Meet and Greet: The Arts
September 14, 2016
This year, Cedar Park welcomes two new teachers to the arts department.
Ken Brown
Brown is the new band director at Cedar Park. He joined the band staff after previous jobs at Clear Springs High School and Kempner High School in the Houston area. He graduated with a music education bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University, and has a master’s in instrumental conducting from Western Michigan University.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A: Seeing students grow during their four years.
Q: What extra-curriculars were you involved in during high school?
A: Band and orchestra.
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: Original “Star Wars” trilogy.
Brittany Hernandez
Hernandez teaches culinary arts and is also an assistant volleyball coach. She comes to Cedar Park with experience in coaching and teaching. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Business Management from Troy University, where she played volleyball. Hernandez also has a master’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from The University of Houston.
Q: What do you enjoy about culinary?
A: It’s not an ordinary class. You’re not really sitting a whole lot. It’s a good way to interact and make a difference in a unique way.
Q: If you could be an animal, what would you be?
A: Penguin.
Q: If you were in the zombie apocalypse, what would you do?
A: Hide.
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: Move things around with my mind.
Jeff Smith
Q: Why do you like teaching what you teach?
A: I love teaching technical theatre for a variety of reasons. This class is a project based, hands on course that covers a wide range of topics including wood working, electrical engineering, audio design, costumes and makeup. Another reason I enjoy this class is that I don’t have to teach to a standardized test.
Q: What do you like about CPHS so far?
A: The students! I have been amazed at the work ethic and professionalism of the students here on campus.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Free time? For me, it’s video games. I love theatre because of the story telling aspect and I think video games directly relate to that. During my time playing games, I get to dive into another artist’s story and creation and escape this world, if only for a few hours.
Jessica Steedly
Q: Why do you like teaching dance?
A: It’s something that is physically and mentally challenging. It makes people have to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. You have to work your tail off
Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be?
A: I would fly.
Q: What was your favorite class in high school?
A: One of my history classes because my teacher was awesome. She would stand on chairs and teach; she was a joy.

![Musical theatre class runs through “Footloose” during their dress rehearsal. Senior student director Mia Morneault says how much she’s enjoyed working with the cast and crew. “I am very proud of all the cast and crew who worked as hard on it as I have. A lot of people care about [this show],” Morneault said. “I have a lot of friends on the cast and on the crew, but I’ve also grown and gained friendships through the show, even as director where I may be a little more stricter than normal. And I am very grateful for everyone I’ve gotten to work with.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0657-1200x800.jpg)

![Sitting in a line of artwork, senior art student Kaemon Kato’s painting titled “Right Side of History” is displayed for attendees of the district’s art showcase. Kato’s painting is a political piece inspired by a photo of elementary schoolers in the street protesting against ICE. “I think it's also symbolic because they're surrounded by snow, which can represent ICE, and they are still marching,” Kato said. “[The kids] are not stopping until equality or justice is served, which I think is really important to represent and show.” Photo by John Pinion](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-03-26-114740.png)










![Broadcast, yearbook and newspaper combined for 66 Interscholastic League Press Conference awards this year. Yearbook won 43, newspaper won 14 and broadcast took home nine. “I think [the ILPC awards] are a great way to give the kids some acknowledgement for all of their hard work,” newspaper and yearbook adviser Paige Hert said. “They typically spend the year covering everyone else’s big moments, so it’s really cool for them to be celebrated so many times and in so many different ways.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/edited-ILPC.jpg)




![Holding up the bi-district champions trophy, junior shortstop Hudson Cuevas cheers alongside his team. The varsity baseball team played in the bi-district round of playoffs against the Boerne Greyhounds April 30-May 2, where they won Game 1 6-4, lost Game 2 2-1 and won the last game 5-2, allowing them to advance to area. “Honestly, [my favorite] big moment that wasn't even part of my moment was Dom's grand slam,” Cuevas said. “That was a big game changer in Game 1 of round one that ultimately helped us win that game and even move on. It set the tone for the games after and has really impacted and sparked this whole playoff run.” Photo by Allie Tseng](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/allie-boerne00159-1200x800.jpg)
















![After he takes the handoff, senior running back Trae Hill runs down the field in search of a first down. Hill rushed for three touchdowns in the 43-36 loss against Frisco Wakeland last Friday, but the Timberwolves were eliminated from playoff contention. “[I’m] just happy I got to experience the game with my brothers,” Hill said. “I’m going to remember how close and how enjoyable everything was with these guys. They are my brothers for life. Just waking up and grinding together, and proving the naysayers wrong [was my favorite part].”
Photo by Kyra Cox](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/trae-hill-wakeland.jpg)



