STEMspired - Stories from CHISD

In 2000, Stephen Mason graduated from Cedar Hill High School and went on to attend Texas Christian University. This proud Longhorn is President of Mas-Tek Engineering, which provides geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing services.

In Cedar Hill we know Mr. Mason as our fellow alumni and mayor. We know what is possible when we can meet the needs of every scholar and give them a learning experience that taps into their potential. There are future engineers, teachers, doctors and even another city leader sitting in our classrooms.

In an uncertain time, Jackson Hickman is sure of one thing. “I like securing things,” said the Cedar Hill High School senior “I like to be secure, and I want other people to be secure as well.” Cedar Hill HS Class of 2020 graduate Jackson Hickman is finishing up his first semester at West Point Preparatory Academy in West Point, NY. He is studying Computer Science with a career goal of Cybersecurity and first became interested in Computer Science when he took an interest in coding while attending CHHS.

During school hours on weekdays, Reyonna Turner is all about academic achievement.

For the rest of the time, the Cedar Hill High School junior puts most of her energy into operating a new franchise, The Cotton Kandy Factory, which she opened in October in Cedar Hill. It only serves cotton candy now, but Turner expects that more items could be added in the coming weeks and months, such as popcorn or lollipops.

Turner recognized a demand for the sweet treat, which is often served at events like professional sporting events, fairs and the circus. With many of those events canceled or scaled back due to COVID-19, Turner said the demand for cotton candy remains strong.

“I have always liked cotton candy and used to get it at the circus,” Turner said. “I saw this as a chance to make it available to people. We serve high quality, gourmet cotton candy.” Turner is responsible for marketing the business, which she does through social media, a website and a special text message list with deals and specials for those who sign up. She does all of this while juggling high school classes.

Jordan Nicholas discovered last year that welding allows him to express his creativity.

“The most important part of welding is that I can make something out of anything that I find,” said Nicholas, a 16-year-old Cedar Hill High School junior. “The trophies I create are all made from used car parts.” Nicholas earned a TACK Welding Certification last year as a sophomore which is impressive, but even more so because of what he has been through. When he was 3 years old, Nicholas began having multiple seizures. His parents did everything they could to ensure that he would receive the proper medical care. Nicholas, who was enrolled in Special Education programs, had to have a vagus nerve installed. It’s a nerve stimulator that basically serves as a “pacemaker for the brain.” It had to be replaced every few years as Nicholas matriculated through Waterford Oaks and Lake Ridge elementary schools and Bessie Coleman Middle School “Welding gives me an avenue for my future.”