MHS SPRING 2026 SENIOR EXEMPTION INFORMATION!
SENIORS WHO DEMONSTRATE READINESS CAN EARN FINAL EXAM EXEMPTIONS IN THE SPRING OF 2026 BY MEETING ALL CRITERIA
Passing all spring semester classes
Remaining on track to graduate in May 2026
Students may not have more than 5 absences in the spring, and all absences must be appropriately documented (doctor note, medical, parent note, college day, etc.)
Ensuring all fees and/or fines are paid
College, Career, and Military Readiness indicator satisfied
STUDENTS ARE CONSIDERED COLLEGE, CAREER, OR MILITARY READY IF THEY MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Meeting benchmark criteria via Texas College Bridge, SAT, ACT, or TSI-A
Scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam
Completing a dual credit course (9 hours in any subject or 3 hours in English or Math)
CTE Completer status and corresponding IBC or Level 1 or Level 2 certification
Graduating with a completed IEP and workforce readiness goals
Enlisted in one of the armed forces
CCMR indicator is located in HAC under the Demographics tab
We are proud to present the McKinney ISD Athletic Hall of Honor inductees for the Class of 2026.
See video: https://youtu.be/KqXu9NM3DGk
They include:
Senior Class -
Donte Wilson - McKinney High School
Tommy Winburn - McKinney High School
Modern Era -
Johnny Holley Jr. - McKinney High School
Michael Dauterive - McKinney Boyd High School
Matt Lipka – McKinney High School
Britany Parker – McKinney High School
Legends Class -
Otis Fields - McKinney High School
Team Inductee -
1958 McKinney High School Lions Football
The McKinney ISD Athletic Hall of Honor was established to recognize former student athletes, coaches and teams who have made a significant impact on the history of our district’s athletic program.
See video: https://youtu.be/KqXu9NM3DGk
They include:
Senior Class -
Donte Wilson - McKinney High School
Tommy Winburn - McKinney High School
Modern Era -
Johnny Holley Jr. - McKinney High School
Michael Dauterive - McKinney Boyd High School
Matt Lipka – McKinney High School
Britany Parker – McKinney High School
Legends Class -
Otis Fields - McKinney High School
Team Inductee -
1958 McKinney High School Lions Football
The McKinney ISD Athletic Hall of Honor was established to recognize former student athletes, coaches and teams who have made a significant impact on the history of our district’s athletic program.
McKinney High School is proud to recognize our school board member, Mr. Corey Homer! Lion Nation appreciates you, Mr. Homer!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Leo Ziman from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/KwtSUPwR040
Leo is a 4-year member of the Royal Pride marching band and varsity wind ensemble. He has also played in the full orchestra and pit orchestra. Leo has been recognized as Outstanding Soloist in 2025, and he earned 1st Division Superior Rating at Solo Contest for the past 3 years. He was selected as a TMEA All-Region Clarinetist and a TMEA Area J Qualifier.
Leo is currently ranked 5th in his class with a 4.96 GPA, and he has taken 10 AP classes and is currently enrolled in 6 additional AP classes. Leo is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and he is qualified to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. He was also awarded National Top School Recognition by the College Board National Recognition Program.
In his free time, Leo has served in RPB Prime Time Tutoring, the Color Guard Crew and the WE Service Project. He also volunteers in his community through the Dog Agility Fun Match, McKinney Marching Invitational, DCI, and RPB Rotary Flag Program. Leo performs with the Custer Road United Methodist Church String & Woodwind Ensemble.
After graduation, Leo plans to major in Applied Math and minor in Computer Science.
That’s Leo Ziman, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/KwtSUPwR040
Leo is a 4-year member of the Royal Pride marching band and varsity wind ensemble. He has also played in the full orchestra and pit orchestra. Leo has been recognized as Outstanding Soloist in 2025, and he earned 1st Division Superior Rating at Solo Contest for the past 3 years. He was selected as a TMEA All-Region Clarinetist and a TMEA Area J Qualifier.
Leo is currently ranked 5th in his class with a 4.96 GPA, and he has taken 10 AP classes and is currently enrolled in 6 additional AP classes. Leo is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and he is qualified to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. He was also awarded National Top School Recognition by the College Board National Recognition Program.
In his free time, Leo has served in RPB Prime Time Tutoring, the Color Guard Crew and the WE Service Project. He also volunteers in his community through the Dog Agility Fun Match, McKinney Marching Invitational, DCI, and RPB Rotary Flag Program. Leo performs with the Custer Road United Methodist Church String & Woodwind Ensemble.
After graduation, Leo plans to major in Applied Math and minor in Computer Science.
