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Cardinal Connection
The student news site of Melissa High School

Cardinal Connection
The student news site of Melissa High School

Cardinal Connection
Abbie Chaloupka

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Abbie Chaloupka is a senior this year at Melissa High School. This is her fourth year writing for the Cardinal Connection. She is involved in Student Council, Prom Committee, Interact, Spirit Council, HOSA, and Perspective. She spends her free time listening to music and buying new vinyl records.  Abbie is planning on going to the University of Arkansas to study nursing in the fall of 2023.

All content by Abbie Chaloupka
Cardinal Brief: May 22-26

Cardinal Brief: May 22-26

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 19, 2023
Seniors Maisy Gustaveson and Noah Lakey receive their MEF Scholarships at the ceremony held on May 4.

Cardinal Brief: May 15-19

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2023
Senior Kylie Kroese celebrates as she is crowned queen at the prom held on April 29 at the Sheraton Hotel in McKinney. Senior Brandon Ward was crowned prom king.

Cardinal Brief: May 8 – 12

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 5, 2023
Students work with professional video cameras in AV Production classes.

Cardinal Brief: May 1 – 5

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 28, 2023
[Review] Books to read to prepare for summer

[Review] Books to read to prepare for summer

Abbie Chaloupka and Chloe Walton
April 27, 2023
Freshman Kennedy Branch competes in the 100m dash at the district track meet on April 12. She finished in 3rd place in the 100m dash and 1st place in the 200m dash, advancing to the area meet in both events as well as part of the 4x100 relay team.

Cardinal Brief: April 24-28

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2023
Junior Lincoln Dunn sprints to the finish line in the prelims of the varsity boys 100m race at the district track meet held at Lovejoy HS on April 12.

Cardinal Brief: April 17-21

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2023
Sophomore Paisley Needham throws the ball at the softball game on March 28.

Cardinal Brief: April 10-14

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2023
Sophomore Joe Stock competes in boys singles at the varsity district tournament on March 28 held at the Z-Plex.

Cardinal Brief: April 3 – 7

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 31, 2023
Melissa Theatre performs "A Monster Calls" for their UIL One Act Play entry this year. The troupe was the second place advancing play at the district contest and the first place advancing play at bi-district. They will perform in the area round on March 29 at Tyler Junior College.

Cardinal Brief: March 27-31

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 24, 2023
Blake McClendon (8) pitches against Lovejoy on March 14 at Lovejoy High School. Lovejoy won the game 2-1.

Cardinal Brief: March 20-24

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 17, 2023
Junior Lorelai Thompson squats 385 lbs at the Lady Braves Invitational Meet at Community HS on Feb. 16. Thompson competed at the regional meet in Prosper on March 1 and qualified for state with a 1st place win.

Cardinal Brief: March 6 – 17

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2023
[Review] 'Outer Banks' Season 3 leaves fans with mixed opinions

[Review] ‘Outer Banks’ Season 3 leaves fans with mixed opinions

Chloe Walton and Abbie Chaloupka
March 2, 2023
Junior Alexis Kiefer passes the ball at the soccer game against Lovejoy on Feb. 17.

Cardinal Brief: Feb. 27 – March 3

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2023
Students create artwork in Mrs. Fortune's class.

Cardinal Brief: Feb. 20 – 24

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2023
Freshman Austin Goosby shoots the ball in the district game at McKinney North High School on Feb. 7.

Cardinal Brief: Feb.13 -17

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 10, 2023
Freshman Kay Ndanzia pins her McKinney opponent at the home duels on Jan. 26.

Cardinal Brief: Jan. 30 – Feb. 3

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 27, 2023
Sophomore Avery Greene performs as Mayzie LaBird in "Suessical: The Musical." Melissa Theatre will host two shows: Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 21 at 2 p.m.

Cardinal Brief: Jan. 23-27

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 20, 2023
Sophomore Allistair Mohmed wrestles his opponent from Whitesboro at the home duels on Jan. 12. He won the match 11-2.

