The Hive Happenings

As we wrap up another school year at Meridian High School, I want to take a moment to thank our students, staff, and families for your partnership, perseverance, and dedication. It has been an honor to serve this community, and I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished together.

This summer, I’ll be taking time to reflect on my first year here in Meridian and explore ways I can continue to grow—both personally and professionally. My goal is always to improve as a leader and to continue making our school the best it can be for every student and staff member.

From May 25th to May 31st, I will be on a cruise in the Western Caribbean and will not have access to my phone or Wi-Fi during that time. I appreciate your patience and understanding, and I look forward to returning recharged and ready to plan for an even stronger year ahead.

Wishing you all a safe, restful, and joyful summer!

You came in as freshmen, unsure, maybe shy—

(Okay, that’s a lie, you were loud so loud and we don't know why).

With pep in your step and your volume on ten,

We knew from the start, “Here we go again!”

From game days to prom, you made quite the splash,

With cleats on your feet and of course, no hall pass.

You argued your points like seasoned debaters,

And dodged all your work like ninja crusaders.

You’re athletes, you're scholars (well… some of you tried),

You “forgot” your assignments, but at least you replied.

You pushed all our buttons, and maybe the rules,

But deep down you’re golden—just loud in your schools.

You’ve taken the lead with that bold senior pride,

And maybe a dance in the lunchroom (inside).

You’ve laughed, and you’ve loved, and you’ve made your mark clear—

And filled every hallway with nonsense and cheer.

Now tassels are turning, the future is near,

You’re heading out loud with no ounce of fear.

So farewell, dear seniors—our legends, our stars,

Just steer kind of straight—no wild NASCARs.

We’ll miss all the moments, the chaos, the flair—

And we’ll definitely miss how you never played fair.

So take on the world, be strong and be kind,

But your locker still smells—clean it out with some pride.

Meridian High School is celebrating a major academic and financial milestone this year, thanks to our growing dual credit program. Dual credit allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school—for free—saving families money and helping students get a head start on their college journey.

📈 Dual Credit by the Numbers:

School Year Dual Credit Students Credit Hours Earned

2024–2025 -- 49 students 272 hours

2023–2024 -- 9 students 42 hours

That’s a 444% increase in student participation and a 548% increase in college hours earned in just one year!

💰 Financial Impact:

The average cost of one college credit hour at a Texas public university is approximately $275 (including tuition and fees).

This Year’s Savings:

272 hours × $275 = $74,800

Last Year’s Savings:

42 hours × $275 = $11,550

Total Saved Over Two Years:

$86,350

That’s nearly $75,000 saved this year alone—money that Meridian families won’t have to pay later in college tuition.

🎉 Why It Matters:

Dual credit doesn’t just save money—it gives students:

• A head start on college degrees
• Confidence in college-level coursework
• Career readiness and real-world skills

We are so proud of our students for rising to the challenge, and we thank our superintendent, school board, dual credit partners, and families for supporting this incredible opportunity.

At the heart of every successful school district is a dedicated group of individuals working behind the scenes to support students, staff, and the greater school community. Meridian ISD is proud to recognize and thank our Board of Trustees for their unwavering commitment to our schools and students.

2024-2025 Meridian ISD School Board Members:

Bobby Taylor – President

Kyle Hood – Vice President

Awnya Dietiker – Secretary

Darcy Allen – Member

Marc Arnold – Member

Wendy Cummings – Member

Larry Denman – Member

We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our outgoing members, Albert Hunter and Kristy Kuykendall, for their years of service and dedication to the students and staff of Meridian ISD. Their leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact, and they will always be part of the Meridian family.

As the principal of Meridian ISD, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each of our School Board members. Your tireless efforts ensure we have the resources, opportunities, and support needed to reach our goals and dreams. From budget decisions to program support, your role is essential to the success of our district.

Thank you for all you have done—and continue to do—for the students, staff, and families of Meridian ISD.

Congratulations to the Meridian One Act Play cast and crew for their outstanding performance of A Monster Calls at the UIL State Competition, where they earned an impressive 5th place finish! A heartfelt thank you to directors Andrea Dunn and Leigh Gilbert for their leadership and dedication. Special recognition goes to Mark Pittman for receiving Honorable Mention All-Star Cast and to Ben Beaudin for being named to the All-Star Cast.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our outgoing seniors—Ben Beaudin, Pearl Dong, Brianna Mercer, Juan Triana, and Glory Gilbert—as well as to our foreign exchange student, Justus Vonstrohe. Your talent, hard work, and presence have made a lasting impact. You will be greatly missed!

