From running a business to becoming band drum major, senior Kyrstin Conner demonstrates what it takes to balance school and extracurriculars.
Through hard work and passion, Kyrstin has made a place for herself in the world of baking after starting a local bakery by the name of Kyrstin’s Creations.
Watching YouTube videos and baking competitions as a kid was what inspired her to start baking. She has been baking for most her life and has always spent time making cookies for teachers and brownies for the fire department.
“I fell in love with experimenting and science that goes into baking,” Kyrstin said. “I took that love and translated it into my own home creations.”
Once her mom had mentioned the idea of opening an online shop, she immediately fell in love with the idea.
“After years of planning and trial and error, I officially opened my small business in early 2020,” Kyrstin said.
This past year she attended SkillsUSA baking contest where she competed in district under the commercial baking category. Scoring a 200/200 she qualified for a spot at state. Last April she went to state and scored a 400/400 which placed her for the Best of Show award-the highest award in her category.
Like with baking, Kyrstin has had a lot of success in the form of band. Over all four years she has been a part of the Tomball Cougar Pride Band, she has won awards for solos and ensembles as well as being placed in the Full Varsity Orchestra, and being in the Varsity Wind Ensemble for three consecutive years.
Taking her passion a step further, Kyrstin works hours everyday after school with the marching band. Playing the clarinet, she has worked her way from section leader to the drum major.
“Once I decided to go forward with this commitment, I put all of my time into perfecting my audition,” Kyrstin said. “I found myself practicing with other candidates, by myself in front of a mirror, and with the drum majors from previous years.”
Even while juggling multiple after school activities and a full schedule, Krystin manages to keep up her good grades by staying as organized as she can. She creates schedules for every responsibility she has and makes time to study.
“I have a color-coded calendar that I swear by,” Kyrstin said. “I use my calendar daily and it keeps all of my events, deadlines, and baking orders organized.”
This year Kyrstin hopes for the TCP band to make it to state as last year was the first in their 6A history to make area finals. As for Kyrstin’s Creations, at the end of her senior year she expects to close her small business and focus on her college education.
After graduation Kyrstin will go to college for some aspect of business and then later go abroad and learn new baking techniques and traditions.
“I hope to take my accumulated knowledge with me while opening my own cafe/bakery in the future,” Kyrstin said.
