Thursday, August 1, 2024
Yearbook Purchase

The Melissa High School Yearbook is an 8.5 x 11 inch hardback, full-color publication. Known as “The Legacy,” the book is released in May. Books are delivered in person during Distribution Day near the end of the spring semester. From August 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025, the book will be available for purchase via Varsity Yearbook’s website, yearbookordercenter.com, while quantities last. After distribution in May, books are only available if extras are delivered. The school does not order extras, and the publisher does not print many overruns. Click the link below for all information regarding senior portraits, senior ads, and yearbook sales.

Thursday, August 1, 2024
Senior Ads on Sale

Only available to seniors, ADs will go on sale starting August 1, 2024, and run through November 30, 2024. Ads may be purchased starting Oct. 1 at YearbookOrderCenter.com. Spaces come in full, half, quarter, and eighth-page options.

Tuesday, September 3-6, 2024
Senior Meetings

Melissa High School Seniors will meet with their counselors for one-on-one meetings during the school day.

Thursday, September 12, 2024
College Fair

The Melissa High School College Fair will be on Thursday, September 12, 2024 in the Melissa High School gyms. Click below for more information.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Senior Portraits

Our official school photographer is CADY Studios. All seniors must have their photo taken by CADY to be included in the yearbook. The deadline to be photographed is January 18, 2025. Appointments can be booked directly on CADY’s website at cady.com/book25. Seniors can drive to their nearest studio in Plano for the most options, or they can take advantage of one of three “road shoots” at Melissa High School on September 24, November 20 or January 15. Scene options are limited during road shoots.

For students wanting a “yearbook only” photo, there is no sitting fee. (Scroll to the bottom of CADY’s web page for this option when making an appointment.) This photo can be taken in the studio or at one of the three road shoots on campus, but seniors must still make an appointment through CADY.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024
School Picture Day

School Picture Day for 9th-11th grade students is scheduled for September 17, and the Retake Day will be October 23.

All Seniors will have a photo taken for an updated Student ID Card on September 17. Any seniors needing an updated Student ID Card may retake on October 23.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Senior Cap and Gown Presentation

All seniors must order a cap, gown, and tassel. The deadline to order is December 6, 2024. The camp, gown, and tassel will be presented by Herff Jones during third period in the Melissa Arts Center.

Instructions on ordering just cap & gown:

• Visit gradtexas.com

• Click on "Shop Packages" at the top of the page

• Choose the Melissa Cardinals logo

• Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "Shop Individual Items"

• Go to page 3. The cap, gown, and tassel are the last items.

Caps, gowns, tassels, and graduation invitations will be sent to the school for pick up in the spring. All other orders from gradtexas.com will be sent directly to your home or the address you provide at checkout.

Monday, October 15-19, 2024
Homecoming Week

Homecoming Week is October 15-19, 2024. The Homecoming Week page will be updated at a later date, but click below for a preview of what to expect for this exciting week.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Senior Portraits

Our official school photographer is CADY Studios. All seniors must have their photo taken by CADY to be included in the yearbook. The deadline to be photographed is January 18, 2025. Appointments can be booked directly on CADY’s website at cady.com/book25. Seniors can drive to their nearest studio in Plano for the most options, or they can take advantage of one of three “road shoots” at Melissa High School on September 24, November 20 or January 15. Scene options are limited during road shoots.

For students wanting a “yearbook only” photo, there is no sitting fee. (Scroll to the bottom of CADY’s web page for this option when making an appointment.) This photo can be taken in the studio or at one of the three road shoots on campus, but seniors must still make an appointment through CADY.

Saturday, November 30, 2024
Senior Ads Deadline

Only available to seniors, ADs will go on sale starting August 1, 2024, and run through November 30, 2024. Ads may be purchased starting Oct. 1 at YearbookOrderCenter.com. Spaces come in full, half, quarter, and eighth-page options.

Sunday, December 1, 2024
FAFSA Opens

Please view House Bill 3 (HB 3), stating the high school graduation requirement regarding post-secondary financial aid applications.

Each student must do one of the following in order to graduate:

• Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)

• Submit a signed opt-out form

For more information, please visit House Bill 3 FAFSA Requirement Information and the FAFSA Application website.

Monday, December 2, 2024
MEF Scholarship Application Opens

The Melissa Education Foundation Scholarship applications for 2025 will open for seniors on December 2, 2024. Visit the Melissa Education Foundation website for more details on the MEF Scholarships application. Dates are subject to change; this page will be updated with MEF Scholarship Application dates are finalized.

Friday, December 6, 2024
Cap and Gown Deadline

The deadline to order a cap & gown is Friday, December 6, 2024.

Monday, December 16, 2024
FAFSA Night with Collin College

All seniors and their parents are invited to attend our Melissa High School FAFSA Night on December 16, 2024, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Melissa High School Food Hall. Collin College will give a short presentation about FAFSA and then will be available to answer any questions and help families fill out the FAFSA application. More details will be provided at a later date. 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Senior Portraits

Our official school photographer is CADY Studios. All seniors must have their photo taken by CADY to be included in the yearbook. The deadline to be photographed is January 18, 2025. Appointments can be booked directly on CADY’s website at cady.com/book25. Seniors can drive to their nearest studio in Plano for the most options, or they can take advantage of one of three “road shoots” at Melissa High School on September 24, November 20 or January 15. Scene options are limited during road shoots.

For students wanting a “yearbook only” photo, there is no sitting fee. (Scroll to the bottom of CADY’s web page for this option when making an appointment.) This photo can be taken in the studio or at one of the three road shoots on campus, but seniors must still make an appointment through CADY.

