Congratulations to the McKinney High School Symphony Orchestra! For the first time in school history, the group has been named a Texas Music Educators Association Orchestra Finalist! We are so proud of these students and their directors! #GoldStandard #GoLions
The McKinney High School Class of 2026 graduation ceremony was held on May 22nd at the CUTX Event Center.
See video: https://youtu.be/2xy5sDSl_6c
See video: https://youtu.be/2xy5sDSl_6c
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Drew Dossett from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/R3W-Y1oys1s
Drew is a member of the theatre and choir programs. She is a 2-year varsity company member, and she qualified as a Thespian National Qualifier. Drew is a member of ITS where she has served as Co-President, and she earned UIL Honorable Mention for the All-Star Cast Award.
Drew has performed with the concert choir for 3 years and with the Harmony choir for 2 years. She was selected 3 times for the All-Region Choir, and she received the Superior Soloist award 3 times.
Drew currently ranks in the top 5% of her class with a 4.5 GPA. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and she has received the Academic Excellence Award three times. Drew has taken 9 AP classes, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.
In her free time, Drew participates in community theatre.
After graduation, Drew plans to pursue a BFA in Acting.
That’s Drew Dossett from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/R3W-Y1oys1s
Drew is a member of the theatre and choir programs. She is a 2-year varsity company member, and she qualified as a Thespian National Qualifier. Drew is a member of ITS where she has served as Co-President, and she earned UIL Honorable Mention for the All-Star Cast Award.
Drew has performed with the concert choir for 3 years and with the Harmony choir for 2 years. She was selected 3 times for the All-Region Choir, and she received the Superior Soloist award 3 times.
Drew currently ranks in the top 5% of her class with a 4.5 GPA. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and she has received the Academic Excellence Award three times. Drew has taken 9 AP classes, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.
In her free time, Drew participates in community theatre.
After graduation, Drew plans to pursue a BFA in Acting.
That’s Drew Dossett from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Teachers and staff -
If you'd like a burger to go, make your way back to the cafeteria...there are about 75 leftover.
Shoutout to the AP Chemistry and AP Biology classes as they culminated their WE service project today by celebrating Green Day in honor of mental health awareness month. Cheers to an amazing last full day of school!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Hailey Garms from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/IXMVGc1GjYY
Hailey is a 4-year theatre member and a 2-year varsity theatre member. She served as ITS Vice President and as ITS Troupe 3604 President, and she was a State Thespian Officer candidate. Hailey earned several awards, including Outstanding Lead Performer in Night Sky, Outstanding Leadership in a Production Role and Outstanding Performance in Hadestown.
Hailey currently has 4.0 GPA with 7 AP classes. She earned the AP Scholar with Honor award, and she received Outstanding Academic Achievement in theatre three times.
In her free time, Hailey is a member of North Texas Performing Arts where she was in the productions of Carrie and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
After graduation, Hailey plans to double major in BFA Musical Theatre and Forensic Psychology, or she may major in Theatre Education.
That’s Hailey Garms from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/IXMVGc1GjYY
Hailey is a 4-year theatre member and a 2-year varsity theatre member. She served as ITS Vice President and as ITS Troupe 3604 President, and she was a State Thespian Officer candidate. Hailey earned several awards, including Outstanding Lead Performer in Night Sky, Outstanding Leadership in a Production Role and Outstanding Performance in Hadestown.
Hailey currently has 4.0 GPA with 7 AP classes. She earned the AP Scholar with Honor award, and she received Outstanding Academic Achievement in theatre three times.
In her free time, Hailey is a member of North Texas Performing Arts where she was in the productions of Carrie and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
After graduation, Hailey plans to double major in BFA Musical Theatre and Forensic Psychology, or she may major in Theatre Education.
That’s Hailey Garms from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
We couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging our gratitude for Dr. Kent! Thank you for all you do to support McKinney High School. Happy National Principal's Day to our fearless leader!
“People don’t realize the intentionality behind every single lesson…even the small things, like what questions do I want to ask them and in what order.”
