Melissa High School proudly hosted its annual Health Science Pinning Ceremony at the MHS Student Union. This meaningful tradition honors students completing their educational pathway and marks their transition into the healthcare field. Rooted in long-standing medical customs, the pinning ceremony recognizes the dedication, perseverance, and professionalism of future health science professionals.
This year, 52 MHS students were pinned for meeting the credit requirements to become Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMA), with 45 students passing their CCMA exam. Additionally, 19 students also earned the distinction of Certified Electrocardiogram Technicians (CET/EKG) after previously achieving their CCMA certification last year.
The CCMA program was led by MHS Health Science teacher, Tashauna Causey, who guided students through rigorous coursework and skills development in preparation for the national certification exam. The exam consists of 180 questions administered over three hours, with a passing score of 390 out of 500.
"As a new teacher and healthcare professional, it has been a true privilege teaching these students over this school year,” shared Mrs. Causey. “I am beyond proud of all they have accomplished. It is my hope that they've learned something valuable from me that they can carry with them throughout their journey as future healthcare professionals. I am honored to have been their teacher this year!"
In partnership with Collin College, the EKG program was taught by Professor Paige O’Connor, who also attended the ceremony to pin the 19 CET students. The CET certification process included in-depth didactic instruction, hands-on skills training, and clinical hours. The two-hour, 150-question exam also requires a passing score of 390 out of 500.
Congratulations to all students recognized for their hard work, dedication, and academic achievement. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Causey, Professor O’Connor, CTE Director Hallie Venner, and the entire Health Science team for their mentorship and support. Melissa ISD is incredibly proud of these students and looks forward to celebrating their continued success in the healthcare field.
Students recognized at the 2026 MHS Pinning Ceremony:
Dual Distinction (EKG & CCMA): Hikmah Abdul-Hammed, Iris Barnes, Hailey Burch, Lynli Dittfurth, Lucia Hernandez, Besan Jaber, Ailina Khoja-Akhmedova, Griffin Kurlinski, Alexis Loukota, Abigail Lynn, Lily Morris, Danya Muzeyne, Isabelle Nguyen, Tatyana Nyoike, Avery Stinton, Hermela Taddesse, Madison Wallace, Kennedi Wright, Isabella Zayas-Bazan
CCMA Pinning: Inioluwa Abatan, Hannah Ackerman, Chelsea Aguilar-Estrada, Demola Ajayi, Kennedy Allbritton, Esther Aluko, Muoma Amete, Setornam Amorin, Rihanna Castillo, Brady Cobbs, Zion Cunha, Ava Elliott, Savannah Fischer, Erynn Freeland, Serena George, Makynna Groves, Lila Hale, Kaitlin Hardin, Brooke Hightower, Emery Hultgren, Kamari Jackson, Miatta Johnson, Taylor Jordan, Grace Kago, Harkamal Kaur, Mikala Kincy, Faith King’ori, Gowtham Kondragunta, Jared Jay Lagrosa, John Lastinger, Rachel Lewis, Kimberly Linares, Sophia Martinez, Thandiwe Mathe, Morgan Matheny, Jennifer Reynoso, Sarah Munoz Rivera, Emory Rosiek, Abigia Negussie, Miley Padilla, Adriana Parpart, Neyda Pineda-Diaz, Macey Reid, Aniyah Rodriguez, Tristan Romero, Madeline Russell, Madelyn Russell, Lilly Sanford, Kevin Smith Jr., Samantha Sweat, Ashley Swezey, Addison Verlander, Avery Ward