Cooper Alumni Spotlight: Interning at Centric
Cooper’s alumni network empowers graduates with real-world opportunities!
The John Cooper School, education goes far beyond textbooks and test scores. It’s about preparing students to think critically, communicate clearly, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. With a challenging academic environment, rich extracurricular opportunities, and an active alumni network, Cooper gives students the tools they need to thrive. Jordan Dada '22 and Riley Ellis '23 are two outstanding examples of how Cooper’s innovative and well-rounded approach continues to shape successful futures.
Both Jordan and Riley are currently interns in the Finance Department at Centric Infrastructure Group (“Centric”), headquartered here in The Woodlands. Centric builds innovative middle and last-mile natural gas and high-speed fiber-optic assets to serve end-users in high-growth housing markets across Texas and Florida. Owned by a member of The John Cooper School Board of Trustees, Centric has provided meaningful internship opportunities that reflect the strength of Cooper’s extended community.
In their roles, Jordan and Riley analyze financial data, organize complex information, and use tools like Excel, pivot tables, and SQL to support strategic business decisions. These hands-on experiences mirror the academic rigor and real-world readiness emphasized throughout their time at Cooper.
Both Jordan and Riley are currently interns in the Finance Department at Centric Infrastructure Group (“Centric”), headquartered here in The Woodlands. Centric builds innovative middle and last-mile natural gas and high-speed fiber-optic assets to serve end-users in high-growth housing markets across Texas and Florida. Owned by a member of The John Cooper School Board of Trustees, Centric has provided meaningful internship opportunities that reflect the strength of Cooper’s extended community.
"Cooper interns bring more than just talent and well-roundedness – they carry the integrity and work ethic that defines both their school and the broader Woodlands community, and we’re super excited to have them on our internship team," said Robert S. Barnwell, IV, Chief Executive Officer of Centric.
In their roles, Jordan and Riley analyze financial data, organize complex information, and use tools like Excel, pivot tables, and SQL to support strategic business decisions. These hands-on experiences mirror the academic rigor and real-world readiness emphasized throughout their time at Cooper.
Riley is currently studying Corporate Communications and minoring in Risk Management at the University of Texas and is already putting his skills to work in the professional world. During his time at Cooper, Riley was deeply involved in a wide range of activities that helped him grow into a confident communicator and well-rounded leader. He participated in theatre, choir, and student government, and proudly served as the school’s spirited mascot, Draco the Dragon. His energy and commitment earned him the Spirit Award during his senior year.
“Cooper gave me so many opportunities to find my voice, whether it was on stage, in student government, or even as the school mascot,” Riley said. “The faculty always pushed me to aim higher, and that mindset has stayed with me in college and in my internship.”
Jordan is pursuing a degree in Finance with a minor in Energy at Texas Christian University and is equally drawing from the breadth of his Cooper experience. As a student, he balanced academics with extracurricular excellence, serving as a member of the school’s award-winning band, earning three state titles, and contributing on the football field. His musical achievements were recognized by Hello Woodlands during the 2020 TPSMEA All-State Clinic.
“Cooper taught me how to manage my time and handle a rigorous schedule, which has been a huge advantage in college,” Jordan shared. “The support I received from teachers and coaches made a big difference, and the alumni network has already helped open doors for professional opportunities like my internship.”
What sets Cooper apart is its balance of academic rigor, diverse opportunities, and strong community support. Students are challenged by dedicated faculty, encouraged to explore their interests, and prepared to lead with confidence. One of the most valuable extensions of this experience is Cooper’s active alumni network, which continues to support graduates like Jordan and Riley through mentorship, career connections, and real-world opportunities, often made possible by members of the Cooper community itself.
Jordan and Riley are clear examples of what it means to be a Cooper graduate. Through academic rigor, meaningful experiences, and a strong alumni network, Cooper empowers students to take on new challenges with confidence, purpose, and a sense of curiosity that lasts a lifetime.
The John Cooper School
From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
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