College & Career Buzz

This four-day week was a little more low-key, but we still had some exciting moments! Our Ranger College students completed their midterm exams, and our seniors took their senior photos yesterday. I only got to spend about 10 minutes taking pictures with our seniors because I was also proctoring Ranger midterms, but I’m glad I captured a few of those special moments!

I’ll also begin sharing Senior Spotlights featuring our dual credit seniors. I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments, favorite memories, and plans for the future!

Our first College Application and FAFSA Night of the school year was a great success! We had a full house and spent two productive hours helping seniors and their families complete college applications and work on financial aid. Thank you to Miss Whitmer for putting on another successful College Application and FAFSA Night, and to everyone who helped support our seniors!

This week brings SAT testing! Students taking the test should get plenty of rest and come ready to do their best. We’re cheering you on as you take another step toward your future!

**Note: Our dual credit seniors have worked hard, and they deserve a little spotlight! I’ll feature one or two seniors each week, in the order completed submissions are received. I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and plans for the future!

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Mark Pittman III 🐝

From the welding shop to the stage and the finish line, Mark has stayed busy at Meridian High School! He participates in FFA, Cross Country, Basketball, Tennis, Track, One Act Play, and National Honor Society. One accomplishment he’s especially proud of is earning his Hill College Welding Certification.

Mark plans to attend Tarleton State University for his first degree, followed by Texas A&M for his master’s, with the goal of becoming an engineer.

💛 Staff Shoutout: “Mrs. Dunn for always helping me with my acting skills and taking us to state in OAP.”

🥤 What fueled his high school years? His mom’s Dr Pepper Zeros!

🎭 What he’ll miss most: One Act Play and his friends.

📝 Advice to incoming freshmen: “Do the assignments the first chance you get. Don’t wait and then have to stay up until midnight doing them.”

💬 Senior Quote: “Goodbye everyone. I will remember you all in therapy.” —Plankton

We’re proud of you, Mark, and excited to see where your next chapter takes you!

🔨 Building Skills, Gaining Experience, and Looking Ahead! 💛🖤

Last week, our Meridian High School welding students traveled to San Antonio to compete in a build-off competition! Representing MHS were:

• Jose Cuevas

• Devon Eakin

• Roman Garcia

• Mark Pittman

Our fellas placed 16th out of 25 teams! While they didn't finish quite where they had hoped, they worked hard, gained valuable hands-on experience, and represented MHS well!

The work doesn't stop here! Our students will finish their project back in the shop and proudly showcase their completed work.

And we're just getting started! We have several more build-offs and welding competitions on the horizon, including an all-girls welding competition at the end of February! 👩‍🏭

We are proud of these young men for stepping up to the challenge and putting their skills to the test. Every competition brings new lessons, more experience, and opportunities to grow!

Keep building, Jackets! 🐝💛🖤

Coach Schur would like to remind all students enrolled in Tarleton's dual credit Statistics course that exams are scheduled for Thursday and Monday. Students are encouraged to review their materials, prepare accordingly, and come ready to do their best!

10/30/26 - CTE Industry Tour to L3Harris from 9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

11/04/26 - Tarleton Future Global Leaders Summit from 9:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.

11/05/26 -- Tarleton STEM Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

11/05/26 - CTE Industry Tour to Caterpillar Waco Distribution Center from 9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

11/05/26 - CTE Industry Tour to Waco Family Medicine from 9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

11/12/26 - CTE Industry Tour to Premier ER from 9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

11/13/26 - CTE Industry Tour to KidStrong Waco from 9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

12/16-18th/26 - Dual Credit Field Trip (Exact day and time TBD)

03/02/27 - Health Careers Showcase from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. for juniors and seniors