This past weekend, Melissa ISD was proud to once again host the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games. With more than 12,000 attendees, including 3,000 athletes and 2,000 dedicated volunteers, our community came together to support an incredible weekend filled with competition, teamwork, and moments that will be remembered long after the games concluded.
“It is hard to put into words just how gratifying it has been to be a part of The Texas Special Olympics. It is absolutely amazing to see the effort and commitment to excellence shared by everyone who organized and participated in this event,” shared Superintendent Keith Murphy. “This is truly a special time in a special place. We are already looking forward to next year. It is crazy what can be accomplished when we work together.”
To our Cardinals, thank you for showing the world what it means to compete with heart. To Special Olympics Texas, thank you for allowing Melissa Schools to be part of something so meaningful. We can’t wait to welcome you back next year!
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A Community Effort
Hosting the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games was no small task, and it would not have been possible without the generosity of our volunteers, the support of our local partners, and the leadership of Special Olympics Texas. From Opening Ceremonies to the final medals, the entire weekend reflected the spirit and dedication that define both the Games and the Melissa community.
“On Friday, standing in the 5th Floor stairwell outside my office, I looked out over our incredible campus and had a thought—if I didn’t know better, I’d say our high school and the Z-Plex were built for the SOTX Summer Games!,” Director of Community Partnerships and Athletic Operations Duke Sparks shared. “This past weekend, we opened our doors to the entire state of Texas—and what happened inside them was extraordinary. Together, we helped change lives by delivering a truly world-class experience to more than 3,000 athletes, 2,000 volunteers, and nearly 7,000 family members and fans. The heart of Melissa wasn’t just visible—it was undeniable.”
Relive the Magic
Catch all the incredible moments, including the full Opening Ceremonies, on our YouTube channel here: SOTx Summer Games Opening Ceremony
Celebrating Our Cardinal Champions
Amid a weekend that highlighted determination and dedication, our Melissa Cardinals took center stage, competing with heart and pride. Their efforts went far beyond the results, earning recognition and respect from across the state.
“The 2026 Special Olympics Summer Games did not disappoint!,” said Melissa High School Cards Inspire Coach and Teacher Crystal Phillips. “The weather was perfect, and the level of competition from across the state was impressive. Our athletes truly represented the Cardinal spirit all weekend long. They gave their best effort in every event and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, consistently congratulating their opponents on a job well done. I could not be more proud of each and every one of them!”
Their performances throughout the weekend reflected not only their preparation, but also their perseverance. Each event provided an opportunity to push limits, build confidence, and support one another, and our Cardinals embraced it fully. From start to finish, they represented Melissa ISD in a way that made the entire community proud.
50m Dash
Sean Barnes - Division 10, State Champion
Jacob Byrnes - Division 13, State Champion
Cooper Lippman - Division 18, State Champion
Grace Wood - Division 3, 2nd Place
Aidan Howard - Division 14, 3rd Place
Emmy Ruiz - Division 7, 6th Place
Ethan Umeh - Division 8, 6th Place
Kenneth Kim - Division 8, 7th Place
100m Dash
Viola Pirillo - Division 10, State Champion
Lilly Della - Division 3, 2nd Place
Taylor Young - Division 8, 2nd Place
Savannah Moothart - Division 8, 4th Place
Antanique White - Division 7, 6th Place
Aayushmaan Jaiswal - Division 21, 6th Place
Nathan Tan - Division 25, 6th Place
Nevaeh Moothart - Division 10, 7th Place
Jian Morales - Division 20, 7th Place
200m Dash
Tamiriana White - Division 1, State Champion
400m Dash
Markus Covey - Division 4, 7th Place
25m Walk
Jayla Bennett - Division 1, State Champion
100m Walk
Logan Vega - Division 2, State Champion
4x100m Relay
Savannah Moonthart, Nevaeh Moothart, Antanique White, & Tamitiana White - Division 1, State Champions
Lilly Della, Viola Pirillo, Emmy Ruiz, & Grace Wood - Division 2, 2nd Place
Running Long Jump
Tamiriana White - Division 2, State Champion
Antanique White - Division 5, State Champion
Markus Covey - Division 8, 2nd Place
Softball Throw
Viola Pirillo - Division 10, State Champion
Emmy Ruiz - Division 7, 2nd Place
Grace Wood - Division 1, 3rd Place
Ethan Umeh - Division 9, 3rd Place
Lilly Della - Division 2, 4th Place
Kenneth Kim - Division 6, 4th Place
Nathan Tan - Division 18, 4th Place
Sean Barnes - Division 21, 5th Place
Cooper Lippman - Division 18, 5th Place
Savannah Moothart - Division 10, 6th Place
Nevaeh Moothart - Division 10, 7th Place
Jian Morales - Division 17, 7th Place
Logan Vega - Division 18, 7th Place
Taylor Young - Division 8, 8th Place
Tennis Ball Throw
Jacob Byrnes - Division 6, State Champion
Javelin Throw
Aayushmaan Jasiwal - Division 6, 7th Place
These students didn’t just compete, they inspired. They reminded us all what it means to lead with courage, lift each other up, and celebrate every victory, big and small!