Melissa ISD came together for the 2025 Convocation, centered on this year’s theme: Carry the Banner. The event was a live “Sit With Us” gathering that encouraged authentic connection and reflection on the strengths we each bring and our shared purpose.
The celebration honored outstanding members of Team Melissa whose work and dedication make a lasting impact on students and the community. This included recipients of the Cardinal Impact Awards, which recognize teachers who contribute significantly to student success through exceptional achievement or notable annual growth. We also celebrated our Support Staff, Teachers of the Year, and Rookie Teachers of the Year.
Join us in celebrating our 2024-2025 Team Melissa awardees.
Support Staff Awards:
Paraprofessional: Marisabel Barahona
Police: Rick Armor
Maintenance: Jeremy Rice
Custodian: Maria Ventura
Technology: Max Bechard
Transportation: Michaline Yeager
Teachers of the Year:
Melissa Ridge Education Center: Allison Stipp
Harry McKillop Elementary: Lindsay George
North Creek Elementary: Amber Noble
Willow Wood Elementary: Lisa Blunt
Sumeer Elementary: Clarissa Dixon
Melissa High School: Michelle Moore
DAEP: Sherrie Poorman
Melissa Middle School: Elizabeth Minchey-Jackson
Sixth Grade Center: Kimberly McGee
District Teacher of the Year: Misti Kusano
Rookie Teachers of the Year:
Elementary: Claire Milinski & Claire Morrison
Secondary: Caitlyn Grant
We would like to thank the Melissa Chamber of Commerce and our generous sponsors for making these recognitions possible: Three Nations Brewing Co., Melissa Ace Hardware, First United, Maria’s, RBFCU, Farmers Insurance, Exodus Mechanical, Community National, Sugar Babes, Rotary Club of Melissa, Texas Republic Bank, Big Brothers Pest Control & Termite LLC, JRM, Amrize, Everbloom, Walmart, CWD, Redden Concrete Inc., Provision Automotive, Melissa Park Village, U.S. Energy, PBK, Adon Complete, The Athletic Club, Wellott Electric, Kay Marie, Bella Couture, Physical Therapy of Melissa, Kroger, Smoothie King, and HEB.
Energized and ready to Carry the Banner, Team Melissa is prepared to welcome students back on August 19 for another remarkable school year.