Melissa High School, in partnership with the MHS PTO and the Melissa Chamber of Commerce, hosted the first Cardinal Academic Celebration on Friday, December 19, recognizing and rewarding students for their excellence in the classroom. The event recognized students who met academic, behavioral, and attendance expectations, rewarding their hard work with an afternoon of free food, music, games, and prizes.
Assistant Principal Stacy Needham emphasized the purpose behind the celebration, “The Cardinal Academic Celebration was about recognizing students who consistently meet expectations academically, behaviorally, and in their attendance. We wanted to send a clear message that doing the right thing every day matters.”
The Cardinal Academic Celebration marked a meaningful new tradition at Melissa High School, reinforcing the value of consistency, accountability, and student achievement while creating a memorable experience for students.
Freshman Grace Vuong also reflected on the experience, sharing her appreciation for both the celebration and those who helped organize it, “The academic celebration was an amazing way to end the semester. I was so grateful for the people that put it together; it was so much fun to be rewarded for our hard work! The academic celebration was so much fun! I liked how it had tons of activities and events to play or watch. Our favorite part had to be the principals riding horses and Mr. Eckert getting his beard shaved off by seniors. I also loved being able to eat donuts! Overall, the experience with the academic celebration was incredible and we wouldn’t change a thing!”
Junior Imona Kiarie shared that the celebration provided a meaningful way for students to connect after finals, “The Cardinal Celebration was a very fun outing. All of my close friends and even people I don't see regularly were there. It gave all of us a chance to have a good time before break and after finals. I took a picture on the Spin Camera with my whole friend group, and it came out so cute. The games, donuts, and silent disco make it even better. Seeing everyone and being able to have fun after the hard finals was needed. I had an amazing time.”
Sophomore Victoria Martinez echoed those sentiments, “I loved the way that everyone was involved with each other and actually talked. The cookie-making and decorating were really neat. It allowed for students to interact while also eating amazing cookies. The games, horse show, and the principal shaving off his beard were all so funny and cool touches to this whole celebration. This was probably one of the most fun school celebrations and hangouts I have ever been invited to! I can't wait to do it again.”
Students can look forward to the next Cardinal Academic Celebration at the end of the spring semester.
Melissa ISD would like to thank the MHS PTO and the Melissa Chamber of Commerce and the sponsors that helped bring this event to life: Amrize, Melissa ACE Hardware, Optimum, RBFCU, Alexan Melissa, and National University.