See video: https://youtu.be/rlSfkdSctxo
Lauryn Zuercher is the 2026 Teacher of the Year for McKinney High School. She teaches 9th – 10th grade math, and she has worked as an educator for 10 years.
See video: https://youtu.be/rlSfkdSctxo
Lauryn Zuercher is the 2026 Teacher of the Year for McKinney High School. She teaches 9th – 10th grade math, and she has worked as an educator for 10 years.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Brandt Hodges from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/ew6NhBNquTo
Brandt is a 3-year letterman and 2-year captain for the Lions baseball team. In 2025 he was selected District 6-6A Honorable Mention Shortstop, and he received the MHS Baseball MVP and Gold Glove awards.
Brandt’s achievements in the classroom included taking 6 AP classes and receiving the Academic All-District award 3 times and the Academic Excellence award 4 times.
He has participated in the PALS mentorship program, and he has served with the Young Men’s Service League.
Brandt works as a server at Touchmark Retirement Community, and after graduation he plans to attend the University of Arkansas to major in Biomechanical Engineering.
Congratulations to Brandt Hodges from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/ew6NhBNquTo
Brandt is a 3-year letterman and 2-year captain for the Lions baseball team. In 2025 he was selected District 6-6A Honorable Mention Shortstop, and he received the MHS Baseball MVP and Gold Glove awards.
Brandt’s achievements in the classroom included taking 6 AP classes and receiving the Academic All-District award 3 times and the Academic Excellence award 4 times.
He has participated in the PALS mentorship program, and he has served with the Young Men’s Service League.
Brandt works as a server at Touchmark Retirement Community, and after graduation he plans to attend the University of Arkansas to major in Biomechanical Engineering.
Congratulations to Brandt Hodges from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Teachers -
Please remind students that upstairs hallways are closed for testing. They can check Canvas for relocations.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Annam Tran who is an artist taking AP Studio Art at McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/stwsJACBdLg
Annam is the “Class of ’26” 2025 Art Student of the Year, and she is a 2-time State VASE Medalist. Annam is a TASB recipient and a TSA State Semifinalist for Fashion Design. She received the Gold Key Scholastic Arts & Writing award for her senior portfolio, and she earned 1st place in the Pastels Division in the Art Club of McKinney.
Annam currently has a 4.5 GPA, and she has taken 16 AP classes. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and a TSA State Semifinalist for Biotechnology and Design. Annam has earned “AP We Serve” certification, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.
In her free time, Annam is the Founder & President of the Asian Student Union, and she serves as treasurer of both the STEMists Club and the Engineering & TSA Club. She is also a member of HOSA and the Muslim Youth Association. Annam is involved with the Dear Asian Youth Club, and she is the main co-illustrator of a published STEM children’s book.
After graduation, Annam plans to major in Pre-Med and minor in Art History.
That’s Annam Tran from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/stwsJACBdLg
Annam is the “Class of ’26” 2025 Art Student of the Year, and she is a 2-time State VASE Medalist. Annam is a TASB recipient and a TSA State Semifinalist for Fashion Design. She received the Gold Key Scholastic Arts & Writing award for her senior portfolio, and she earned 1st place in the Pastels Division in the Art Club of McKinney.
Annam currently has a 4.5 GPA, and she has taken 16 AP classes. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and a TSA State Semifinalist for Biotechnology and Design. Annam has earned “AP We Serve” certification, and she is a member of the National Honor Society.
In her free time, Annam is the Founder & President of the Asian Student Union, and she serves as treasurer of both the STEMists Club and the Engineering & TSA Club. She is also a member of HOSA and the Muslim Youth Association. Annam is involved with the Dear Asian Youth Club, and she is the main co-illustrator of a published STEM children’s book.
After graduation, Annam plans to major in Pre-Med and minor in Art History.
That’s Annam Tran from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Carson Staiger from McKinney High School is this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/ze4ub97TBqY
Carson is a senior, and he serves as a captain on the Lions cross country team. Carson’s personal record for the 1600 is 5:07 and 10:59 for the 2-mile. He has earned the Most Spirited and the Lion Heart awards, and he achieved Academic All-District for cross country and track.
