In the name of camaraderie, a local homeowners association has pledged its support for a theater department project at Cypress Falls High School after the campus finished short on NBC's SMASH Make a Musical competition last month.

On May 17, Robert Partin, vice president of the Stone Gate Homeowners Association, will present $3,000 to the Cy-Falls theatre program—matching the contest winnings—to help fund renovations to the school's black box theatre seat risers and the installation of a lighting board.

Cy-Falls finished seventh amongst 30 national finalists during the competition's month-long voting period, needing to finish in the top five to receive the $3,000 award. Partin followed the voting after seeing the story on KPRC and consulted the HOA board after the results were posted to allocate funds to the high school's program.

"Usually we'll see a project that we like and get behind it and support it," Partin said. "There's no rhyme or reason how we use our funding as long as we're helping the kids."

The funds will be drawn from a pool of fees earmarked for the Adopt a School program designated to fund various CFISD schools' needs, Partin said. About $400,000 has been donated through the program during the past 10 years.

Partin said the Cy-Falls students he was able to see during his visit were very appreciative and applauded him.

"The kids are our future leaders of tomorrow," Partin said. "If you can't plant something in the back of these kids' mind for something they can latch onto you never know what comes out. If it gives a child a chance, I'm all for it."

Kelley said the funding from Stone Gate's HOA will not only renovate the high school's black box theatre, but improve classroom conditions for theatre classes.

"The reality is that we're in pretty rough shape," Kelley said. "We can repaint and do those things and slap on another layer to make [the risers] look nice. Replacing it altogether is what needs to happen."

Orders have been set up on Lowe's Home Improvement's website with an initial estimate of $3,200 designated for materials. With Stone Gate HOA's donation, any additional funds needed will be picked up by the award-winning theatre program, Kelley said.

A construction date has not been set, as three evening shows remain scheduled for the rest of the semester. Cy-Falls will receive certain renovations during the summer forbidding teachers in the building after June 10. Despite the time restriction, construction on the black box theatre will ensue as soon as possible.

"As soon as we get the check we'll place the order and one of the faculty member's husband will help with the construction," Kelley said.

Partin, who has served on the Stone Gate HOA board for 10 years, will present the check on behalf of Stone Gate Adopt a School program to Cy-Fall's theatre program during a ceremony in the school's black box theatre Friday, May 17 at 9:30 a.m.

"For [the students] this is a big thing," Kelley said. "They're there every single day and they know that this is something that needs to happen. [The program] is going to get a little bit of love so they feel loved."