The Cypress Christian School Academic & Speech Team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 TAPPS Academic & Speech State Competition in Waco, earning the title of TAPPS 5A State Runner-Up after months of preparation and competition.
Representing Cypress Christian School with excellence, students showcased their God-given talents across a wide range of academic and speech events, bringing home four individual state championships along with numerous top-eight finishes.
Academic Team Excels at State
Led by coaches Mrs. Mellor and Mrs. Teague, the Academic Team demonstrated exceptional knowledge and critical thinking throughout the competition.
Senior Evan Ellington captured the TAPPS State Championship in Social Studies while also earning third place in Current Events. Chelsea Scott finished as State Runner-Up in Spelling and placed sixth in Calculator Applications.
Additional medalists included:
Grace Philipp – Third Place, Literary Criticism
Maddy McKnight – Third Place, Ready Writing
Academic Team members also included Gabriel Aziz, Lucas Wolfswinkel, Matthew Belanger, Philip Belanger, Jane Belanger, Madison Mynes and Michelle Leyer, who each contributed to the team’s remarkable state finish.
Speech Team Brings Home Three State Championships
Coached by Mrs. Mynes and Mrs. Ragsdale, the Speech Team continued its tradition of excellence with three state championship performances.
Erica Davenport and Danielle Robertson claimed the TAPPS State Championship in Duet Acting, while Madison Mynes earned the State Championship in Poetry Interpretation.
Additional top finishers included:
Erica Davenport – Third Place, Solo Acting
Danielle Robertson – Fourth Place, Prose Interpretation
Amanda Atkins & Bella Wright – Third Place, Duet Acting
Aidan Salazar – Fourth Place, Solo Acting
Iliana Sevilla – Fifth Place, Original Oratory
Annie Burgos – Eighth Place, Persuasive Speaking
Maddy Kate Murray – Eighth Place, Poetry Interpretation
Additional Speech Team members Sydney Swan, Max Ferrell and Gabe Caldwell also represented Cypress Christian School with excellence throughout the competition.
“This accomplishment reflects months of preparation, perseverance and a commitment to pursuing excellence for the glory of God,” said the coaching staff. “We are incredibly proud of each student for the way they represented Cypress Christian School through their character, dedication and outstanding performances.”
The TAPPS Academic & Speech State Competition is one of the premier academic events for private schools across Texas, challenging students to demonstrate excellence in scholarship, communication and critical thinking. Earning the 5A State Runner-Up title is a testament to the strength of Cypress Christian School’s academic programs and the dedication of both students and coaches.
Congratulations to every member of the Academic & Speech Team on an incredible season. Your achievements continue to reflect the mission of Cypress Christian School to develop students who pursue excellence, lead with integrity and use their God-given gifts to impact the world for Christ.
