Cy Ranch Seniors Turn Talent into a Lasting Gift for the Community with Space City Orthodontics Mural
In a beautiful blend of creativity and community spirit, three talented seniors from Cypress Ranch High School have left a lasting artistic legacy for the Cypress area. Bitian Binoj, Chloe Nillas, and Elena Trevinorecently completed a colorful, original mural for Space City Orthodontics, located in the heart of the Bridgeland master-planned community.
The mural, which now brightens the orthodontic office’s exterior, was revealed on April 17, 2025, in a special ceremony attended by the student artists and their advanced art teacher, Jennifer McKnight.
From Vision to Reality: A Community Collaboration
The idea began when Dr. Vijay Bhagia, an orthodontist at Space City Orthodontics, reached out to Cypress Ranch High School, just across the street from his practice. Inspired by the artistic talent within the local community, Dr. Bhagia hoped the mural would serve as more than just a photo backdrop for patients—it would stand as a symbol of Space City Orthodontics’ deep connection to Cypress.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
“I enjoy art in general and I think art commemorates an era, a feeling, better than any other medium,” Dr. Bhagia shared. “We had envisioned having a mural for people to take pictures in front of, and we’ve seen the art that is produced by our local art students. We wanted this mural to come from the community.”
A Mural Full of Meaning
The mural designed by Binoj, Nillas, and Trevino captures the energy and optimism of the Cypress community. Bright colors flow throughout the scene, featuring a cheerful sun with braces, a nod to Space City Orthodontics’ mission, and a winding path leading to the downtown Houston skyline. The mural also proudly includes the “Fry Road” street sign, marking the location of the office.
Creating the piece was no small task—the students dedicated approximately 24 to 30 hours to bring the mural to life. For many, it marked a significant milestone in their young artistic careers.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
“When Ms. McKnight brought this project to us, we were super excited about the opportunity,” said Binoj. “Seeing our work outside of school is different, but a good type of different. None of my work has ever been publicized in this way and this mural is a different style of art than what I’m used to, but I’m super grateful for this opportunity.”
A Surprise Reward for Hard Work
Following the mural’s reveal, Dr. Bhagia surprised the student artists with a generous gift: a $1,500 check, awarding each artist a $500 scholarship to support their future college endeavors.
“When the students initially were approached, they were not aware nor did they work with the idea of earning something, but it was important for me to acknowledge their work,” Dr. Bhagia said. “The best way I could think of was to give them some financial support as they start their college careers.”
After officially unveiling the mural, Dr. Vijay Bhagia, an orthodontist with Space City Orthodontics, far left, A Valuable Experience Beyond the Classroom
Art teacher Jennifer McKnight handpicked Binoj, Nillas, and Trevino for the project because of their dedication, collaboration skills, and passion for their craft.
“These girls gained an experience that not every art student gets an opportunity to do,” McKnight explained. “This also furthered their art education. They rose to the occasion and went above and beyond. I knew they had it in them, but they wowed me.”
A Lasting Impact on Cypress
The new mural at Space City Orthodontics now stands not only as a creative backdrop for patients and visitors but as a reminder of the incredible local talent emerging from Cypress Ranch High School. It’s a visual celebration of community pride, youthful ambition, and the enduring impact of supporting local students.
Residents visiting Space City Orthodontics in Bridgeland can now admire a piece of artwork that reflects the heart of Cypress, while also celebrating the next generation of artists shaping the future.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
