Volume 7, Issue 5

April 2022

Greetings,

Since 2016, the Cypress School District has sponsored the Every Student Succeeding recognition breakfast in partnership with the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs of Cypress. Inspired by a statewide program of the same name created by the Association of California School Administrators, this award honors students who succeed in school despite personal obstacles or other life challenges. 

Students from each school in the Cypress School District, as well as from other schools within the Cypress community, were honored with medals of excellence and certificates of recognition for their fortitude in the face of adversity. 

In this issue of our e-Newsletter, we highlight the stories of these remarkable students and hope you find them as inspirational as we do!  

Sincerely,

Anne Silavs, Superintendent

Iris

After experiencing several bone fractures, Iris was diagnosed with brittle bone disease when she was in first grade. Since then, she has undergone several major surgeries and treatments which keep her out of school for extended periods. However, that doesn’t stop Iris. She has a positive attitude, a vivacious personality, and tremendous courage. In addition to keeping up with her studies, she is writing a novel in her spare time. Iris is a true inspiration and a model of perseverance!

Khang

Though he was younger and smaller than most when he first started school, Khang proved just how smart and capable he was. By showing resolve and taking on every challenge, he diligently worked on his communication skills. Today, he will happily talk your ear off about his favorite places big and small, including Yosemite National Park and In-N-Out Burger. Khang’s independent spirit, clever sense of humor, and positive attitude delight students and staff alike!

Alexis

Born prematurely, Alexis was not expected to survive, but her innate zest for life could not be extinguished. Despite physical challenges, she works diligently with occupational and physical therapists to develop her motor skills. She has progressed from walking a few steps to playing jump rope and other games, sometimes without the use of her walker. Despite being small in stature, she is a powerhouse of positivity. Alexis proves anything is possible when you set your mind to it!

Joshua

Learning challenges can be overwhelming, but not for Joshua. When things are difficult, he simply asks for help. Through grit and determination, he has made wonderful progress in school. Besides being a hard worker, Joshua is also a friend to others. He’s the first one to offer praise and encouragement to a classmate, and he’s always happy to help someone who is struggling. He is kind-hearted and has a generous spirit. No wonder Joshua is so well-liked and respected at school!

Laila

Communication is a fundamental building block for learning and social interaction. As a selective mute, Laila struggled academically and with making friends. However, with the help and support of teachers and staff, she persevered and blossomed. She is beginning to trust others and let them see the special person she is inside. She is able to joke and laugh with peers and ask for help when she needs it. As a result, Laila is developing relationships and making steady progress in school!

Anastasia

You would never know the difficult road Anastasia has traveled in life. She is a shining star who continues to demonstrate resilience even in the face of challenge. This year was especially hard, however, when she lost her great-grandmother to cancer. They shared a room together, and Anastasia was there when she passed away. While devastated by the loss, she looks for ways to remember her great-grandmother to ease the grief. Family means the world to Anastasia!

Ilana

Losing a parent is hard, especially when you’re a teenager and your dad is not there to celebrate the many milestones experienced during high school. This was true for Ilana, but she set out to make her parents proud, and she has definitely achieved her goal. Ilana epitomizes the title of Scholar-Athlete by maintaining straight A’s and being actively involved on campus and in the community. She looks forward to accomplishing a new set of milestones when she attends Vanguard University next year!

Melissa

Creative, caring, and committed are words that describe Melissa. She does not hesitate to put in the extra time and effort needed to excel in school and extracurricular activities. Her leadership in a variety of student clubs has helped spread cultural understanding throughout the school. Not only does Melissa work hard to be a successful student, but she also willingly shares her time and talents with younger students to help them develop and achieve great things, too. She is an inspiration to all!