The Hive Happenings

Parents -- mark your calendar. 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!

Our Meridian Yellow Jacket OAP students and their directors -- Andrea Dunn and Leigh Gilbert, successfully completed their play "A Monster Calls." They will be advancing to Bi-district. The students earned the following awards: All Star Crew Member: Arianna Sandley All Star Crew (top crew from all shows): Meridian OAP -- Guisel Neri, Arianna Sandley, Afton Smith, and Pearl Dong Honorable Mention All Star Cast: Abigail Dietiker & Brianna Mercer All Star Cast: Mark Pittman & Justus VonStrohe Best Performers: Benjamin Beaudin Advancing Shows: Meridian OAP, Valley Mills OAP & Waco-Meyers

Meridian Middle School and High School student leaders took time out of their busy schedules to give back to their community by volunteering in elementary classrooms for Read Across America. These students stepped into the role of guest readers, sharing their love for books with younger students and celebrating the joy of reading.

Throughout the day, student leaders visited various classrooms, reading aloud engaging stories, asking thought-provoking questions, and encouraging elementary students to embrace a lifelong love of books. Their presence not only made the day special for the younger students but also highlighted the importance of literacy and mentorship within the Meridian school community.

“It was so much fun to see the kids' faces light up as we read to them,” said one high school volunteer. “I remember when older students would come read to me when I was in elementary school, and now I get to do the same for them.”

For the elementary students, this experience was both inspiring and exciting. Seeing older role models engaged in reading reinforced the importance of literacy and showed them that reading is a skill that lasts a lifetime. Teachers and staff expressed gratitude for the volunteers, emphasizing how these interactions build connections and foster a strong, supportive school culture.

Read Across America is more than just a celebration of books—it’s a chance for students of all ages to come together and inspire one another. Meridian’s student leaders made a lasting impact, proving that a simple act of reading can shape the future of young learners.

Way to go, Jackets! Keep leading, keep reading!

The Band of Gold competed in the Region 8 UIL Concert & Sightreading contest on Wednesday, March 5, and received six 1st Division ratings! This accomplishment along with their 1st Divisions in marching season has granted them SWEEPSTAKES status.

The Band of Gold is led by Mr. Daniel Yguerabide and assisted by Mr. Zach Martinez.

This past Friday, Meridian’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) had the privilege of hearing from Stephen Montgomery, the Athletic Director at Holy Cross Christian Academy in Burleson. Montgomery shared an inspiring message with students, emphasizing faith, leadership, and perseverance both on and off the field.

FCA continues to provide a welcoming space for students to grow in their faith and connect with mentors who encourage them in their journey. The group is always grateful for the support of the community, and if anyone is interested in helping provide meals for FCA students, please reach out to Mrs. Schur or Mr. Norman for more information.

Thank you to Stephen Montgomery for taking the time to speak with our students and to everyone who helps make FCA a meaningful part of campus life. Go Jackets!

Meridian High School students enrolled in the Education Pathway Career & Technical Education (CTE) program are putting their skills to work in an impactful way. Through their practicum experience and through the guidance of their teacher -- Mrs. Kerbow, these future educators are dedicating time each week to assisting teachers and supporting young learners at Meridian Elementary School.

As part of their hands-on training, these high school students are gaining valuable experience by working directly with elementary teachers in various grade levels. Their responsibilities range from preparing classroom materials and organizing activities to providing one-on-one or small-group assistance to students who need extra help. This real-world exposure allows them to apply what they have learned in their CTE coursework while making meaningful contributions to the school community.

For many of these future educators, this practicum has reaffirmed their passion for teaching and/or coaching. "It’s one thing to learn about teaching in a classroom setting, but it’s completely different when you get to experience it firsthand," said one high school senior. "This program has helped me feel more confident about my future career to become a Kindergarten teacher."

Beyond the practical skills they develop, these high school students are also fostering strong connections with the younger students, serving as role models and mentors. Their presence helps create a bridge between grade levels, fostering a sense of unity within the Meridian school community.

By investing their time and talents, these Education Pathway students are not only gaining invaluable experience but also making a lasting impact on the teachers and students they assist. Their work exemplifies the spirit of service and dedication that makes Meridian ISD a truly special place to learn and grow.

Students in Mrs. Alcarez’s Art I and Art II classes recently turned everyday discarded materials into impressive works of art. Through a creative and eco-conscious project, these young artists used recycled materials to construct unique 3D sculptures, showcasing both their artistic talents and their commitment to sustainability.

From cardboard and bottle caps to newspapers and aluminum cans, students repurposed a variety of items to bring their imaginative concepts to life. The project challenged them to think outside the box, exploring texture, structure, and form while also considering the environmental impact of their materials.

