The Hive Happenings

Meridian, TX – March 27, 2025 – The Meridian community gathered today for a momentous occasion as the high school’s stadium was officially dedicated in honor of Frank Pollard, a hometown hero and former NFL standout. The dedication ceremony took place at Frank Pollard Stadium at 4:00 PM, just before the high school track meet.

Honoring Frank Pollard

Frank Pollard’s journey from Meridian Yellow Jacket to Pittsburgh Steeler is one of dedication, perseverance, and excellence. As a standout athlete at Meridian High School, he displayed exceptional talent on the field, leading him to play college football at Baylor University. From there, Pollard went on to a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1980 to 1988. Known for his strength and work ethic, he became a fan favorite and a key part of the Steelers' offensive lineup.

Beyond his football career, Pollard remained deeply connected to his roots. His legacy in Meridian extends beyond his athletic achievements, serving as an inspiration to young athletes who aspire to follow in his footsteps. Naming the stadium in his honor ensures that his contributions to the community and the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

A Community Celebration

The dedication ceremony brought together students, faculty, alumni, and community members, all eager to recognize Pollard’s impact. Speakers shared memories of his playing days and reflected on his influence both on and off the field.

With the unveiling of Frank Pollard Stadium, Meridian proudly celebrates one of its own—an athlete, a role model, and a lasting symbol of determination and success.

The Meridian FFA and its Ag Mechanics/Engineering program made their hometown proud with an outstanding performance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Ag Mechanics Show. Competing against some of the top student builders in the state, the team took home 3rd place in Division 4, Class 28, marking a major accomplishment for the program.

The students (Bradley Kihnel, Josh Law, Mark Pittman III, and Jesse Scott), under the guidance of Ag Mechanics teacher Mark Pittman, demonstrated their skills by building a trailer from blueprints, a task that required precision, craftsmanship, and teamwork. Their hard work and attention to detail impressed the judges, earning them a spot among the top competitors.

A special shout-out goes to Mr. Gann, who entered the team into the highly competitive Build-Off Challenge, giving them the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a larger stage. His dedication to pushing students beyond their limits has been instrumental in their success.

A Tradition of Excellence

Meridian FFA continues to build on its tradition of excellence, with this latest win adding to the program’s growing reputation in the Ag Mechanics world. The students’ ability to transform raw materials into a fully functional and well-designed trailer is a testament to the skills they’ve gained in the program.

The success at the Houston Rodeo Ag Mechanics Show is more than just a trophy—it’s proof of the dedication, craftsmanship, and engineering talent being cultivated in Meridian’s Ag Mech program. Congratulations to Meridian FFA, their hardworking students, and their outstanding teachers for this well-earned achievement!

Meridian High School is calling on our community to help support a vital cause—the Backpack Program, sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance of Meridian. This program provides food to students who may not have reliable access to meals outside of school. To ensure our students have the nourishment they need, we are hosting a food drive specifically for Easy Mac cups.

Why Easy Mac? These single-serve, microwavable cups are perfect for students because they are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and offer a warm, comforting meal. They are a staple in the food bags that go home with students each week.

We are asking students, families, and community members to bring donations of Easy Mac cups to [drop-off location] by [deadline date]. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference in the life of a student.

Let’s come together as a community to ensure no child goes hungry. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

For more information or to make a monetary donation toward the Backpack Program, please contact Lizette Paceley at 817-841-9249.

The EOAC (Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation) will have a case manager visiting Meridian on the second Wednesday of each month to assist individuals with applications for various community programs. These include:

• Utility Assistance
• Case Management
• Home Weatherization

A flyer with more details is attached — feel free to share!

For families living in Clifton but attending Meridian ISD, EOAC also has a Clifton location available for support.

Parents -- mark your calendar. Remember we are a closed campus during these times. On these days, we do not allow parents to eat lunch with students. Additionally, make sure you students are here on these days. We have been working hard in the classroom!

Per Meridian ISD policy, if a phone is confiscated, it will be available for pick-up in the front office:

📅 Monday (for phones taken on Thursday or Friday)
📅 Thursday (for phones taken on Monday-Wednesday)
⏰ Pick-up time: 7:30-7:50 AM
💰 Fee: $15

• 03/31 - JH District Track Meet @ Meridian
• 03/31 - Tennis Meet @ Little River Academy
• 03/31 - District Golf @ Gatesville (Day 2)
• 04/01 - Spring Athletic Pictures
• 04/01 - High School Softball vs Itasca
• 04/01 - HS Baseball @ Rio Vista
• 04/02 - Student Holiday
• 04/02 - Bi-District OAP
• 04/03 - HS District Track @ Rio Vista
• 04/04 - HS Softball vs Italy
• 04/05 - HS Baseball vs Gordon
• 04/07 - HS JV Tennis @ Crawford
• 04/07 - HS Varsity Tennis @ Madisonville
• 04/08 - HS Softball @ Frost
• 04/10 - Area Track @ Hico
• 04/11 - End of 5th Six weeks
• 04/11 - HS Softball @ Hico
• 04/11 - HS Baseball @ Itasca
• 04/14 - Girls Regional Golf @ Ferris, TX
• 04/15 - Girls Regional Golf @ Ferris, TX
• 04/15 - English 2 STAAR, 7th ELAR STAAR
• 04/15 - HS Baseball vs Itasca
• 04/15 - HS Softball @ Rio Vista
• 04/16 - HS Tennis @ Franklin HS
• 04/16 - Biology STAAR, 8th Science STAAR
• 04/17 - Boys Regional Golf @ Ferris TX
• 04/17 - US History STAAR
• 04/18 - Holiday (Good Friday)
• 04/21 - Holiday (Easter Monday)
• 04/28 - Band Concert

FFA Events:

• 04/07 - Central Texas Youth Fair Lamb, Goat, & Hog validation
• 04/09 - Area CDEs