Melissa ISD was honored to welcome Penny, a Children’s Health 2026 Patient Ambassador, and her family to last Friday night’s Cardinals varsity football game. Penny’s story is one of courage and resilience, and her inspiring outlook on life is a reminder to all Cardinals of the strength that can be found even in life’s most difficult moments.
Born with only half a functional heart, Penny has faced significant medical challenges at just 9 years old, including multiple heart surgeries and life-threatening heart failure that ultimately led to a heart transplant. Through it all, her joyful spirit, determination, and love for life have continued to shine. With a passion for singing and art, Penny dreams of becoming a country singer or artist. During her time at Children’s Health, she even recorded her first album with the help of music therapists! Today, with her new heart, Penny is embracing life to the fullest and hopes her journey will inspire other children facing medical challenges.
Penny joined us for the game alongside her family and Dr. Alvin Chi, a sports medicine physician at the Children’s Health Andrews Institute.
We are grateful for Children’s Health and the dedicated providers who care for children like Penny and support students across Melissa ISD and surrounding districts. Thank you to Penny, her family, Dr. Chi, and the entire Children’s Health team for sharing this special evening with our Cardinal community! 🌟
Born with only half a functional heart, Penny has faced significant medical challenges at just 9 years old, including multiple heart surgeries and life-threatening heart failure that ultimately led to a heart transplant. Through it all, her joyful spirit, determination, and love for life have continued to shine. With a passion for singing and art, Penny dreams of becoming a country singer or artist. During her time at Children’s Health, she even recorded her first album with the help of music therapists! Today, with her new heart, Penny is embracing life to the fullest and hopes her journey will inspire other children facing medical challenges.
Penny joined us for the game alongside her family and Dr. Alvin Chi, a sports medicine physician at the Children’s Health Andrews Institute.
We are grateful for Children’s Health and the dedicated providers who care for children like Penny and support students across Melissa ISD and surrounding districts. Thank you to Penny, her family, Dr. Chi, and the entire Children’s Health team for sharing this special evening with our Cardinal community! 🌟
Middle School Baseball Players! Melissa Baseball is calling on You!
Building a strong program starts long before athletes put on a varsity jersey. It begins with relationships, encouragement, and making sure every young Cardinal knows they matter. Our middle school baseball athletes are an important part of the Melissa Baseball family TODAY, and we want them to feel connected to the program they’ll help carry forward.
Join us for Middle School Baseball Skills Night on Monday, October 26, from 6:00–7:15 PM! This night will kick off our 3rd Annual Fall World Series Week and will be a great opportunity for our future baseball athletes.
Middle school baseball players will have the opportunity to learn, compete, and build relationships alongside our varsity baseball players. Come connect with your baseball family, sharpen your skills, show your Cardinal pride, and be part of what we’re building together.
Please sign up using the link to the form so we know how many athletes plan to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDUiUriN8YuFBq8urAeXFs0-7aGm0Rp2ib7SMyRPPGgT_Big/viewform?pli=1
Look forward to seeing you there!
Building a strong program starts long before athletes put on a varsity jersey. It begins with relationships, encouragement, and making sure every young Cardinal knows they matter. Our middle school baseball athletes are an important part of the Melissa Baseball family TODAY, and we want them to feel connected to the program they’ll help carry forward.
Join us for Middle School Baseball Skills Night on Monday, October 26, from 6:00–7:15 PM! This night will kick off our 3rd Annual Fall World Series Week and will be a great opportunity for our future baseball athletes.
Middle school baseball players will have the opportunity to learn, compete, and build relationships alongside our varsity baseball players. Come connect with your baseball family, sharpen your skills, show your Cardinal pride, and be part of what we’re building together.
Please sign up using the link to the form so we know how many athletes plan to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDUiUriN8YuFBq8urAeXFs0-7aGm0Rp2ib7SMyRPPGgT_Big/viewform?pli=1
Look forward to seeing you there!
This morning during workouts, President Sam Tipton of the Texas Girls Coaches Association stopped by to present the 4A-6A Girls Wrestler of the Year Award to Melissa High School wrestler and State Champion, Malia Griffin. 🏆🌟
Congratulations to Malia on this well-deserved recognition and an outstanding season last year! We look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the upcoming season. To read more about this award, please visit http://www.melissaisd.org/article/2749616.
Congratulations to Malia on this well-deserved recognition and an outstanding season last year! We look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the upcoming season. To read more about this award, please visit http://www.melissaisd.org/article/2749616.