Carson currently maintains a 3.9 GPA, and he is a member of the National Honor Society.
Carson has also participated in choir for the past 4 years, and he was selected for All-Region Choir. He is also a member of the Headhunters.
Beyond school, Carson is active in his church youth group, and he volunteers with Feed My Starving Children.
After graduation, Carson plans to serve a two-year mission before attending BYU.
Congratulations to Carson Staiger from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week!
See video: https://youtu.be/ze4ub97TBqY
Carson is a senior, and he serves as a captain on the Lions cross country team. Carson’s personal record for the 1600 is 5:07 and 10:59 for the 2-mile. He has earned the Most Spirited and the Lion Heart awards, and he achieved Academic All-District for cross country and track.
Carson currently maintains a 3.9 GPA, and he is a member of the National Honor Society.
Carson has also participated in choir for the past 4 years, and he was selected for All-Region Choir. He is also a member of the Headhunters.
Beyond school, Carson is active in his church youth group, and he volunteers with Feed My Starving Children.
After graduation, Carson plans to serve a two-year mission before attending BYU.
Congratulations to Carson Staiger from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week!
Congratulations to Reagan Brannon, 2019 MHS graduate, on being named Secondary Teacher of the Year for McKinney ISD!
Reagan is proof that the impact of Lion Nation, and MISD, doesn't end once you've crossed the stage...it's just beginning! We are so proud of you, Reagan!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Callie Green from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/rdHq4D7GBAk
Callie is a junior, and she is 2-year varsity softball player for the Lions. She earned the Scholar Baller Award during the 2024–2025 school year, and she serves on the Student Athletic Leadership Team.
In the classroom, Callie is just as impressive. She is an AP Scholar and an AP National Recognition Scholar. She ranks 26th in her class with a 4.0 GPA, and she has taken 7 AP classes. Callie received the Academic Excellence award in 2025 & 2026 and the Academic All-District award in 2025.
She is a member of the National Merit Scholar Recognition Program and the National Honor Society.
She participates in Student Council, and she is an Ambassador Nominee.
Congratulations to Callie Green from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/rdHq4D7GBAk
Callie is a junior, and she is 2-year varsity softball player for the Lions. She earned the Scholar Baller Award during the 2024–2025 school year, and she serves on the Student Athletic Leadership Team.
In the classroom, Callie is just as impressive. She is an AP Scholar and an AP National Recognition Scholar. She ranks 26th in her class with a 4.0 GPA, and she has taken 7 AP classes. Callie received the Academic Excellence award in 2025 & 2026 and the Academic All-District award in 2025.
She is a member of the National Merit Scholar Recognition Program and the National Honor Society.
She participates in Student Council, and she is an Ambassador Nominee.
Congratulations to Callie Green from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Jayda Williams from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/rCEf3R9xgIY
Jayda serves as the senior captain for the Lions track team. She is a two-time district champion who has also qualified for the Area meet.
Jayda’s success on the track has earned her two athletic scholarships.
In the classroom, Jayda carries a 3.2 GPA, and she has completed four dual credit courses.
She’s also active on campus as a four-year member of the Black Student Union, serving as treasurer, and she participates in the Kindness Club and Mark Club.
Outside of school, Jayda has worked at Rally House for two years, and she attends her youth church group every Wednesday.
After graduation, Jayda plans to attend college on an athletic scholarship and major in biochemistry on the pre-med track. She’d like to pursue her dream of becoming a dermatologist.
Congratulations to Jayda Williams from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/rCEf3R9xgIY
Jayda serves as the senior captain for the Lions track team. She is a two-time district champion who has also qualified for the Area meet.
Jayda’s success on the track has earned her two athletic scholarships.
In the classroom, Jayda carries a 3.2 GPA, and she has completed four dual credit courses.
She’s also active on campus as a four-year member of the Black Student Union, serving as treasurer, and she participates in the Kindness Club and Mark Club.
Outside of school, Jayda has worked at Rally House for two years, and she attends her youth church group every Wednesday.
After graduation, Jayda plans to attend college on an athletic scholarship and major in biochemistry on the pre-med track. She’d like to pursue her dream of becoming a dermatologist.
