Justin Nichols, Cypress Park High School associate principal, holds a commemorative certificate recognizing Cypress Park as the No. 4 gold ribbon high school in the 2023-2024 Children at Risk ranking. The Gold Ribbon award is given to campuses that are more than 75% economically disadvantaged and receive an overall score of B- or above. (Photo by Helen Obi, Cypress Park HS)

By Kiri Grant, Cypress Park HS

March 6, 2025—In the 2023-2024 rankings from Children at Risk, Cypress Park High School is ranked No. 4 among gold ribbon schools. The gold ribbon designation is given to campuses that are more than 75% economically disadvantaged and receive an overall score of B- or above.  

“I love having reasons to celebrate our staff,” said Justin Nichols, Cypress Park associate principal. “They do an incredible job with our students every day, so seeing them get recognized is very deserving and I’m proud to be associated with them.”

Campuses are graded based on several factors, including student achievement, campus performances on tests, student growth and college readiness.

Children at Risk is a non-partisan research and advocacy nonprofit that addresses the causes of child poverty and inequality. All CFISD high schools are included in the 2023-2024 list, with all schools receiving an overall score of C- or above.

“We want the students to know they have support,” said Evan Whitaker, Cypress Park counselor. “We want the parents to have support. If students or their parents don’t know who to go to then we help with that. We offer resources, we ensure that our students know there is a future beyond high school, and we help motivate them to realize their full potential. I don’t think there’s anything special about what I’ve done. I just came in every day and did the best I could. I could speak for the counseling team; we meet with every one of our students individually and see them when they’re in crisis. We offer that to the parents as well.”

Visit the Children at Risk website for more information.