Jaquelin Ruano-Hernandez at Malvern Elementary – Pillar Spotlight
See video: https://youtu.be/DAx5OFHUBBc
“As long as you believe in yourself and you put in the work, you can actually get to many places where you can’t even imagine yourself being at.”
Jaquelin Ruano-Hernandez is a First in Family graduate from the McKinney High School class of 2026. After completing the Education and Training Program with Ms. Kaylee Land (Vocational Careers/MHS) and receiving a TEA Educational Aide certification last year, Jaquelin followed her heart. There is no other place that she can imagine herself being than in a classroom in McKinney ISD! Next step for her: interviewing and being accepted into the Para to Teacher Pathway program.
See video: https://youtu.be/DAx5OFHUBBc
“As long as you believe in yourself and you put in the work, you can actually get to many places where you can’t even imagine yourself being at.”
Jaquelin Ruano-Hernandez is a First in Family graduate from the McKinney High School class of 2026. After completing the Education and Training Program with Ms. Kaylee Land (Vocational Careers/MHS) and receiving a TEA Educational Aide certification last year, Jaquelin followed her heart. There is no other place that she can imagine herself being than in a classroom in McKinney ISD! Next step for her: interviewing and being accepted into the Para to Teacher Pathway program.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Addy Neely from Mckinney High School.
See reel: https://youtube.com/shorts/19NALRef22o?feature=share
Addy is a senior on the Marquette Dance team, and she has been a Varsity and Elite member all four years. She was awarded with “Most Outstanding Marquette” her Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years, and is a three-time Regional Crowd Pleasers Dance competition solo champion. She served as a lieutenant her Sophomore and Junior years as well.
When she’s not dancing, Addy maintains an excellent focus on her schoolwork. She has taken multiple AP classes, and currently has a 3.8 GPA, sitting in the top 25% of her graduating class.
Outside of school, Addy attends Cottonwood Creek Church and works as a youth dance instructor as well as a State Farm Insurance employee. She also participates with HEAT Force Dance Company and Dance Athletics.
After high school, Addy plans to attend Texas A&M, join the Aggie Dance team, and major in Sports Communications.
Congratulations to Addy Neely from Mckinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week!
See reel: https://youtube.com/shorts/19NALRef22o?feature=share
Addy is a senior on the Marquette Dance team, and she has been a Varsity and Elite member all four years. She was awarded with “Most Outstanding Marquette” her Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years, and is a three-time Regional Crowd Pleasers Dance competition solo champion. She served as a lieutenant her Sophomore and Junior years as well.
When she’s not dancing, Addy maintains an excellent focus on her schoolwork. She has taken multiple AP classes, and currently has a 3.8 GPA, sitting in the top 25% of her graduating class.
Outside of school, Addy attends Cottonwood Creek Church and works as a youth dance instructor as well as a State Farm Insurance employee. She also participates with HEAT Force Dance Company and Dance Athletics.
After high school, Addy plans to attend Texas A&M, join the Aggie Dance team, and major in Sports Communications.
Congratulations to Addy Neely 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 senior Madison Jones from Mckinney High School.
See reel: https://youtube.com/shorts/x4TpVH2nSWo?feature=share
Madison is a 3-year varsity volleyball player, and she has played High Level Club volleyball for 6 years. Madison has received 2 Academic All-District Awards and a District 6-6A Honorable Mention. She placed 5th at GJNC USA in 2024 and 3rd in 2025.
Madison currently has a 5.1 GPA and ranks in the Top 3% of her class. She is a National AP Scholar with Distinction, and after this school year she will have completed 13 AP courses.
Madison is a student council member, and she also participates in the MHS SB club, the Business club and in Student Athletic Leadership Training.
Madison volunteers at several events in her community, and she is active with her church youth group. She earned 80+ service hours last year, and she serves as a NTR registered coach on the roster for a 12U team.
After graduation, Madison plans to go to the University of Oklahoma and study occupational therapy.
That’s Madison Jones from Mckinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See reel: https://youtube.com/shorts/x4TpVH2nSWo?feature=share
Madison is a 3-year varsity volleyball player, and she has played High Level Club volleyball for 6 years. Madison has received 2 Academic All-District Awards and a District 6-6A Honorable Mention. She placed 5th at GJNC USA in 2024 and 3rd in 2025.
Madison currently has a 5.1 GPA and ranks in the Top 3% of her class. She is a National AP Scholar with Distinction, and after this school year she will have completed 13 AP courses.
Madison is a student council member, and she also participates in the MHS SB club, the Business club and in Student Athletic Leadership Training.
Madison volunteers at several events in her community, and she is active with her church youth group. She earned 80+ service hours last year, and she serves as a NTR registered coach on the roster for a 12U team.
After graduation, Madison plans to go to the University of Oklahoma and study occupational therapy.
That’s Madison Jones from Mckinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Meet at the Flagpole – MHS Commemorates 9/11
See video: https://youtu.be/t2woLDzIL2c
McKinney High School Student Council gathered students and first responders around the flagpole this morning to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America.
Lead by student council president, Reagan Deanda, the poignant ceremony included a flag raising by the MHS JROTC, a rendition of TAPS by Royal Pride Band member, Bryce Stevens, a performance of the national anthem from Harmony (vocal ensemble) and remarks from MPD Fire Captain John Whitus.
See video: https://youtu.be/t2woLDzIL2c
McKinney High School Student Council gathered students and first responders around the flagpole this morning to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America.
Lead by student council president, Reagan Deanda, the poignant ceremony included a flag raising by the MHS JROTC, a rendition of TAPS by Royal Pride Band member, Bryce Stevens, a performance of the national anthem from Harmony (vocal ensemble) and remarks from MPD Fire Captain John Whitus.
McKinney ISD Election 2026 is here! Mark your calendar for Election Day, November 3. You can find more details on our website: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/page/election-2026
Congratulations to McKinney High School MCJROTC for earning Naval Honor School for the 2025-2026 school year!
This prestigious honor recognizes the TOP 20% of Marine Corps JROTC programs nationwide.
This prestigious honor recognizes the TOP 20% of Marine Corps JROTC programs nationwide.
Congratulations to McKinney High School's very own Assistant Principal, Kelly Armbruster, on being named the Region 10 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP)!
Lion Nation -
Our front office will be closed on **Wednesday, August 5, 2026**, as our office staff participates in Skyward training to better serve our students, families, and staff.
We will resume normal business hours on **Thursday, August 6th.**.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
Returning Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores - We can't wait to see you at schedule pick-up on August 7th! The times have been adjusted slightly, so please arrive at the time that corresponds with your grade level. See you soon!
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.