The Meridian FFA wrapped up a fantastic year with its annual End-of-Year Banquet, celebrating the hard work, leadership, and achievements of its members. The evening included the presentation of “Top Hand” awards recognizing outstanding dedication and service. A highlight of the night was the election of the new officer team, who are ready to lead the chapter into another year of growth and success. Congratulations to all honorees and newly elected officers!

Advisors:

Mike Gann

Kenadee Kuykendall

Mark Pittman

New Officers:

President-Arianna Sandley

Vice president- Jasmin Brown

Secretary- Maryn Roberson

Treasure- AJ Villarreal

Reporter- Taylor Brown

Sentinel- Abigail Dietiker

Student Advisor- Mark Pittman III

Awards:

Star Green Hand -AJ Villarreal

Star Chapter- Abigail Dietiker

Star Lonestar- Zoey Whitmer

Top Hand- Jesse Scott, Bradly Kihnel, Alex Rodriquez, Jordon Sheffer

Meridian High School is proud to celebrate four outstanding seniors who have committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level!

• Ian Gomez and Matthew Jones will be playing baseball at Arlington Baptist University.

• Be Beaudin is set to play tennis at Howard Payne University.

• McKenzie Borhofen will take her tennis talents to LeTourneau University.

These student-athletes have put in the work on and off the field and court, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. Their dedication, leadership, and competitive spirit have left a lasting legacy at Meridian.

Congratulations to all four—your Yellowjacket family will be cheering you on every step of the way!

🌟 Congratulations to Our New NHS Inductees!

Meridian High School proudly welcomed a new group of scholars into the National Honor Society—an elite organization that recognizes students for their excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to academic success and community involvement. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and know they will continue to lead by example.

• Hannah Beaudin
• Caleb Cummings
• Colby Cummings
• Dawson Cummings
• Hayden Cummings
• Kerrington Dagley
• Thomas Denman
• Zoie Kilcrease
• Isaac Lira
• Dustin Padgett
• Mark Pittman
• Sarah Rosales
• Maryn Roberson
• Addyson Scott
• Afton Smith
• Justus Vonstrohe
• Zoey Whitmer

📘 Celebrating Our NJHS Inductees!

Meridian Middle School recently honored its newest members of the National Junior Honor Society. These students were selected for their dedication to academics, leadership potential, and desire to make a positive impact. We applaud their hard work and know this is only the beginning of their journey as leaders in our school and beyond.

• Kyler Turner
• Joshua Beaudin
• Zoey Allen
• Reygan Drew
• Cylan Hightower
• Parker Hurley
• Harley Moore
• Sophie Richardson
• Sophie Villanueva
• Sadie Yant

Meridian Elementary’s Field Day was a huge success, thanks in large part to the incredible high school student volunteers who gave their time and energy to help run the event.

Coach Leisha Martin shared her gratitude:

"I want to express how thankful I am for the high school volunteers that came and helped with field day! You showed great leadership and interacted with our elementary students well. We could not have pulled this off without them. It is with their help that we are able to have such fun stations for everyone to enjoy. Thanks again to all the volunteers, I greatly appreciate it!!"

Thank you, high schoolers, for setting a great example and making the day memorable for our youngest Yellowjackets!

Seat time start next week! All MHS students who were notified by phone call from Mrs. Jarman must begin reporting, Tuesday, May 27th, at Meridian Elementary. Dress code will be followed.

Summer school will begin on June 2nd for students who were not successful on their STAAR End-of-Course exams. If your child qualifies, you will begin receiving phone calls with more information about scores and enrollment starting next week. Please be on the lookout and reach out to the school with any questions.

Here is a brief recap for our virtual CTE, CCMR, and Dual Credit night. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please send me an email at lpaceley@meridianisd.org or to Mrs. Spivey at aspivey@meridianisd.org.

Thank you!

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.

• 05/26 - State Solo and Ensemble Competition @ Austin
• 05/30 - FCA Band Rehearsal and Game
• 06/04 - Band Leadership Day Camp
• 06/04 - CTYF Fair (Clifton)
• 06/05 - Band Leadership Day Camp
• 06/05 - CTYF Fair (Clifton)
• 06/06 - CTYF Fair (Clifton)
• 07/07 - 07/11 - MISD offices closed