The Melissa High School Special Olympics Cheerleader Squad has earned the title of Special Olympics NCA High School State Champions! On Friday, January 24, 2025, the squad participated in the Special Olympics NCA High School State Competition held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX. Competing against 26 other Special Olympics squads from across Texas, the team performed in the Beginner Traditional division, showcasing a Game Day Rally as part of the Friday Night Lights competition.
This was a historic moment for Melissa High School, as it marked the first year for the Special Olympics Cheerleading Squad and their debut at the NCA State Competition.
MHS Special Olympics Cheerleading Coach and SPED teacher, Akemi Steiner, expressed gratitude to everyone who helped bring this dream to life, “It was truly a special night! Our focus was to provide an opportunity for all our special population students. Crystal poured countless hours into these girls to make sure they came out on top! Our team took that opportunity, worked hard, and reached their full potential. Seeing the joy on our team's faces confirms the experience we had yesterday is the reason this program exists."
Crystal Phillips, MHS Special Olympics Cheerleading Coach and SPED teacher, shared her excitement about the team’s milestone achievement, “These kids are amazing! They worked so hard and learned so much this year. At times, they doubted themselves, but we kept pushing them out of their comfort zones and toward their potential. We’ve instilled in them to believe in yourself, trust your teammates, and inspire others the Cardinal way—pillars of our success. The scores and critiques this past weekend reflected all their hard work, and I am so proud to have coached the sweetest, most hardworking team!”
The program sponsors also expressed their gratitude to Cynde Lewis, Principal Marcus Eckert, and the MHS Cheer Squad for their dedicated support to the program. Melissa ISD is incredibly proud of the MHS Special Olympics Cheerleading Squad for their hard work, determination, and incredible teamwork. Their enthusiasm and success inspire our entire community, representing Melissa ISD with pride and excellence.
Congratulations to the MHS Special Olympics Cheerleading Squad:
Lilly Della
Abbie Madabuike
Savannah Moothart
Nevaeh Moothart
Jian Morales
Viola Pirillo
Emmy Ruiz
Nathan Tan
Taylor Young
Coach Akemi Steiner
Coach Crystal Phillips