The completed projects are now on display in the school, demonstrating how art and sustainability can go hand in hand. This initiative not only helped students develop their artistic skills but also encouraged them to view recycling in a new and creative light.

Congratulations to all the Art I and Art II students for their incredible work, and thank you to Mrs. Alcarez for fostering such a meaningful learning experience!

Summer Strength and Conditioning Program UPDATE! We will have an open weight room/open gym time scheduled instead of organized group workouts during the month of June. The Athletic Department has set a goal of 90% attendance for the Strength, Conditioning, and Skills workouts for all high school and junior high athletes throughout the month of July. We would greatly appreciate our parents in encouraging their athletes to hold a TEAM mentality and help them in achieving this goal! Cross Country, Volleyball, and Football practices will begin on Monday, August 4, 2025.

Aaliyah Washington is gearing up for the biggest lift of her high school career as she prepares to compete at the THSWPA Unequipped State Powerlifting Meet in Edinburg on March 13th. After an incredible performance at Regionals—where she lifted a total of 710 pounds and earned the title of Regional Champion in the 198 class—Aaliyah is ready to take on the best in Texas.

Her journey to state is a testament to her hard work, strength, and dedication. As she represents Meridian High School on this prestigious stage, the entire Lady Jackets community is behind her, cheering her on.

We wish Aaliyah the best of luck as she competes at State—go lift big and make us proud!

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

**Note: Senior Spotlights will feature 2-3 Seniors per week in the newsletters. Students will be put in the newsletter in the order they are received.**

Camron Jones, son of Paul and Chalee Jones, is an active member of the Meridian High School community. He has three siblings and is involved in the welding program, where he continues to develop his skills.

In his free time, Camron enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, April Rowlins. He has been working at Sonic for the past year, gaining valuable experience.

His advice to freshmen: Be a good listener.

Camron’s favorite subject is Ag Engineering, and his favorite teacher is Mark Pittman.

We wish Camron all the best as he finishes his senior year and prepares for the future!

Cooper Arthur, son of Rachel Witt and Todd Arthur, is a dedicated student-athlete at Meridian High School. As an only child, he has made the most of his high school experience through both academics and athletics.

Cooper has competed in Varsity Track for four years, along with two years of football and two years of powerlifting. Outside of school, he enjoys working and spending time with his girlfriend, Hannah Jaynes.

After high school, Cooper plans to study HVAC at TSTC, preparing for a successful career in the trades. His favorite subject is History, and he credits Mrs. Paceley, Cash Spivey, Coach L. Schur, and Coach G. Schur as teachers who have made a meaningful impact on his education.

His advice to freshmen: Don’t lock in too late. Have fun, but take it seriously.

Best of luck to Cooper as he moves forward into this next chapter!

• 03/06 - 03/8 - Varsity Softball Tournament @ Stephenville
• 03/06 - 03/08 - Varsity Baseball Tournament @ Gorman
• 03/17 - JH Track Meet @ Lipan
• 03/18 - HS Baseball vs Lipan
• 03/18 - HS Softball @ Italy
• 03/20 - HS Track @ Lipan
• 03/21 - HS Baseball vs Frost
• 03/21 - HS Softball vs Frost
• 03/24 - JH Track @ Meridian
• 03/24 - District Golf @ Gatesville
• 03/25 - Texas Capital Performance - High School Band
• 03/25 - HS Softball vs Hico
• 03/25 - HS Baseball @ Frost
• 03/26 - HS Tennis @ Alvarado
• 03/27 - HS Track @ Meridian
• 03/28 - HS Baseball vs Rio Vista
• 03/28 - HS Softball vs Rio Vista
• 03/31 - JH District Track Meet @ Meridian
• 03/31 - Tennis Meet @ Little River Academy
• 03/31 - District Golf @ Gatesville (Day 2)
• 04/02 - Bi-District OAP
• 04/28 - Band Concert

FFA Events:

• 3/7/25 - Friday HLSR Breeding Gilt Show Houston
• 3/10/25 - Monday HLSR Markey Lamb Show Houston
• 3/11/25 - Tuesday HLSR Market Lamb Show Houston
• 3/12/25 - Wednesday HLSR Market Lamb Show Houston
• 3/13/25 - Thursday HLSR Market Lamb Show Houston
• 3/13/25 - Thursday HLSR Heifer Show Houston
• 3/14/25 - Friday HLSR Heifer Show Houston
• 3/15/25 - Saturday HLSR Heifer Show Houston
• 3/19/25 - Wednesday HLSR Steer Show Houston
• 3/20/25 - Thursday HLSR Steer Show Houston
• 3/21/25 - Friday HLSR Steer Show Houston