Cypress Springs Senior Named Cy-Fair ISD Student of the Week for Leadership, STEM Excellence, and Community Impact
Seventeen-year-old Aliya Patel, a senior at Cypress Springs High School, has been named CFISD Student of the Week, an honor that celebrates not just academic excellence but also leadership, innovation, and community service. Ranked in the top 10% of her class and celebrated for her unwavering dedication to STEM and service, Aliya is a standout student whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
Academic Excellence Meets Real-World Innovation
Aliya has earned a place on the distinguished honor roll and holds a Java Certiport IT certification, marking her achievements in computer science and software development. She has also represented Cypress Springs as an ambassador at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar and was selected as a NASA High School Aerospace Scholar, where she deepened her passion for engineering.
In addition to her academic accolades, she’s a student entrepreneur. Aliya founded Raw Contraptions, a 3D laser-cutting business, and co-founded Music of Wheels, a program that brings live music to senior citizens through a partnership with Meals on Wheels.
“I’ve always wanted to use my creativity and skills to serve others,” Aliya shared. “With Raw Contraptions and Music of Wheels, I get to combine innovation and compassion in meaningful ways.”
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Leadership in Action at Cypress Springs
Aliya holds leadership positions across multiple student organizations. She currently serves as president of the Technology Student Association, Mu Alpha Theta, and Science Olympiad, and as secretary of the National Honor Society. She has also earned the Gold Medal Congressional Award, highlighting her long-term commitment to personal development, community service, and physical fitness.
A proud Eagle Scout, she’s also a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society, and frequently dedicates time to causes she cares about—especially animal rescue.
“I like to volunteer. I’ve fostered more than 200 animals since 2016,” Aliya said. “Giving back is part of who I am, and it motivates me to keep learning and growing.”
A Passion for STEM and a Vision for the Future
When she’s not leading student organizations or launching businesses, Aliya is building her skills in STEM. She has participated in advanced programs such as the USNA Summer STEM Program, West Point Summer Program, Girls Who Code, and the Team Tomorrow Incubator Program. Her favorite school subjects include all STEM courses, and she balances academics with nine years of Jiu-Jitsu training, serving as a certified assistant instructor.
With a love for music and a talent for multiple instruments—especially violin—Aliya brings a well-rounded approach to her academic life. Her short-term goal is clear: to be accepted into Yale University to study engineering and further her entrepreneurial ventures.
“My ambition is to pursue engineering at Yale and continue building the businesses I’ve started,” she said. “I want to make an impact, especially as a woman entering a male-dominated field.”
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Guided by Family, Fueled by Purpose
Aliya credits her strong foundation and values to her family. Her mother, in particular, instilled in her a deep appreciation for education and perseverance.
“My family inspires me, especially knowing I can make a difference in a field where women are still underrepresented,” she explained. “That belief gives me purpose.”
When asked what she couldn’t live without, Aliya quickly answered: “My family, my friends, and my computer.”
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.
