The Hive Happenings

As we head into the final weeks of the school year, I just want to say thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for the love and support you pour into Meridian High School each and every day. This campus truly is a special place, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as your principal.

As a reminder, our end-of-year incentive field trip will take place on Tuesday, May 19th. Students will leave at 7:00 a.m. sharp, so please make sure they arrive on time. Students should dress comfortably and are encouraged to wear hats and sunscreen. Students may bring their phones; however, they may only be used after school hours. Permission forms are due by Wednesday, May 13th. Sack lunches will be provided.

I also want to remind all dual credit students to turn in their Ranger College permission forms as soon as possible. If you need another copy, I am happy to email one or send one home with your student.

Following graduation, I will officially transition into my new district role as Director of P-TECH and Pathways. Graduation will be my final event serving as principal of Meridian High School. While this chapter is coming to a close, I am excited to continue serving Meridian ISD students and families in a new capacity focused on expanding college and career opportunities for our students.

Meridian has always been more than just a school to me — it is home. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and allowing me to be a small part of so many incredible student journeys over the years.

As always, thank you for supporting Meridian High School and our Yellow Jackets!

As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped make this week so special for our staff.

A huge thank-you to Mrs. Maiden, Beth Poston, Rachel Beaudin, Tasha Scott, Clifton Sonic, Lee Ann Ardeneaux, Ashleigh Hines, The Hoods, RS4, The Methodist Church, Mark Pittman, Coach Doughty, and Coach Kerbow for their generosity, kindness, and support throughout the week. Coach Kerbow, thank you for always jumping in to help bring my crazy ideas to life!

I also want to give a very special thank-you to Cindy Denman, Larry Denman Sr., and Mrs. Rosie Guerrero, who have donated countless hours, resources, food, time, and energy to Meridian High School. Their servant hearts and dedication to our staff and students are truly unmatched. They are the heart of Hive Heart Volunteers, and we are beyond grateful for the love and support they pour into our campus.

A huge thank-you as well to Mrs. Wehmeyer, Mrs. Hood, and Miss Whitmer for helping plan and organize everything throughout the week. Without their help behind the scenes, we truly could not have pulled off Teacher Appreciation Week.

Finally, thank you to all of our teachers and staff who make Meridian such a special place. We are truly a family, and I am grateful every day to serve alongside each of you.

Thank you all for helping make our teachers feel appreciated, valued, and celebrated! I apologize for not getting pictures of all of the wonderful items donated to our teachers.

We are proud to celebrate three outstanding Meridian High School student-athletes who have signed to continue both their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level!

🏐 Dyna Potter — Arlington Baptist University Volleyball

🏈 Cohen Lumpkins — Hardin-Simmons University Football

🏈 Garrett Pope — Howard Payne University Football

These students have invested countless hours into their sports, their teams, and our school community. Through dedication, perseverance, leadership, and hard work, they have represented Meridian High School with pride and excellence.

We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and cannot wait to see the impact they make at the next level.

Congratulations, Jackets! Your Meridian family is cheering you on every step of the way!

Meridian High School recently had the privilege of welcoming former New York Giants player and motivational speaker Keith Davis to campus for a powerful presentation centered around the theme “2nd Half.” This was in collaboration with Donna Jarman to bring more experiences to our students.

Davis shared his incredible life story with our students, encouraging them to view challenges, setbacks, and failures not as the end of their story, but as an opportunity for a stronger “second half.” Growing up in inner-city Los Angeles, Davis overcame poverty, family struggles, academic obstacles, and adversity before becoming a standout football player at USC, a Rose Bowl Champion, and eventually signing with the New York Giants. After an injury ended his NFL career, he turned his focus toward inspiring others through motivational speaking and mentorship. ()

Throughout the presentation, students heard a message of resilience, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Davis challenged students to believe that their current circumstances do not define their future and reminded them that success often comes from learning how to respond when life gets difficult.

The presentation left a lasting impact on our students and staff, and we are grateful for the encouragement, honesty, and inspiration Keith Davis brought to Meridian High School. His message was a powerful reminder that no matter what the “first half” of life may look like, there is always an opportunity to write a better second half.

🌟 Gold Stars: Celebrating Our Everyday Heroes

Every week, we’ll shine a little spotlight on moments—big and small—that make our campus stronger, kinder, and more connected. Gold Stars aren’t about titles or checklists; they’re about the heart and hustle we see in each other every day.

💡 Want to nominate someone for a Gold Star? Send me a quick note with their name and what they did. All shout-outs are not just welcome—they’re encouraged!

This week's Gold Star Nominations were (insert drum roll here):

None at this time.

Guissel Neri was nominated by Mrs. Folks. She said, "Guissel has worked patiently with our 1st grade class this entire school year! She has stepped in & helped in every way needed!! Thank you Guissel! "

Gunnar was nominated by Mrs. Folks. She said, "Gunner pivoted during field day and made his station fun & active even without water!!"

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Remember anyone can nominate a teacher, staff member, or student! Let's help build each other up this year to make this the best school year ever! Go Jackets!!

Attendance by grade level as of May 08, 2026:

6th grade: 96.85% 🔽

7th grade: 95.87% --

8th grade: 97.68%🔽

9th grade: 95.98% --

10th grade: 94.76% --

11th grade: 95.03% 🔼

12th grade: 95.15 % 🔽

• 05/11/26 - MHS Awards Night @ 6:00 p.m.
• 05/12/26 - FFA Banquet @ Cafeteria
• 05/14/26 - Athletic Banquet @ Cafeteria
• 05/14/26 - Hill College Graduation
• 05/15/26 - Senior Robing Ceremony @ 10 a.m., Senior Walk immediately following
• 05/17/26 - Baccalaureate @ Methodist church - 6 p.m.
• 05/18/26 - MS Awards @ 10 a.m. -- Livestreamed on Youtube Media Channel
• 05/21/26 - Last day of School
• 05/22/26 - Graduation