That’s Leo Ziman, 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 Abbi Tillson from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/dFvtBy8ds_0
Abbi is a junior and a standout basketball player for the Lions.
On the court, Abbi is a proven competitor, earning 2nd Team All-District honors this past season and back-to-back Academic All-District recognition.
In the classroom, Abbi is truly outstanding. Shas already tackled five AP classes, and she is currently challenging herself with three more AP courses.
Abbi is a member of the National Honor Society, and with a phenomenal 5.0964 GPA and a class rank of 15 out of 685, she sets the standard for student excellence.
Abbi is an active member of the Cotton Wood Creek Church.
Congratulations to Abbi Tillson from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week!
See video: https://youtu.be/dFvtBy8ds_0
Abbi is a junior and a standout basketball player for the Lions.
On the court, Abbi is a proven competitor, earning 2nd Team All-District honors this past season and back-to-back Academic All-District recognition.
In the classroom, Abbi is truly outstanding. Shas already tackled five AP classes, and she is currently challenging herself with three more AP courses.
Abbi is a member of the National Honor Society, and with a phenomenal 5.0964 GPA and a class rank of 15 out of 685, she sets the standard for student excellence.
Abbi is an active member of the Cotton Wood Creek Church.
Congratulations to Abbi Tillson 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 Ryan Hoppe from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/2cz9mqzIuqU
Ryan is a member of the choir, and he has been selected for the All-Region and All-State Mixed Choirs. He has received “1 Classification” and “Superior Ranking” in Solo & Ensemble, and he performed in the Honors Recital.
Ryan currently has a 3.67 GPA, and he has taken AP Music Theory. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and he has earned green cords.
In his free time, Ryan is a member of the McKinney Ice Hockey Club and the Young Men’s Service League.
After graduation, Ryan plans to double major in Music Education and Music Composition, and ultimately he plans to achieve his DMA in Choral Conducting.
That’s Ryan Hoppe, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/2cz9mqzIuqU
Ryan is a member of the choir, and he has been selected for the All-Region and All-State Mixed Choirs. He has received “1 Classification” and “Superior Ranking” in Solo & Ensemble, and he performed in the Honors Recital.
Ryan currently has a 3.67 GPA, and he has taken AP Music Theory. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and he has earned green cords.
In his free time, Ryan is a member of the McKinney Ice Hockey Club and the Young Men’s Service League.
After graduation, Ryan plans to double major in Music Education and Music Composition, and ultimately he plans to achieve his DMA in Choral Conducting.
That’s Ryan Hoppe, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Don’t count tardies for the first two minutes.
Reminder: we will have guests visiting from Hutto ISD tomorrow. Professional "dress to impress", please. Jeans and spirit wear the rest of the week. Thank you.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Avery Roy from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/kVXHrYn0Imk
Avery is a 4-year member of the varsity Marquettes Dance & Drill Team, and she performs on the Elite, Kick Company and Hiphop Crew. She is a CPD Spirit Dance Contest Winner and a 2nd runner up at Nationals. She currently serves as Senior First Lieutenant, and she has served as Line Officer and Junior Lieutenant.
Avery currently maintains a 3.5 GPA, and she has earned green cords through volunteer hours.
In her free time, Avery works part-time at Clothes Mentor, and she is also a member of All-Star Dance at Dance Athletics.
After graduation, Avery plans to continue dancing and attend either Stephen F. Austin University or the University of Arkansas to major in Business & Marketing.
That’s Avery Roy, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/kVXHrYn0Imk
Avery is a 4-year member of the varsity Marquettes Dance & Drill Team, and she performs on the Elite, Kick Company and Hiphop Crew. She is a CPD Spirit Dance Contest Winner and a 2nd runner up at Nationals. She currently serves as Senior First Lieutenant, and she has served as Line Officer and Junior Lieutenant.
Avery currently maintains a 3.5 GPA, and she has earned green cords through volunteer hours.
In her free time, Avery works part-time at Clothes Mentor, and she is also a member of All-Star Dance at Dance Athletics.
After graduation, Avery plans to continue dancing and attend either Stephen F. Austin University or the University of Arkansas to major in Business & Marketing.
That’s Avery Roy, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Best of luck to the McKinney High School Royal Pride Band (@mhs.rpb) as they perform in the UIL finals tonight! See them live at the MISD stadium at 8:30pm!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Kami Bloxham from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/5pezog6oB6Q
Kami is a member of the choir program, and she has received a Solo Contest 1 Classification for the past 3 years. She served as choir librarian, and she is currently vice president of the choir.
