On November 8, 2023, Collin County Community College recognized Melissa High School student, Emmah Ellis in celebration of National First-Generation Student Day. Collin College recognized 14 first-generation students from different districts who applied for the 2024 Fall semester. Ellis received this recognition for being the first Melissa ISD first-generation student to apply for the Fall 2024 semester. She was presented with Collin SWAG for her to use next Fall.
Ellis is a senior at Melissa High School and a member of the Mighty Cardinal Band where she serves as a Section Leader for the Flutes. She plans to attend Collin College where she will begin her college career majoring in Business and Psychology.