Class of 2008

Allyssa Gilmore is a 2008 graduate from Splendora High School. After high school, Allyssa went to the University of Texas at Arlington where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2012. Soon after, she began her nursing career at Conroe Regional Medical Center. There she practiced for six years as a trauma registered nurse assisting and caring for significantly injured members of the community. In 2018, she graduated from Texas Woman's University with a Master of Science with a Family Nurse Practitioner Certification and began working for a plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery practice in 2018 located in the Texas Medical Center with Dr. Jason Bailey. There she cared for a diverse trauma population with extensive facial, soft tissue, and hand injuries as well as cosmetic patients to fulfill their aesthetic wishes. Not done with her education, she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in December 2019 becoming a double certified nurse practitioner with an Acute Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certification. This year, she and her fiancé Clint moved back to the Splendora area where they enjoy spending time with their family.

When asked what does it mean to be a Wildcat, Allyssa replied, "Being a Wildcat taught me many aspects in life, but most importantly it taught me to be determined, driven,  and motivated to strive for what you want in life. These traits helped me persevere through many aspects of my life and career to get to where I am today. What I loved most about being a Wildcat was every event felt family-oriented as if the community was one big family. I now look forward to watching my niece and nephew, as well as my future children, be raised as Wildcats and be a part of the Splendora, family-oriented community. WE SEE RED! ”

Candie Bowden Perez, a proud Splendora High School Class of 2008 graduate, spent her entire childhood growing up in Splendora and attended Splendora ISD from kindergarten through 12th grade. She fondly remembers the simple moments that made school special—chicken rings in the cafeteria, recess near the lumber yard, Friday food booths, and participating in theatre under the direction of Mr. Brian Kroeger, where she gained confidence speaking in front of others. She was also involved in the ROTC drill team, where she developed discipline and teamwork.

Candie discovered her passion for healthcare while participating in the Health Services CNA program taught by Mrs. Nancy Mahlstadt. After graduation, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant while earning her Associate Degree in Nursing from Lone Star College–North Harris and later her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Houston–Victoria.

She began her nursing career in Mother/Baby care at St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston and has since served families in several roles, including as a school nurse and hospital nurse. Today, Candie works at St. Luke’s The Woodlands as an internationally board-certified lactation consultant, where she also teaches prenatal classes to expecting parents. She continues serving others through part-time pediatric home health and by substituting for school nurses in New Caney ISD.

Candie now lives in Kingwood with her husband, Dustin, a teacher in New Caney, and their two sons, Isaiah and Josiah. She enjoys spending time with her family, being active in church and Bible study, and giving back to her community.

Candie says being a Wildcat means working hard, having integrity, and always doing the right thing—even when no one is watching.

We are proud to recognize Candie Bowden Perez as our next Cool Cat, celebrating her compassion, dedication, and lifelong Wildcat pride.

Elyse Seals and Chris Usher graduated from Splendora High School in 2008, but have known each other since kindergarten. They even had the same class, and their teacher was June Sukolics. In high school, they were both active in athletics. Elyse played varsity volleyball for three years, varsity softball for four years, and cheered for four years. Kris played varsity basketball and baseball for three years and graduated in the top 10%. Kris and Elyse were selected for the Splendora High School Hall of Fame.

The high school sweethearts married in 2010 and had their first son, Korbin, in 2012 and their second son, Kohen, in 2014. Elyse currently works as a sixth-grade physical education aide at Timber Lakes Elementary School, while finishing her degree at Sam Houston State University. Kris is a co-owner of a commercial construction company, Ushers Construction Services LLC. "We are very proud of the life we have made together," said Elyse.

When asked what it means to be a Wildcat, the couple agreed, "Splendora taught us a much larger sense of a 'One family' community. We have been involved with and witnessed a community support system unlike any other. From the community gathering to help rescue people and animals during Hurricane Harvey to raising over $20,000 in our town of Splendora for our son's T-ball team. That summer, our team went on to win the Dixie T-Ball World Series in 2018. The community tuned in on Facebook Live to watch the boys play in Center, TX. The community held a parade to celebrate their championship. It was truly remarkable to see our town come together for our kids. Being a Wildcat teaches you to be a part of a family that supports your community for the rest of your life. We take pride in where we are from and raise our kids here to experience the same culture."