Congratulations to Jayda Williams from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Zalana Aguillard from McKinney High School where she plays viola in the orchestra.
See video: https://youtu.be/Zrt1iYV3IR0
Zalana is a 4-year member of the varsity orchestra, and she has served as the Principle Violist for 3 years. She has earned 1s in District Solo & Ensemble contests, and she earned Sweepstakes in UIL 7 times. Zalana qualified for All-Region Orchestra 3 times, and she has also participated in the Visual Art Scholastic Event where she earned 3 & 4 at Regional and qualified for State.
Zalana currently has a 4.97 GPA with 10 AP credits. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and she earned 4s & 5s on her AP exams. Zalana received the Collegeboard National African American Recognition Award and the Collegeboard First Generation Recognition Award.
Zalana is a member of the Stemist Club, and she helped publish a picture book for the WE Service Event. She is a member of the Engineering Club, and she placed 2nd at the Technology Student Association’s Regional Competition in Animatronics.
In her free time, Zalana is 2nd chair in the Greater North Texas Youth Orchestra, and she volunteers at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. She also enjoys crocheting & knitting, sewing, embroidery and jewelry-making.
After graduation, Zalana plans to attend college to major in Animation.
That’s Zalana Aguillard, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/Zrt1iYV3IR0
Zalana is a 4-year member of the varsity orchestra, and she has served as the Principle Violist for 3 years. She has earned 1s in District Solo & Ensemble contests, and she earned Sweepstakes in UIL 7 times. Zalana qualified for All-Region Orchestra 3 times, and she has also participated in the Visual Art Scholastic Event where she earned 3 & 4 at Regional and qualified for State.
Zalana currently has a 4.97 GPA with 10 AP credits. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and she earned 4s & 5s on her AP exams. Zalana received the Collegeboard National African American Recognition Award and the Collegeboard First Generation Recognition Award.
Zalana is a member of the Stemist Club, and she helped publish a picture book for the WE Service Event. She is a member of the Engineering Club, and she placed 2nd at the Technology Student Association’s Regional Competition in Animatronics.
In her free time, Zalana is 2nd chair in the Greater North Texas Youth Orchestra, and she volunteers at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. She also enjoys crocheting & knitting, sewing, embroidery and jewelry-making.
After graduation, Zalana plans to attend college to major in Animation.
That’s Zalana Aguillard, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is McKinney High School senior Kammie Kristufek.
See video: https://youtu.be/rwU--TM-JJE
Kammie is a four-year varsity player on the soccer team, and she has served as team captain for the past 2 years. In 2024 Kammie earned 2nd Team All-District honors, and she was selected 1st Team All-District in 2025. She was named Defensive Player of the Year for McKinney High School.
Kammie is ranked number one in her class! She has taken 17 AP classes, and she is a three-time AP Scholar.
Kammie serves as president of the National Honor Society and Girls in STEM/Girls Who Code. She is also a member of the Engineering Club and Team Fashion Engineering.
Outside of school, Kammie plays USYS Top Soccer, and she volunteers by assisting students with disabilities and autism in playing soccer. She helped start and operate a retail beef business, and she participates in Young Life.
After graduation, Kammie plans to attend the University of Wyoming to play soccer and continue her education.
That’s Kammie Kristufek from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/rwU--TM-JJE
Kammie is a four-year varsity player on the soccer team, and she has served as team captain for the past 2 years. In 2024 Kammie earned 2nd Team All-District honors, and she was selected 1st Team All-District in 2025. She was named Defensive Player of the Year for McKinney High School.
Kammie is ranked number one in her class! She has taken 17 AP classes, and she is a three-time AP Scholar.
Kammie serves as president of the National Honor Society and Girls in STEM/Girls Who Code. She is also a member of the Engineering Club and Team Fashion Engineering.
Outside of school, Kammie plays USYS Top Soccer, and she volunteers by assisting students with disabilities and autism in playing soccer. She helped start and operate a retail beef business, and she participates in Young Life.
After graduation, Kammie plans to attend the University of Wyoming to play soccer and continue her education.