Congratulations to Melissa High School senior Gavin Spann on being named a recipient of the Dave Campbell’s Most Driven Scholar-Athlete Award, presented by Higginbotham! Gavin is one of just 11 finalists selected across the state for this award. He was recognized for his leadership in the classroom and was presented with a check during the Melissa vs. Frisco Centennial game. We are proud to celebrate Gavin and this well-deserved recognition of his accomplishments in the classroom and in athletics! 🌟🏈
🚨 Cardinal Nation, tomorrow is the big day! We can’t wait to see our community come together and show off their Cardinal spirit at the Community Parade and Pep Rally! Check the map for parking and the parade route around Coach Kenny Deel Stadium, then join us for a spectacular evening of family fun, tradition, and pride. 🎉
🔗 For more information, visit www.melissaisd.org/homecoming
🔗 For more information, visit www.melissaisd.org/homecoming
Melissa Homecoming Week is just around the corner, October 5-10, 2026. We invite the community and all Cardinals to join in the fun! The festivities kick-off Monday with themed dress-up days, followed by the Homecoming parade and Community Pep Rally on Wednesday. The week wraps up with the Melissa Homecoming football game against the Frisco Centennial Titans on Friday, Oct. 9. For all the details for the Homecoming Celebration events, visit www.melissaisd.org/homecoming.
🚨 Cardinal Fans, Red Nation Outfitters is coming to YOU! Stop by their kiosk at Coach Kenny Deel Stadium during every home varsity game!
Red Nation Outfitters is a student-run retail business operated by Melissa High School’s Marketing and Entrepreneurship Practicum students. Shop for Cardinal gear directly from our student entrepreneurs!
Can’t make it to a home game? The RNO store is also open on the MHS campus by the front office Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., except on home game days. You can also shop online at www.melissaisd.org/rno.
Red Nation Outfitters is a student-run retail business operated by Melissa High School’s Marketing and Entrepreneurship Practicum students. Shop for Cardinal gear directly from our student entrepreneurs!
Can’t make it to a home game? The RNO store is also open on the MHS campus by the front office Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., except on home game days. You can also shop online at www.melissaisd.org/rno.
Congratulations to Melissa High School senior Asher Carleton on being named a recipient of the Dave Campbell’s Scholar Athlete Award, presented by Jimmy Dean® Brands! Asher was recognized for his commitment to academics and excellence on the field. He and a student-athlete from Denton Guyer were presented with checks during the Melissa vs. Denton Guyer game. We are proud to celebrate Asher and this well-deserved recognition of his accomplishments both in the classroom and in athletics!
🌟 Good luck to the Melissa High School Girls Track & Field athletes who are on their way to the State Meet! We are proud of your hard work and can’t wait to cheer you on. Go Cardinals!
🔗 To read more about their journey to state, please visit www.melissaisd.org/article/2881946.
🔗 To read more about their journey to state, please visit www.melissaisd.org/article/2881946.
Melissa ISD is excited to host the 2026 Special Olympics Texas Summer Games from Thursday, April 30, through Saturday, May 2. This multi-day event will welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, and volunteers to our community. Competitions will take place across several Melissa ISD venues, including the high school track, stadium, and gymnasium, as well as additional facilities such as the Z-Plex Texas.
Increased Traffic: As we prepare to host this large-scale event, families, staff, and visitors should be aware of increased traffic around Melissa High School, particularly for high school students during afternoon dismissal on Thursday, April 30. We encourage everyone to plan accordingly.
MHS Teacher Work Day, No School for MHS Students on May 1: As a reminder, Melissa High School will observe a Teacher Work Day on Friday, May 1. This will allow MHS staff and students the opportunity to serve as volunteers and assist with campus logistics, traffic flow, and safety. All other Melissa ISD campuses will remain open and operate on their regular schedules.
Opening Ceremony: The event officially kicks off with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Coach Kenny Deel Stadium. The community is invited to attend and help celebrate the incredible athletes competing in this year’s games.
Volunteer: Community members are encouraged to volunteer as a “fan in the stands” and support the athletes by coming out to cheer them on throughout the event. Be sure to sign up at the link below!
For more information, including event details and parking, please visit www.melissaisd.org/sotx.
We look forward to welcoming our guests and showcasing the heart of Melissa ISD through this exciting and impactful event!
Melissa High School had two more Cardinal athletes that have signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic and academic journeys at the next level! Congratulations to each of these remarkable Cardinals!
🏈 King Innes – Football, Coffeyville Community College
🏐 Duura Kpea – Volleyball, Delaware State University
🏈 King Innes – Football, Coffeyville Community College
🏐 Duura Kpea – Volleyball, Delaware State University
Melissa ISD will host the 16th annual Special Olympics track meet on Friday, April 24, at the Cardinal Stadium (next to the Melissa Sixth Grade Center), welcoming student-athletes from several area schools. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m., with track and field events starting at 10 a.m. We welcome the community to come out and cheer on our Cardinal athletes! 🌟
Melissa ISD has announced leadership updates within its athletic department for the 2026–2027 school year. Coach Katie Stinton will transition into the role of Assistant Athletic Director, while Coach Ashley Anderson will serve as the new Head Girls Basketball Coach. These leadership changes reflect Melissa ISD’s continued commitment to supporting strong athletic programs and student-athlete success. Both coaches will step into their new roles ahead of the upcoming school year.
