Cypress Branches Literary Journal - Lamar State College-Orange

Kyle Thompson is a previous Cypress Branches poetry winner. A 2008 graduate of Elysian Fields High
School, Kyle is majoring in business because he plans to own one. He plays guitar and works at Home
Depot. His parents are Don and Toni Thompson.
Luke Rhodes is a 2010 graduate of Bridge City High School who plans to major in sports medicine.
Baseball, football and basketball are his hobbies. Luke is the son of Shane and Denna McCorkle and
lives in Orange.
Mikaela Brown, first place winner in the 3-D art category of Cypress Branches last year, was
home schooled and received her high school diploma in 2008. She lives in Kountze and is the daughter
of John and Kristi Brown. A nursing major, Mikaela enjoys photography, guitar, piano, singing, hunting
and fishing.
Monica Goats lives in Orange and is a 2008 graduate of Vidor Christian Academy. Her parents are
Ross and Erica Goats. She is majoring in liberal arts and interested in graphic design and architecture.
“One day I want to have my own architectural business,” she said. Monica’s hobbies include oil
painting, sewing and photography.
Samantha Freeman is a previous award winner for her art. She won best in show in 2010 and a gold
medal in 2008 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program. The recipient of art
scholarships in 2008 from both the Museum of Western Art Academy in Kerrville and the Glassell
School of Art in Houston, Samantha is majoring in education and plans to teach art. Her other interests
are reading and gaming. She is the daughter of Michael and Jo Lynn Davis.
Sandra Quaid Stark Latiolais, a Phi Theta Kappa member, is a 1980 graduate of Bridge City High
School who still lives in Bridge City. She is the daughter of Clara and John Fults, wife of Les Latiolais.
and mother of Alayna, 26; Colton, 21; and Zach, 10. A career in teaching (early childhood through 12 th
grade) lies ahead for Sandra, whose goals include earning a master’s degree in education. Sandra
currently works at Lamar State College-Orange. She enjoys poetry, short stories, singing, guitar and
acting. “Writing is my passion,” she said.
Stephanie Charrier a 2002 Orangefield High School graduate who lives in Lumberton, is a nursing
major. She is the daughter of Violet Odom and Darrell Charrier.
Tiffany Seigrist received a liberal arts degree at LSC-O in Fall 2010 and plans to become a teacher. A
1991 graduate of Vidor Christian Academy, she still lives in Vidor. She and her husband Phil Seigrist
are parents of Landon, 17; Brailee, 14; and Dallon, 11.
Tifinie Parry is a self-employed photographer and business-management major with career plans in
entrepreneurship. Winner of the Beaumont Camera Club’s 2009 art show, she enjoys spending time
with family. She is the daughter of Kenny and Kathy Smith, wife of Jason Parry, and mother of
Hannah, Katherine and Bryn. She was graduated from Buna High School in 1994 and lives in Orange.
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