The main hallway of Cypress Ridge has a new addition of 10 white banners featuring 160 colleges, universities and community colleges. Each 15 foot, vertical banner displays an average of eight schools from across the nation.

Faculty, students and staff took notice of some of the Texas favorites like Sam Houston State University, University of North Texas and Prairie View A&M. Out-of-state options ranged coast to coast from Syracuse University to University of Southern California.

“We tried to cover as many universities and colleges that we know our students have attended or that our staff has attended,” Assistant Principal Joe Hartley said.

Freshmen Arielle Brown noticed the banners while they were in the process of being displayed.

“If you don’t know which college you are going to go to, you see the banners and you get idea,” Brown said. “The banners can really help students make a decision about what college they want to go to.”

The banners are the departing gift from the graduating classes of 2014 and 2012. Additionally, the school’s counseling department contributed to the cost of these banners. The two RAM PRIDE benches in front of the school are also a gift from the class of 2014.

“These banners not only beautify our campus, but we are hoping that the logos depicted also inspire and encourage our students to reach educationally beyond our doors,” Hartley said.