abroad, with these 63 students earning over $7.5 million in academic and leadership scholarships. Click here to view the graduation program listing graduates and where they plan to attend college. Click here to view a video of the commencement ceremony.

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 students are: Michael Slabic, Abigail Sanders, Justin Kostecki, Jackson Murrill, David Wahmhoff, Coleman Mabry, Parker Wright, Aaron Holl, Abbie Hirth and Jacob Patterson.

 

Valedictorian: Grace Macune 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. Along with being named Valedictorian, Grace was awarded the Texas Education Association’s Highest-Ranking Graduate Award. Grace received an appointment the the United States Military Academy West Point where she will attend in the fall. Her life verse is Romans 3:23-24 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Salutatorian: Bella Henslee earned the title of Salutatorian for achieving the second highest grade point average among her peers. Bella will attend Baylor University this fall. Her life verse is Jeremiah 17:7-8 – Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. 

 

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 Bella Henslee.

 

 

 

 

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. It is a great honor to award this year’s scholarships to Mallory Overton and Trevor Otts. Mallory will attend University of Mary Hardin-Baylor 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. Trevor will attend Oklahoma State University this fall. His life verse is Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

 

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 Lynden Yough. Lynden will attend Texas A&M University this fall. Her life verse is Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is 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 Jenna Hall. Jenna will attend University of Mary Hardin-Baylor this fall. Her life verse is Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

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 Abigail Sanders and Jackson Murrill. Abigail will attend Baylor University this fall. Her life verse is Psalm 23:4, 6 – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Jackson will attend Abilene Christian University this fall. His life verse is James 1:12 – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

 

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 64^th 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 Claire Achterkirch. Claire will attend Samford University in the fall. Her life verse is Romans 12:9-10 – Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

 

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 Andrew Williams and Jacob Swan who exemplify these attributes. Andrew will attend Texas A&M University this fall. His 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. Jacob will also attend Texas A&M University this fall. His life verse is Psalm 55:22 – Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.