Cardinal Brief: Jan. 16-20

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 13, 2023
Varsity cheer leads the crowd on the sidelines at a home football game. The UIL Competition Team will host a community performance and state send off on Jan. 10. They will compete at the Spirit State Championship on Jan. 13-14.

Cardinal Brief: Jan. 9-13

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 6, 2023
Cardinal Brief: Dec. 19 - Jan. 6

Cardinal Brief: Dec. 19 – Jan. 6

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2022
Students and teachers get into the holiday spirit by wearing ugly sweaters on Fridays in December.

Cardinal Brief: Dec. 12-16

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 9, 2022
MHS hosts new holiday tradition

MHS hosts new holiday tradition

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2022
Senior Christopher Johnson-Love shoots for 2 on Nov. 15 against Van Alstyne. The Cardinals easily won the non-conference game 72-47.

Cardinal Brief: Dec. 5 – 9

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 2, 2022
[Opinion] Area places to enjoy holiday cheer

[Opinion] Area places to enjoy holiday cheer

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2022
The Cardinals run out prior to their bi-district game against Hallsville on Nov. 11. This was their final home game in Cardinal Stadium. Melissa won 57-20 to advance to the area round of playoffs against Ennis on Nov. 18 at Wildcat-Ram Stadium in Dallas.

Cardinal Brief: Nov. 21 – Dec. 2

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 18, 2022
Theatre debuts their fall musical "Matilda" on Nov. 10 in the Melissa Arts Center. They will have three more performances on Nov. 12, 17 and 19.

Cardinal Brief: Nov. 14 – 18

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 11, 2022
Seniors Trevor Goosby and Sydney Freeland are crowned 2022 Homecoming King and Queen in a pre-game ceremony held on Oct. 28 in the middle school gym.

Cardinal Brief: Nov. 7 – 11

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2022
Wacky Wednesday

[Photo] [Photos] Homecoming Week – Oct. 25-28

Rozleyn Brown, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2022
Polio case reappears in New York

Polio case reappears in New York

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2022
The varsity football players along with the Melissa community perform the Big Boom at the homecoming pep rally held Oct. 26 at Cardinal Stadium.

Cardinal Brief: Oct. 31- Nov. 4

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2022
2022 Homecoming Court: Bennett Edwards, Maddie Pickett, Jax Morrow, Kindred Johnson, Trevor Goosby, Sydney Freeland, Lance Riley, Maisy Gustaveson, Preston Moore, and Chloe Webb.

Cardinal Brief: Oct. 24 – 28

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 21, 2022
Senior Abi Bass sets the pace early in the 5A District 13 meet held Oct. 11 at Myers Park in McKinney. Bass finished in second place and led her team to qualify for regionals with a third place finish.

[Photo] Melissa boys, girls cross country teams advance to regionals

Whitney Ackerman, Reporter
October 17, 2022
Leading the varsity girls team, senior Abi Bass sets the pace early at the 5A District 13 Cross Country Meet held at Myers Park in McKinney on Oct. 11. Bass finished in 2nd place individually, and both the varsity girls and boys teams finished in 3rd place, advancing to the regional meet.

Cardinal Brief: Oct. 17-21

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 14, 2022
Tech Theatre works to build sets for the fall musical "Maltilda."

Cardinal Brief: Oct. 10-14

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 7, 2022
Students and faculty members gather and pray at the annual See You at the Pole event sponsored by FCA on Sept. 28.

Cardinal Brief: Oct. 3 – 7

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2022
Senior Kenzie Segleski (14) digs deep during one of varsity's games against Greenville on Sept. 16. The Lady Cards won all three matches and are currently in third place in district.

Cardinal Brief: Sept. 26-30

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2022
Juniors and seniors attend a College Fair on Sept. 15. There were 83 booths ranging from junior colleges to universities to military branches.

Cardinal Brief: Sept. 19 – 23

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 16, 2022
Mums hang from the stands at last year's homecoming game.

[Opinion] Tips for a stressless homecoming

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 13, 2022
Coach Spann gives some tips to seniors Josh Nicholas (23) and Jacob Fields (8) during the China Spring game on Sept. 2. The Cardinals played a close game against the defending 4A Division II state champs and lost 42-41 in the last minute.