Saturday, January 18, 2025
Senior Portraits Deadline

The deadline to be photographed for senior portraits is January 18, 2025. Our official school photographer is CADY Studios. All seniors must have their photo taken by CADY to be included in the yearbook. Appointments can be booked directly on CADY’s website at cady.com/book25.

Tuesday, January 7-16, 2025
Senior Meetings

Melissa High School Seniors will meet with their counselors for one-on-one graduation meetings during the school day.

Friday, January 31, 2025
Yearbook Purchase Deadline

The Melissa High School Yearbook is an 8.5 x 11 inch hardback, full-color publication. Known as “The Legacy,” the book is released in May. Books are delivered in person during Distribution Day near the end of the spring semester. From August 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025, the book will be available for purchase via Varsity Yearbook’s website, yearbookordercenter.com, while quantities last. After distribution in May, books are only available if extras are delivered. The school does not order extras, and the publisher does not print many overruns. Click the link below for all information regarding senior portraits, senior ads, and yearbook sales.

Monday, March 10, 2025
Cap and Gown Pick Up

Cap and gowns will be available for pick up on Monday, March 10. Cap and gowns can be picked up in the Melissa Arts Center during lunch (11:30 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.).

Saturday, April 12, 2025
Junior / Senior Prom

The Melissa High School Junior/Senior Prom is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025. More information as well as a link to the MHS Prom webpage will be provided at a later date.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Mandatory Senior Class Meeting

On Wednesday, April 23, the MHS Administration will conduct a mandatory meeting for members of the Class of 2025 during 3rd period in the MAC auditorium. Seniors will need to report to their 3rd period class for attendance and instructions from their teacher.

Details regarding the upcoming senior events and expectations for participating in the graduation ceremony will be discussed. Students who attend off-campus classes at that time will need to email Principal Eckert to make other arrangements to receive the information. Please be sure to attend this mandatory senior meeting.

Monday, April 28, 2025
Senior Academic Banquet

Melissa High School will host the Melissa ISD Senior Academic Awards Banquet, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2025. Distinguished attendees will included students in the Top 10%, those with ACT scores over 30 or SAT scores over 1360, and medalists from UIL Robotics, SkillsUSA, and UIL Academics. Attendees will receive an invitation to the event with further details.

Thursday, May 8, 2025
MEF Scholarship Night

*Date subject to change

Melissa Education Foundation will honor MHS Class of 2025 Senior Scholarship recipients on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the Melissa Arts Center from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.

To be considered for an MEF Scholarship, Class of 2025 Seniors need to complete the application packet by the deadline. Melissa ISD Seniors are encouraged to apply for scholarships by visiting www.MelissaEducationFoundation.com. Students can also visit Mrs. Stephens in the MHS Counselors' office for questions. Applications & Essays are submitted online. All complete applications will be considered for both MEF board-funded and privately funded scholarship opportunities. Scholarship opportunities are open to college-bound, technical/ trade school, and apprenticeship programs to further the applicant’s education.  

Scholarships are made possible by the generous efforts and donations of the MEF Board of Directors, community members, organizations, and businesses who support MEF by funding graduating senior scholarships. MEF is proud to have awarded over $1.2 million in scholarships and teacher grants since its founding in 2006. They are excited to continue this wonderful Cardinals tradition!

Friday, May 16, 2025
Cardinal Field Day

Melissa High School Field Day will be held on Friday, May 16, with events scheduled at the Championship Center, gym, and practice field. Students are invited to play, watch, or both! Attendance is optional.

Monday, May 19, 2025
Graduation Cap Approval Deadline

All mortar board (graduation cap) designs must be approved by May 19 by completing the form below. Graduates are only allowed to decorate the top of their mortar board with either their post-high school plans (i.e. college attending, trade school, or branch of the military) or an inspirational quote. The designs and decorations should not dangle down the sides or stick up from the cap.

Monday, May 19, 2025
Mandatory Senior Walk & Class Picture

The Melissa High School Senior Class of 2025 will participate in the annual Senior Walk tradition the morning of Monday, May 19. Family members are allowed to attend the Senior Walk at the elementary campus of their choosing; all visitors must check in at the front office upon arrival. Seniors will arrive at the elementary campuses according to the schedule below. This is a mandatory activity for all seniors.

Senior Requirements

Seniors must arrive no later than 8:00 a.m. at Symmetry Plaza dressed in their cap and gown. Students will be bused to the elementary schools for the Senior Walk and are expected to return to the Melissa High School campus by 11 a.m.

Class Picture

As soon as seniors return to MHS, they will take their group Class of 2025 picture at Coach Kenny Deel Stadium.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Senior Awards Ceremony

Senior student recognitions will be awarded on Tuesday, May 20 during the school day at 12:30 p.m. in the Melissa Arts Center. The event is by invitation only. All students receiving a class award, as well as their parents/guardians, will be notified prior to the ceremony.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Mandatory Senior Picnic Lunch & Graduation Rehearsal

The Melissa High School PTO will provide a senior picnic on Wednesday, May 21 at noon in the MHS Student Union. Immediately following the lunch, there will be a mandatory graduation rehearsal. Please review final graduation cap approval information and inclement weather plan below.

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Graduation Commencement

*Date subject to change, please see Special Note in red.

SAVE THE DATE: The commencement ceremony for the Melissa High School Senior Class of 2025 will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. at Coach Kenny Deel Stadium.

For information on what to expect during graduation, please view the Class of 2024 Guest Information and Senior Requirements below. Updated information regarding the Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be updated at a later date.