The UIL Academic Team won the 5A Region II championship title after competing at the regional meet held at the University of Texas-Arlington campus on April 21-22. This was Melissa’s first year in 5A, and the team won with a total of 165 points. Frisco Heritage was the first runner-up with 157. Melissa has seven students advancing to the state meet, which will take place at the University of Texas in Austin, May 17-18.

Tyler Mathieson was named the regional champion in Computer Applications, and Ira Roy claimed second place in the same event, qualifying both of them for state. Jaxon Clark placed fourth in Computer Applications making him the first alternate to state. Computer Applications is coached by Doug Bingman.

Melissa was named the Speech Champion at regionals. Andrew Nager won the gold medal in Persuasive Speaking, and Dax Laber earned the silver medal in the same event. Brinley Smith finished in third place in Informative Speaking. All three speakers will now advance to the state contest. Flida Etchouekang also won fourth place in Persuasive Speaking, and Carson Butler won fourth place in Lincoln Douglas Debate.  Extemporaneous Speaking and Debate are coached by Brenden Dimmig.

In Prose Interpretation, coached by Molly Kennedy, Emerson Trevino also advanced to state by placing third, and Kolby Schulz finished in sixth place.

In journalism, coached by Rachel Nelson, Miranda Sirota won the silver medal in Editorial Writing, qualifying her for the state competition. Lindsay Anderson also won sixth place in Copy Editing.

The One Act Play “A Monster Calls” also placed third at the regional meet making them the alternate play to state. Bailey Thornburg and Makenna Worsham-Bowen both won All-Star Cast Awards. Kyah Wells was named Honorable Mention All-Star Cast, and Lorelai Thompson was named Outstanding Technician. The play was directed by Megan Moore, Molly Kennedy and Kyle Brenner.