Cardinal Brief: Sept. 12-16

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2022
The senior section "turns down for what" at the Despicable Me-lissa themed pep rally Sept. 2. This will be a new tradition for the student section at the football games between the third and fourth quarters.

Cardinal Brief: Sept. 5 – 9

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 2, 2022
The boys 4 x 100 relay team poses with their gold medals and trophy. The team won the championship in this event at the UIL 4A Track & Field State Meet in Austin on May 12.

Cardinal Brief: May 23-27

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2022
Seniors receive Melissa Education Foundation scholarships on May 9.

Cardinal Brief: May 16-20

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2022
[Opinion] Cardinals can stay busy in summer with fun activities

[Opinion] Cardinals can stay busy in summer with fun activities

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2022
Students enjoy dancing at the "Enchanted Forest" themed prom held April 30 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.

Cardinal Brief: May 9-13

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 6, 2022
[Photos] Prom 2022 Gallery

[Photos] Prom 2022 Gallery

Rozleyn Brown and Abbie Chaloupka
May 5, 2022
Freshman Antonio D'Amore throws some heat from the mound in a game against Van Alstyne on April 19. The varsity baseball team finished second place in district and will now advance to the playoffs.

Cardinal Brief: May 2-6

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 29, 2022
Senior Rachel Wells prepares to bat. The Lady Cardinal Varsity Softball Team clinched the district championship title with their victory over Van Alstyne on April 19.

Cardinal Brief: April 25-29

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 22, 2022
Junior Ashlynn Elias competes in the 100m hurdles at the district track meet in Aubrey on April 13.

Cardinal Brief: April 18-22

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2022
[Opinion] How to prepare for finals

[Opinion] How to prepare for finals

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2022
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[Photo] Melissa receives 5 Broadway Dallas HS Musical Theatre nominations

Alana Walukiewicz, Reporter
April 13, 2022
Birdie wins mascot race at Special Olympics Track Meet held March 25.

Cardinal Brief: April 11-15

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2022
Sophomore Cade Gentry prepares to hit the ball in one of his district tennis matches on March 30. Cade won the gold medal and qualified for the regional tournament along with four other teammates.

Cardinal Brief: April 4 – 8

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 1, 2022
Junior Canyon Power dribbles the ball with junior Aidan Pintor watching. The Cardinals defeated Farmersville, 7-1, on March 5. They take on Sunnyvale for the bi-district title on March 25 at Lovejoy High School after the Lady Cards game, which starts at 6 p.m.

Cardinal Brief: March 28 – April 1

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2022
Junior Emely Aguilar moves the ball down the field. The Lady Cards, who are currently in 2nd place in district, defeated Farmersville, 12-0, at home on March 5.

Cardinal Brief: March 21-25

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 18, 2022
Senior Audrey Coulombe portrays Peter and junior Maisy Gustaveson stars as Tinker Bell in Melissa Theatre's rendition of "The Lost Boy." The UIL district one act play contest will be held March 5 at the Melissa Arts Center. The first play starts at 10 a.m. with Melissa performing at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Cardinal Brief: March 7-18

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2022
The oversized look moves into spring and summer through big shorts and tops.

[Opinion] Trends to look out for this spring, summer

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2022
Junior Brandon Ward squats 750 lbs at the Howe Invitational Powerlifting Meet on Feb. 19. Brandon won first place in his weight class and Melissa won the meet overall.

Cardinal Brief: Feb. 28-March 4

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 25, 2022
Coach Brad Crawford "babysits" for a student while teaching. Students in Child Development class had the option to carry a "flour sack baby" or "robot baby" this week.

Cardinal Brief: Feb. 21-25

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 18, 2022
Students pose with their Celebrating Art winning pieces. Front row: Jillian Walter, Jaelyn Strohl, and Phoenix Anderson. Back row: Jade Gonzales, Sofia Perez, Brogan Middleton, and Elizabeth Franco. Not pictured: Riley Hefel.