That’s Kammie Kristufek from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Teachers -
The medical hold has been lifted. Thank you for your assistance.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Isabella Porter from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/_V8ZuS8PerY
Isabella is an artist in AP Studio Art, and she is a 3-year medalist at the Regional Visual Arts Scholastic Event, as well as a State Medal winner at VASE.
Isabella is also a 4-year member of the Varsity Marquettes, participating on the Elite Team and HipHop Crew. She earned the Servant Heart, Top 5 Rookie and Top 5 Veteran Awards.
Isabella currently has a 3.8 GPA with 3 AP credits and Dual Credits. She is a 3-year Academic Achievement Award recipient, and she scored 5 on her AP Studio Art Drawing Portfolio.
In her free time, Isabella takes studio dance classes, and she volunteers in technique training for elementary and middle school students.
She is a member of the Spanish Club, and her artwork has been showcased at The Cove.
After graduation, Isabella plans to study business and project management at Texas A&M University.
That’s Isabella Porter from McKinney High School this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/_V8ZuS8PerY
Isabella is an artist in AP Studio Art, and she is a 3-year medalist at the Regional Visual Arts Scholastic Event, as well as a State Medal winner at VASE.
Isabella is also a 4-year member of the Varsity Marquettes, participating on the Elite Team and HipHop Crew. She earned the Servant Heart, Top 5 Rookie and Top 5 Veteran Awards.
Isabella currently has a 3.8 GPA with 3 AP credits and Dual Credits. She is a 3-year Academic Achievement Award recipient, and she scored 5 on her AP Studio Art Drawing Portfolio.
In her free time, Isabella takes studio dance classes, and she volunteers in technique training for elementary and middle school students.
She is a member of the Spanish Club, and her artwork has been showcased at The Cove.
After graduation, Isabella plans to study business and project management at Texas A&M University.
That’s Isabella Porter from McKinney High School this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Saylor Baker from McKinney High School where she plays violin in the orchestra and performs in theatre.
See video: https://youtu.be/a1PzYMs-pLU
Saylor is a 4-year varsity orchestra member, and she has earned Superior Exemplary rating at Solo & Ensemble contest. She was selected for the All-Region Orchestra, and she has achieved UIL Sweepstakes with Violin & Viola 7 times. Saylor has performed in The Music Man as a pit orchestra violinist, in Mean Girls as a High School Student & Cady understudy and in Spongebob as Electric Skate.
Saylor has a 4.9 GPA with 14 AP credits, and she earned 5s on eight AP exams. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Music Theory Student.
Saylor is President of the Engineering Club, and she earned 2nd at the Technology Student Association regional competitions for Animatronics. She serves as vice president of the Math Club, and she is OSHA Certified in Construction.
In her free time, Saylor volunteers at the McKinney Performing Arts Center & Habitat for Humanity. She enjoys crocheting and donating items to the Samaritan Inn.
After graduation, Saylor plans to attend college to major in Engineering.
That’s Saylor Baker from McKinney High School this week’s Dennis Baker Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/a1PzYMs-pLU
Saylor is a 4-year varsity orchestra member, and she has earned Superior Exemplary rating at Solo & Ensemble contest. She was selected for the All-Region Orchestra, and she has achieved UIL Sweepstakes with Violin & Viola 7 times. Saylor has performed in The Music Man as a pit orchestra violinist, in Mean Girls as a High School Student & Cady understudy and in Spongebob as Electric Skate.
Saylor has a 4.9 GPA with 14 AP credits, and she earned 5s on eight AP exams. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Music Theory Student.
Saylor is President of the Engineering Club, and she earned 2nd at the Technology Student Association regional competitions for Animatronics. She serves as vice president of the Math Club, and she is OSHA Certified in Construction.
In her free time, Saylor volunteers at the McKinney Performing Arts Center & Habitat for Humanity. She enjoys crocheting and donating items to the Samaritan Inn.
After graduation, Saylor plans to attend college to major in Engineering.
That’s Saylor Baker from McKinney High School this week’s Dennis Baker Scholar Artist of the Week.