Melissa High School and East Cardinal Middle School student-athletes, parents, guardians, and community members are invited to a meet-and-greet event with Coach Ashley Anderson on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main High School Gym.
For more information about this leadership transition, please visit www.melissaisd.org/article/2761405
Melissa High School and East Cardinal Middle School student-athletes, parents, guardians, and community members are invited to a meet-and-greet event with Coach Ashley Anderson on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main High School Gym.
For more information about this leadership transition, please visit www.melissaisd.org/article/2761405
🚨⛳️ Attention Cardinal Fans: The Melissa Booster Club is inviting the community to support your Melissa ISD Fine Arts and Athletic programs by participating in the 22nd Annual Melissa Open Golf Tournament. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Top Golf in Allen.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just in it for the fun, this event is a great way to connect with fellow community members while making a meaningful impact. Sponsorships and team entries directly support our students, coaches, and directors across Melissa ISD. We hope you’ll join us for a morning of friendly competition, community, and Cardinal pride! Visit http://www.melissaboosterclub.org for more information.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just in it for the fun, this event is a great way to connect with fellow community members while making a meaningful impact. Sponsorships and team entries directly support our students, coaches, and directors across Melissa ISD. We hope you’ll join us for a morning of friendly competition, community, and Cardinal pride! Visit http://www.melissaboosterclub.org for more information.
Melissa Varsity Boys & Girls Soccer and FC Cardinals have partnered to host a Free Community Soccer Clinic for Kinder-6th grade students on Wednesday, March 4, from 6-7 PM at the Melissa ISD Indoor Championship Center. Melissa youth players will have the opportunity to train alongside MHS varsity athletes, rotating through interactive skill stations designed to build confidence, strengthen fundamentals, and create meaningful connections. ⚽️🥅
The evening will conclude with autographs, photos, and a chance for younger athletes to meet and be inspired by their hometown varsity players. We look forward to seeing you there!
The evening will conclude with autographs, photos, and a chance for younger athletes to meet and be inspired by their hometown varsity players. We look forward to seeing you there!
Melissa High School cheerleading and mascot tryouts are scheduled for the evening of Friday, March 13, 2026! Tryouts are open to students entering grades 9-12th grades and currently enrolled who are interested in trying out for the cheerleading squad. Those who plan to try out are highly encouraged to attend an informational meeting with their parent or guardian and are encouraged to attend the clinics scheduled to learn and practice the tryout material. For more detailed information about high school cheerleading and birdie tryouts, please visit www.melissaisd.org/cheer
Congratulations to the Melissa High School Wrestling teams for earning two State Championship Titles at the UIL State Wrestling Meet this past weekend! The Melissa High School Boys Wrestling Team finished the State Meet as the Boys 5A Wrestling State Champions as a team along with two State Champions, three State Champion Runner-Ups, and two other wrestlers who placed in their respective weight class. The MHS Girls Wrestling finished as State Champion Runner-Up as a team and with one State Champion, one State Runner-Up, and three wrestlers who placed in their respective weight class. Congratulations to the MHS Wrestling Teams for their outstanding accomplishments and to everyone who has supported them through their Road to State. To read more, please visit www.melissaisd.org/article/2713576
Melissa ISD was proud to be part of the 2026 Special Olympics State Leadership Conference this past week, standing alongside leaders from across Texas to champion inclusion and opportunity for all students!
Director of Community Partnerships Duke Sparks shared how building unified partnerships that last creates real hope and meaningful experiences for every student to be seen and shine. He was joined by Board President Paul Anderson, MHS Principal Marcus Eckert, and Stadium Operations Manager Amy Tennison.
We cannot wait to once again host Special Olympics Texas later this spring!
Melissa High School made waves at the UIL District 13-5A Swim Meet on Jan. 23, 2026, at the Prosper Natatorium, with four students proudly representing Melissa ISD. Junior Everette Bell and senior Maxim Smirnov competed in the boys district meet, while history was made on the girls side as freshman Liliana Wong and sophomore Lillian Montbriand became the first MHS girls to compete at a UIL district swim meet. After strong performances, Everette Bell and Maxim Smirnov advanced to the UIL 5A Regional Swim Meet on Feb. 6–7 at New Caney ISD. We are proud of all our Cardinal swimmers for their hard work, determination, and for representing MHS with excellence.
To read more, please visit: www.melissaisd.org/article/2683696
To read more, please visit: www.melissaisd.org/article/2683696
East Cardinal Middle School cheerleading tryouts are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20! Tryouts are open to incoming 7th and 8th grade students who are interested in being a cheerleader or "Birdie" the mascot. Those who plan to try out must attend a mandatory meeting with their parent/guardian and are encouraged to attend the clinics scheduled to learn and practice the tryout material. For more detailed information about middle school cheerleading tryouts, please visit the link below.
🔗 www.melissaisd.org/article/2620691
🔗 www.melissaisd.org/article/2620691