Students receive recognition in ‘Celebrating Art’ contest

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2022
The Lady Cards celebrate their victory over Aubrey 42-39 in their final home game of the season on Feb. 8.

Cardinal Brief: Feb. 14-18

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 11, 2022
Junior Isaiah James performs "Never Had a Friend Like Me" from "Aladdin" at Melissa Theatre's Cardinal Cabaret on Feb. 1.

Cardinal Brief: Feb. 7 – 11

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2022
[Editorial] MHS should keep block scheduling

[Editorial] MHS should keep block scheduling

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2022
Medical Assisting students in Nurse Venner's CTE class practice taking each other's temperatures.

Cardinal Brief: Jan. 31 – Feb.4

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 28, 2022
The juniors compete in the "bobsled" Olympic event on Jan. 14 in hopes to earn Cardinal Spirit Challenge points.

Cardinal Brief: Jan. 24-28

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 21, 2022
Lead actor Kolby Schulz, sophomore, and Jayden Graves, junior, portray George and Howard in Melissa Theatre's rendition of "Moon Over Buffalo." The performances run Jan. 13-15 at 7 p.m. each night in the Melissa Arts Center (MAC).

Cardinal Brief: Jan. 17-21

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 14, 2022
Senior Brooke Dillashaw Poses in NYC.

Students travel during holiday break

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 13, 2022
Students to perform in 'Moon over Buffalo' play Jan. 13-15

Students to perform in ‘Moon over Buffalo’ play Jan. 13-15

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 11, 2022
The high school girls chorus performs at the annual winter concert on Dec. 9.

Cardinal Brief: Jan. 10-14

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 7, 2022
Senior point guard Kerry Alexander (2) takes it to the hoop during a game against North Lamar on Dec. 14. The Cardinals won over the Panthers, 49-36, to improve their record to 11-4.

Cardinal Brief: Dec. 20 – Jan. 7

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 17, 2021
Junior Vanessa Nnabuike wins her dual with a pin against a Carrollton Ranchview opponent on Dec. 8.

Cardinal Brief: Dec. 13-17

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 10, 2021
Melissa's Ashton Mitchell-Johnson (12) leads the Cardinals onto the field before the regional playoff game against La Vega High School from Waco at McKinney ISD Stadium. The Cardinals won the game 41-14 to advance in the playoffs. They face undefeated Stephenville on Friday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Pennington Field in Bedford.

Cardinal Brief: Dec. 6-10

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 3, 2021
Jimmy Winter (played by senior Logan Lowery) is surrounded by chorus girls during one of Melissa Theatre's performances of "Nice Work If You Can Get It."

Cardinal Brief: Nov. 22 – Dec. 3

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 19, 2021
Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival leads to 10 deaths, hundreds injured

Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival leads to 10 deaths, hundreds injured

Abbie Chaloupka and Rozleyn Brown
November 18, 2021
Abigail Bass races in the UIL 4A State Cross Country Meet.

Junior Abigail Bass takes gold in state cross country meet

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2021
Jimmy Winter (played by senior Logan Lowery) is surrounded by chorus girls during one of Melissa Theatre's performances of "Nice Work If You Can Get It."

[Photo] [Photos]: Melissa Theatre presents ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’

November 16, 2021
The band performs a showcase for the community on Monday, Nov. 8, before heading to San Antonio to compete in the UIL 4A State Marching Contest. The band finished in 3rd place overall at the competition held in the Alamodome on Wednesday, Nov. 10.

Cardinal Brief: Nov. 15-19

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 12, 2021
Students color graphs in Ms. Simeon's 2nd period Honors Chemistry class.

Cardinal Brief: Nov. 8-12

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2021
Girls cross country team poses with their district trophy.

Both boys, girls qualify for state cross country

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2021
Seniors Ashton Mitchell-Johnson and Mattie McGrady were crowned the 2021 Homecoming King & Queen on Oct. 22.

Cardinal Brief: Nov. 1-5

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 29, 2021
Students look forward to dressing up for Halloween

Students look forward to dressing up for Halloween

Abbie Chaloupka, Co-Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2021
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