Glen Oaks Elementary Students Enjoy a Surprise Visit from Hollie Cavanagh

McKinney, Texas - The students at Glen Oaks Elementary enjoyed a visit from a surprise guest Wednesday morning. Gathered in the school gymnasium for a special celebration assembly, the students erupted in cheers when Principal Rhonda Gilliam welcomed Hollie Cavanagh, the American Idol contender who requires little introduction in this part of the country.

McKinney, Texas - The students at Glen Oaks Elementary enjoyed a visit from a surprise guest Wednesday morning. Gathered in the school gymnasium for a special celebration assembly, the students erupted in cheers when Principal Rhonda Gilliam welcomed Hollie Cavanagh, the American Idol contender who requires little introduction in this part of the country.  

Hollie Cavanagh speaking to students at Glen Oaks Elementary.
Hollie Cavanagh encouraged the students at Glen Oaks Elementary to continue making a difference through programs like Rachel's Challenge and the Dollar Project.

Cavanagh, who attended Glen Oaks Elementary as a child, took a moment to share briefly about the “Hollie Pops” that fans created to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital and praised the Glen Oaks kids for taking up Rachel’s Challenge and for their hard work raising money for charity through the school’s Dollar Project. Cavanagh then graciously stepped aside to let individual students take the spotlight as they were recognized for their accomplishments.

"Our kids were so excited to have Hollie attend our special assembly today to help us celebrate the ways children can make our world a better place," said Gilliam.

The students of Glen Oaks Elementary cheer for Hollie Cavanagh.Hollie Cavanagh and a few of her fans.

"At Glen Oaks, our motto is ‘LIVE, LEARN, LEAD,’" she said. “We talk about living our lives to the fullest and pursuing things that bring joy to ourselves and others. All students are challenged to make their world a better place. Hollie is a great role model for our students, as she uses her special talents to bring joy to others. She brought a very special message today, encouraging our students to continue their efforts to make a difference."

At the conclusion of the assembly, Cavanagh’s multitude of young fans formed a line that spanned the gym as she tirelessly smiled for photos and signed yearbook after yearbook. 

Cavanagh took time for autographs and photos with the students at Glen Oaks. Cavanagh took time for autographs and photos with the students at Glen Oaks.

“We appreciate Hollie for sharing her time with us!" said Gilliam. Indeed. The kids were patient and polite; a few were completely starstruck. One boy, with his signed yearbook in hand, performed a celebratory dance.

And, at least one girl shed tears of joy.

Not a bad way to wrap up the school year.

For additional information on McKinney ISD, contact Shane Mauldin, MISD Communications Specialist, at 469-302-4007 or smauldin@mckinneyisd.net.