September 1, 2019

Alumni Newsletter – September 2019

Julian Logan (’15) is majoring in industrial and systems engineering at the University of Oklahoma with plans to graduate in May 2020. Over the summer, Julianenjoyed his role as the Associate Logistics Intern in the Athletic Department of Rice University in Houston, TX. He guided, monitored, adjusted and evaluated the production progress on a daily basis in order to achieve their monthly goals. Julian says, “I am extremely grateful for the relationships I’ve built over the years and thankful to learn from colleagues during my time at Rice University. Special thanks to my mentor Van Green for taking me under his wing and guiding me through the management of this department.” Julian also participated in the CCS Alumni Open Gym nights this summer along with fellow graduates. He says, “I really enjoyed being able to catch up on life with friends and former staff and coaches. CCS will always be home for me.”

Micah Gertson (’01) and his family traveled to his former hometown of Houston, TX, from their current home in London, England, to visit CCS friends. Micah and his family loved visiting the Johnson Space Center along with Michael Gibbs (’01) and his family. Micah said, “The kids loved visiting space!” Micah and Michael also enjoyed a round of golf at Blackhorse Golf Course with fellow CCS graduates Blake Patterson (’01) and Jeremy Elkins (’01), “just like they did 20 years ago!”

Micah Gertson (’01), a Texas A&M graduate, is a manager at Solon Management Consulting in London, and runs strategy projects for investors and corporations in the technology, media and telecom sectors. He and his wife Jannat have two sons, Jonah (5) and Alex (2).

Michael Gibbs (’01) is the Pneumatic Territory Manager for SunSource Fluid Power. He manages sales, strategy and vendor relationships in the south region of the U.S. Michael and his wife Linette were married in 2007, both are Texas A&M graduates. They have two daughters, Leah (6) and Lana (3). Michael says, “It is exciting to see the continued growth of CCS. We live in the Cypress area and see the school often. Go, Warriors!”

Jessica Van Rieg Gates (’06) enjoys supporting teachers in curriculum and instructional practices as the Math Content and Curriculum Instructional Specialist at Dean Middle School in Cy-Fair ISD. Her husband Rusty is a Houston area real estate agent with Rusty Gates Real Estate firm. Their boys, Oliver (3) and Matthew (18 months), attend Chrysalis Christian Preschool. They attend Ecclesia Church (west side campus). 

Amy Ambrose Staats (’07) and her husband Austin live in Cypress, TX, with their three children, Addy Grace (5), Sam (3) and Ava Kate (1). Amy enjoys being a stay-at-home mom, and Austin enjoys his work in software sales. They attend the Cypress campus of Bayou City Fellowship. Photo by: Trevor Hooper Photography

Kelsey McGrath Razmandi (’09) and husband Michael are pleased to announce the birth of their third daughter Austen. Older sisters Aden (3) and Eiley (2) are thankful for the addition of their new sister. The family lives in Katy, TX. They attend the Second Baptist Church (1463 Campus) where Michael is on staff.

Ana Tallackson (‘10) and her parents attended the annual Christians United for Israel in Washington, D.C. The main theme was the importance of supporting and protecting Israel, as well as the continuation of the fight against anti-semitism. Ana is thankful that this organization, created by Pastor John Hagee, relays information and updates people, not just about Israel, but about what is going on within our own government. Among this year’s speakers were Rep. Dan Crenshaw, Vice President Mike Pence, Dennis Prager and Senator Ted Cruz. At the end of the conference, attendees were presented with information on the bills that are going to the floor to be voted upon, and were encouraged to speak with their district representatives to discuss the legislation. This year, they met with Rep. Crenshaw “who is truly just as cool, calm and collected as he appears to be,” says Ana. Another speaker she was honored to meet was Auschwitz Holocaust Survivor Irving Roth.

Chelsea Vincent (’11) recently earned an M.A. in classical studies from Villanova University. She completed her studies abroad by participating in an archeological dig with Rutgers University in Sabina, Italy. Currently, Chelsea teaches K-5th grade music and 3rd-7th grade Spanish at the Connection School of Houston. This October, she will begin online studies to earn a master’s degree in apologetics from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Grayson Dansby (’13) and Makayla Stowell Dansby (’15) live in Alabama where Grayson is employed as a paramedic and is working towards his associates degree in nursing. He is approximately 18 months away from having the required experience to apply for and begin working as a flight paramedic for one of the air medical services around the state. Makayla recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in materials and metallurgical engineering and is now working on her master’s degree in operations management through the University of Alabama, as well as working full-time for Alabama Rental Properties as a leasing administrator. In their spare time, they manage a small “petting zoo” at their house, says Grayson. “We currently have four cats, two dogs, two snakes and 36 chickens. We plan to have two bee hives and collect our own honey soon.”

Anastasia Cowen (’15) recently graduated from Sam Houston State University with a B.S in victim studies and a minor in psychology. She has accepted a position as overnight staff at Bayes Achievement Center (BAC) in Huntsville, TX. The Bayes Center provides unconditional care and educational services for children/adults, ages 6-22, with severe behavior.

Emily Mahan (’16) accepted a position as an academic consultant for Cram Crew in northwest Houston. She recently graduated magna cum laude from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in May 2019, earning a B.A. in English and mass communication. Emily attends The MET Church.

Daniel Overton (’16) recently completed an internship at Dell Technologies in the Finance Department as the U.S. Commercial Collections Intern where he led a project that contributed to the cost savings of $200M in past-due receivables. He has accepted an offer to return to Dell as a Financial Analyst after he graduates from Baylor University in May 2020. Daniel will earn a B.B.A. through the Baylor Business Fellows Program with emphasis in finance, economics and supply chain management and a minor in religion. While in college, he has enjoyed his roles as Internal Vice President of Phi Kappa Chi Fraternity and camp counselor for Pine Cove Camps. Daniel attends Highland Baptist Church.

Read more alumni news in the Summer 2019 issue of the CONNECTION Magazine.

To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News


Homecoming 2019

The Cypress Christian Alumni Association invites former students and their families to join us. Hope to see you there!

Free food and giveaways (6-9 p.m.)

Campus tour (6 p.m., to begin in alumni area)

Free admission to the game (7 p.m.)

Alumni photo (halftime)

Alumni Social Media Sites

Please follow/like the Cypress Christian School Alumni social media sites for news throughout the month.

NEW: Facebook Page – replaces the group

NEW:  Instagram Account – CyChristianAlumni

Share Your News

We love alumni news! Please share your news about your education, career, family, service, travel, awards and life’s adventures, so we can communicate to our school families, friends and your fellow alumni.

Email: [email protected]

Alumni News Form: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Submit-Alumni-News

The campus will reopen on Monday, July 15.

Power has been restored, and the campus will reopen on Monday, July 15, with regular summer hours and activities.