Melissa Middle School was named the champion of the 2022 UIL A+ Academics District Meet for the fourth consecutive year, earning first place overall ahead of Anna, Celina, Van Alstyne, and Princeton.
Over 50 students from Melissa Middle School participated in UIL A+ Academics this year, representing grades 6-8, competing individually and in teams. The students came home with a total of 74 individual awards and 24 team awards, ranging from first through sixth place. Betty Walthall, seventh grade math teacher, served as the Melissa Middle School sponsor this year for UIL A+ Academics.
Students competed in the following categories at the district meet: Listening Skills, Modern Oratory, Oral Reading, Science, Spelling and Vocabulary, Maps, Graphs, and Charts, Dictionary Skills, Number Sense, Music Memory, Social Studies, Mathematics, Ready Writing, Editorial Writing, Chess Puzzles, Art Smarts, Calculator, and Impromptu.
Included in overall scoring were the results of the 2022 UIL Jr. One Act Play Contest, where the Melissa Middle School Performing Arts program won first place for the third consecutive year, led by middle school theatre director Louise Hickey.
"The administration and staff of Melissa Middle School and the Sixth Grade Center are extremely proud of our amazing students, as well as the leadership of Mrs. Walthall and Mrs. Hickey, for winning a fourth consecutive UIL A+ Academics District Championship," said principal Marcus Eckert. "This is a testament to the industrious work of our students, the unwavering commitment of our teachers, and the support and partnership from our parents and community. Not only did our Cardinals excel academically, but I would also like to bring attention to our students' humble and respectful approach during the tournament; it was truly inspiring."