Cypress Creek High School Celebrates Three Distinguished Alumni in 2026 Wall of Honor Induction
For many families in the Cypress area, Cypress Creek High School is more than just a campus — it’s a place where futures begin. That sense of pride was on full display May 11 as the school welcomed three accomplished alumni into its 2026 Wall of Honor class, honoring graduates whose careers and contributions continue to reflect the legacy of Cy Creek and Cy-Fair ISD.
This year’s inductees — Chris Cartwright, Michael Lattin and Jack Tannous — represent three very different professional paths, but each credited their time at Cypress Creek High School as a foundation for their success. The ceremony also served as a reminder to current students that the opportunities available in Northwest Houston schools can shape lives far beyond graduation day.
Established by former Cypress Creek principal Jim Wells following his retirement in 2012, the Wall of Honor recognizes alumni who have made exceptional contributions in their professions or in society. Now in its 11th year, the tradition has become a meaningful part of the school’s identity and a point of pride for the Cypress community.
Honoring Excellence Across Business, Broadcasting and Academia
Among the 2026 honorees was Jack Tannous, a member of the Class of 1998 who now serves as an Associate Professor of History and Hellenic Studies at Princeton University. Since joining Princeton in 2012, Tannous has built an internationally respected academic career focused on the medieval Middle East.
After graduating from Cypress Creek High School, Tannous attended The University of Texas at Austin, earning degrees in Arabic, History, Middle Eastern Studies, Philosophy and Plan II Honors before later completing graduate studies at Oxford University and Princeton University.
His scholarship has earned national recognition, including the prestigious James Henry Breasted Prize for his book The Making of the Medieval Middle East: Religion, Society and Simple Believers.
“When I was a student here at Cy Creek back in the 90s, I would’ve never thought in ten million years that I’d come back here 30 years later and be put on a wall with all these incredible people,” Tannous said. “For me, one of the most meaningful things was to reflect on what my Cy Creek education meant to me and to think about how much the teachers here gave me, how much I learned from them, how those lessons have carried me through my life and how I’ve tried to share those with other people, other students I’ve dealt with.”
The ceremony also recognized Michael Lattin, Class of 1987, whose career in broadcasting has made him a familiar voice to sports fans in Kentucky and beyond. After attending the University of Southern California and beginning his television career at KHOU in Houston, Lattin eventually launched BMB Productions, producing regional television programs including Louisville Live and Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs. He also serves as the radio voice of Louisville Cardinals football.
Reflecting on his years at Cypress Creek, Lattin credited the school’s academic rigor and student experiences with preparing him for life beyond Texas.
“When you got to college, you realized how prepared you were relative to the other students. College turned out to be a breeze,” Lattin said. “The challenges that we faced and overcame here, you could draw on those experience later in life and it made success all the more easier. A great foundation for success and happiness later in life.”
Business Leadership Rooted in Cy Creek
Chris Cartwright, Class of 1983, joined the ceremony remotely as the third inductee. Cartwright currently serves as President and CEO of TransUnion, one of the nation’s leading consumer credit reporting agencies.
A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Cartwright earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Accountancy before rising through the corporate leadership ranks.
“I want to humbly thank the Wall of Honor selection committee for selecting me for this tremendous honor,” Cartwright said. “My high school years were an amazing experience. I encountered so many awesome teachers, coaches and administrators in my years at Cypress Creek, and I feel fortunate to have grown up in a community that has great educational resources like that.”
Following the ceremony in the school library, plaques honoring all three alumni were unveiled on the Wall of Honor. The inductees later spoke with graduating seniors during the 2026 Cypress Creek High School Senior Awards Night, offering encouragement and perspective to students preparing for their own next chapters.
For Wells, the evening represented exactly what the Wall of Honor was designed to accomplish — connecting current students with alumni whose achievements grew from opportunities found within Cy-Fair ISD classrooms.
“They’re all outstanding. People have gone out from this place and done remarkable things as a result of the many things they talked about today: the people, the influences, and the opportunities they had at this school and this district,” Wells said. “We’re proud that they represent Cypress Creek and the excellence here.”
A Tradition That Reflects Community Pride
As Cypress and Northwest Houston continue to grow, events like the Cypress Creek High School Wall of Honor induction help reinforce the long-standing role local schools play in shaping the region’s future leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and creatives.
For students walking the halls today, the plaques now hanging inside Cy Creek are more than recognition of past accomplishments. They are reminders that success can begin in their own classrooms, with teachers, mentors and opportunities rooted right here in the community.
Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Cypress Creek High School news, Cy-Fair ISD updates and stories highlighting the people shaping the future of Northwest Houston.
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.