This past week, Melissa ISD had the tremendous honor of hosting the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games—and what a weekend it was! With more than 10,000 attendees, 3,000 athletes, and 2,000 dedicated volunteers, our humble town became the backdrop for something truly extraordinary.
Amid the celebration of inclusion and determination, our very own Melissa Cardinals took center stage—competing with passion, perseverance, and pride. Their performances didn’t just earn medals; they earned admiration from every corner of the state.
Celebrating Our Cardinal Champions
10m Assisted Walk
Amazing Grace Ama - State Champion
100m Walking Race (Males)
Logan Vega - State Champion
50m Dash (Females, Ages 8-15)
Lilly Della - State Champion
Emmy Ruiz - 3rd Place
50m Run (Males, Ages 8-15)
Jacob Byrnes - State Champion
50m Run (Males, Ages 16-21)
Aidan Howard - State Champion
Wheelchair 100m Dash
Molly Wynn - State Champion
100m Dash (Females, Ages 16-21)
Antanique White - 3rd Place
Taylor Young - 3rd Place
Viola Pirillo - 4th Place
Savannah Moothart - 5th Place
Nevaeh Moothart - 6th Place
100m Dash (Males, Ages 16-21)
Aayushmann Jaiswal - 2nd Place
Nathan Tan - 3rd Place
Mack Harris - 5th Place
200m Dash (Males, Ages 16-21)
Marcus Covey - 2nd Place
4x100m Relay (Females)
Savannah Moonthart, Nevaeh Moothart, Antanique White, Viola Pirillo - State Champions
4x100m Relay (Males)
Terryon Clincy, Mack Harris, Marcus Covey, Salvador Valdez - 7th Place
Running Long Jump (Females)
Antanique White - State Champion
Running Long Jump (Males)
Marcus Covey - 3rd Place
Softball Throw (Females)
Savannah Moothart - State Champion
Lilly Della - State Champion
Emmy Ruiz - 2nd Place
Viola Pirillo - 3rd Place
Taylor Young - 5th Place
Nevaeh Moothart - 5th Place
Softball Throw (Males, Ages 16-21)
Logan Vega - 2nd Place
Aidan Howard - 2nd Place
Nathan Tan - 6th Place
Tennis Ball Throw (Males, Ages 8-15)
Jacob Byrnes - State Champion
Wheelchair Shot Put
Molly Wynn - State Champion
Shot Put (Males)
Terryon Clincy - 5th Place
Mack Harris - 7th Place
Javelin Throw (Males)
Aayushmaan Jasiwal - 2nd 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.