​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:

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• 🏆 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.

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

• 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
• 05/09 - One Act Play Public Performance @ Glen Rose (TBD)
• 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 @ 10 a.m.
• 05/15 - Athletic Banquet
• 05/18 - Baccalaureate
• 05/19 - JH Awards / NJHS @ 10 a.m.
• 05/20 - NHS @ 9 a.m.
• 05/20 - HS Awards @ 2 p.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.