The Hive Happenings

​Meridian High School has achieved a historic milestone by advancing to the UIL State One-Act Play competition for the first time in school history. Their compelling performance of A Monster Calls earned them a spot in the 2024-2025 UIL Conference 2A Region II competition, where they competed alongside schools such as De Leon, Hamilton, Alvord, and Bogata Rivercrest .​

The talented cast and crew, under the direction of Andrea Dunn and Leigh Gilbert, received several individual honors for their outstanding performances:

​

• 🏆 All-Star Crew Member – Arianna Sandley

• 🎭 Honorable Mention All-Star Cast – Abigail Dietiker

• 🌟 All-Star Cast – Justus VonStrohe, Ben Beaudin

The State One-Act Play competition for Conferences 1A through 3A is scheduled to take place from May 12 to May 14, 2025, at the University of Texas at Austin . Meridian High School is set to perform on Tuesday, May 13th.​

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students and directors. For more information and updates, you can visit the Meridian ISD website.

Before the lights ever hit the stage, before the applause and accolades—there were late-night practices, shared snacks, tired giggles, and costume fixes with safety pins and hot glue. There was teamwork, laughter, and the kind of memories that only come from creating something magical together.

In the weeks leading up to the Regional UIL One Act Play competition, the cast and crew of A Monster Calls poured their hearts into every moment. Whether it was blocking scenes, running lines, or perfecting sound and lighting cues, these students built something bigger than a play—they built a family.

Here’s a glimpse at the joy, the chaos, and the love that went into getting A Monster Calls ready for its biggest stage yet.

Talk about talent and tenacity! While most students would be proud to compete in just one UIL event, Pearl Dong, Ben Beaudin, and Arianna Sandley are taking things to a whole new level.

Just yesterday, the trio gave incredible performances at the Regional One Act Play competition, helping bring A Monster Calls to life in a way that captivated judges and earned Meridian its first-ever trip to the State OAP contest.

But their spotlight didn’t fade at curtain call.

Today, they’re right back at it—trading costumes and props for pencils and prep sheets—as they compete in five different events at the Regional Academic UIL Meet. These students are proving that artistry and intellect go hand in hand, representing Meridian ISD with grace, grit, and a whole lot of heart.

Whether it's delivering powerful monologues or tackling challenging academic events, Pearl, Ben, and Arianna are making us proud on every stage they step onto.

Attention Parents -- Final Week of Testing Next Week!

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!

Congratulations to the incredibly talented students of Meridian High School’s One Act Play! Their hard work and dedication paid off as they secured a spot at the Regional One-Act Competition.

Their performance of SF A Monster Calls captivated the judges, and several students received individual honors for their outstanding performances:

🏆 All-Star Crew Member – Arianna Sandley
🎭 Honorable Mention All-Star Cast – Mark Pittman
🌟 All-Star Cast – Justus VonStrohe, Ben Beaudin, Glory Gilbert, Daylee Gilbert

This talented cast and crew, under the direction of Andrea Dunn and Leigh Gilbert, continue to make Meridian High School proud. We can’t wait to see them shine at the Regional competition in Dennison. Congratulations to all!

If you would like to see their next performance, it will take place at Grayson College on April 24th. Showtimes to be determined. Follow on Facebook for more details.

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.

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

• 04/28 - Spring Band Concert
• 04/28 - 8th Math STAAR
• 04/28 & 04/29 - Girls Regional Golf Tournament
• 05/01 - CTE /Dual Credit Night @ 6 P.M. in MHS Cafeteria
• 05/01 - YES! Expo Field Trip (Jrs & Srs if they want)
• 05/02 - State Track Meet @ Austin, TX
• 05/03 - Prom at 5J in McGregor
• 05/05 - Boy's State Golf Tournament
• 05/06 - Boy's State Golf Tournament
• 05/06 - Letter Jacket Fittings
• 05/06 - B.A.C. Youth Music Showcase
• 05/07 - Blood Drive
• 05/08 - Band Banquet
• 05/09 - Regional Tennis Tournament
• 05/10 - Regional Tennis Tournament
• 05/10 - Band of Gold Spring Marching Session 2
• 05/12 - State One Act Play Tech Rehearsal
• 05/13 - State One Act Play Performances (2A)
• 05/14 - State One Act Play Critiques & Awards
• 05/15 - Athletic Banquet
• 05/18 - Baccalaureate
• 05/19 - JH Awards / NJHS @ 10 a.m.
• 05/20 - HS Awards / NHS @ 9 a.m.
• 05/20 - Senior Robing/Scholarship @ 10 a.m.
• 05/20 - Senior Picnic @ 12:30 p.m. Bosque Bottoms
• 05/20 - FFA Banquet
• 05/22 - Last Day of School (1/2 day)
• 05/23 - Graduation Practice @ 9 a.m.
• 05/23 - Graduation @ 7 p.m.