CYPRESS, Texas – Cypress Falls High School suffered extensive damage in the Tax Day flood, just weeks before graduation. Some key items, including diplomas, were in serious danger. That's when the school's principal jumped into action.
Four to 5 inches of water had crept into the high school April 18 in northwest Harris County and destroyed three gyms and the Eagles' auditorium.
"I didn't know where it was coming from. It just came from all sides," principal Cypress Falls High School Principal Becky Denton said.
When she got to the school, she knew she had to save several things because graduation was only days away.
"I guess I didn't realize how bad it was until we got inside. When we got in and we started realizing that it was more than just one particular area, my first thought was, 'oh my God, we've got to go get those graduation caps and gowns,'" Denton said.
In all, more than 800 caps, gowns and diplomas were in the room. The diplomas were OK, but their folders were soaked.
"This right here is what saved all of the diplomas. I mean caps and gowns," Denton said.
For now, many of the floors are bare concrete. The walls stripped down to the wood or sheetrock. It's back to basics. But the more than 800 Eagle graduates will soar, high above the floods and their soaked school.
"When you walk in the doors at Cypress Falls High School, all of our goal is to have you graduate college and career ready," Denton said.
Now they will walk out the doors ready with their dry diplomas.