Photo courtesy Cy-Fair iSD
A year of celebration is in order for Cy-Fair ISD as four major events are planned throughout the 2014-15 school year in honor of the consolidation of the Cypress and Fairbanks school systems on Dec. 9, 1939.
"It's really about celebrating 75 years of success," said Kristina Perez, CFISD's director of community programs. "We tried to determine what different projects or events we could hold during the school year that would bring in everyone as part of the celebration."
The celebration kicks off with the Diamond Jubilee from 7–10 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Berry Center, featuring live music, historical displays, hors d'oeuvres and a celebration of 75 influential honorees from the district's history.
"The jubilee will initiate all the celebrations, but it will also celebrate the 75 honorees we selected to represent the district," Perez said. "These people were chosen to represent very significant events from the district's history that helped shape who we are today."
The anniversary celebration features several other projects, including a historical cookbook, a Monopoly-inspired board game called "Cy-Fair-Opoly" and an arts and literary book, all of which can be pre-ordered from the district's online store at www.cfisd.net.
The cookbook is organized by order of when each district building opened, starting with Cy-Fair High School and ending with Woodard Elementary. A different recipe from each campus is featured that relates to either the namesake of the school or something the teachers used over the years, Perez said.
"[The book] will have a lot of historical information about the district by campus, but we have also included some businesses or families that have a long history in our community," Perez said. "It will be a nice historical keepsake."
Volunteer opportunities with the anniversary committee—comprised of district staff, retirees, namesakes, community members and business partners—are still available to help with upcoming events.
"[The committee] is a wonderful mixture of memories and skills and creative ideas," Perez said. "I think that's what has made our list of ideas and projects so diverse. There will be something for everyone to join in the celebration."
Anniversary events
8/9/14: Diamond Jubilee
The event at the Berry Center features live music, food, a frosting celebration, historical displays, photo opportunities and the celebration of 75 honorees from the district's past and present. 7–10 p.m. $25.
12/9/14: Commemorative marker unveiled
The district will celebrate the unveiling of a historical marker at Cy-Fair High School on the anniversary of the consolidation of the Cypress and Fairbanks school systems. 5 p.m. Free.
1/26/15: Arts/literary book reception
Students from all grade levels and campuses across the district are contributing original work for the book, which will also be available for purchase during the reception. 6 p.m. Free.
4/25/15: 75th Anniversary Festival
Open to the community, the free festival features an array of student performances, games, food and family-friendly activities. The event will end with a student parade and a fireworks display outside the Berry Center. 4–8:30 p.m. Free.