Kami has taken 4 AP classes, and she has a 3.82 GPA. She is a 3-year member of the National Honor Society, and she participates in the PALS Mentorship program and Golden Girls. Kami serves as president of her church youth group, and she is a Youth Committee member.
After graduation, Kami plans to serve a church mission for 18 months with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then attend Brigham Young University.
That’s Kami Bloxham, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/5pezog6oB6Q
Kami is a member of the choir program, and she has received a Solo Contest 1 Classification for the past 3 years. She served as choir librarian, and she is currently vice president of the choir.
Kami has taken 4 AP classes, and she has a 3.82 GPA. She is a 3-year member of the National Honor Society, and she participates in the PALS Mentorship program and Golden Girls. Kami serves as president of her church youth group, and she is a Youth Committee member.
After graduation, Kami plans to serve a church mission for 18 months with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then attend Brigham Young University.
That’s Kami Bloxham, 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 sophomore Grace Ellis from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/8sV9G0T1j1w
Grace is a second-year varsity cross country and track runner. She received the “Best Newcomer” and the “Hardest-Working Runner” awards during her freshman year.
Grace is currently 14th in her class with a 5.0 GPA, and she has earned Academic All-District.
Grace serves as the Royal Pride Band bass clarinet squad leader, and she is also a bassoon player during the concert season.
Grace is an active member of First Baptist Church in Allen.
That’s Grace Ellis from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/8sV9G0T1j1w
Grace is a second-year varsity cross country and track runner. She received the “Best Newcomer” and the “Hardest-Working Runner” awards during her freshman year.
Grace is currently 14th in her class with a 5.0 GPA, and she has earned Academic All-District.
Grace serves as the Royal Pride Band bass clarinet squad leader, and she is also a bassoon player during the concert season.
Grace is an active member of First Baptist Church in Allen.
That’s Grace Ellis 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 Cadence Cain from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/aVv2vPmxfko
Cadence is a 4-year band member, and she plays the horn in the Royal Pride Marching Band and varsity wind ensemble. Cadence received 1st Division Superior Ratings at MHS Solo Contest and Ensemble Contest for the past 3 years. She was awarded Outstanding Ensemble in 2023 and Outstanding Soloist in 2024. Cadence auditioned for the Lone Star Youth Winds, and she was selected as a Featured Soloist in 2025.
Cadence ranks in the top 4% of her class with a 4.61 GPA. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Scholar with Honors, and she received the AP with WE Service recognition. She has completed 8 AP classes, and she is currently enrolled in 6 AP classes.
Cadence is a 2-year member of National Honor Society and the Interact Club.
In her free time, Cadence participates in community service projects with Streetside Showers, Texas Women’s Society and the MHS Resources drives.
After graduation, Cadence plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.
That’s Cadence Cain, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/aVv2vPmxfko
Cadence is a 4-year band member, and she plays the horn in the Royal Pride Marching Band and varsity wind ensemble. Cadence received 1st Division Superior Ratings at MHS Solo Contest and Ensemble Contest for the past 3 years. She was awarded Outstanding Ensemble in 2023 and Outstanding Soloist in 2024. Cadence auditioned for the Lone Star Youth Winds, and she was selected as a Featured Soloist in 2025.
Cadence ranks in the top 4% of her class with a 4.61 GPA. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AP Scholar with Honors, and she received the AP with WE Service recognition. She has completed 8 AP classes, and she is currently enrolled in 6 AP classes.
Cadence is a 2-year member of National Honor Society and the Interact Club.
In her free time, Cadence participates in community service projects with Streetside Showers, Texas Women’s Society and the MHS Resources drives.
After graduation, Cadence plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.
That’s Cadence Cain, 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 Keira Gallegos from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/Euzhv5UsNoI
In 2024 Keira was selected for the District 6A and 1st Team All-District teams. She was the 2024 MHS Setter of the Year, and she has 2,000 Career Assists.
Keira is ranked 28th in her class with a 4.6 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she has achieved Academic All-District during her 3 previous years in high school.
Keira served as Vice President for for 3 years, and she participates in Young Life. She also is a member of the MadSand Volleyball team and Dbat baseball association.
Keira plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University next year and play on their beach volleyball team.
That’s Keira Gallegos from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/Euzhv5UsNoI
In 2024 Keira was selected for the District 6A and 1st Team All-District teams. She was the 2024 MHS Setter of the Year, and she has 2,000 Career Assists.
Keira is ranked 28th in her class with a 4.6 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and she has achieved Academic All-District during her 3 previous years in high school.
Keira served as Vice President for for 3 years, and she participates in Young Life. She also is a member of the MadSand Volleyball team and Dbat baseball association.
Keira plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University next year and play on their beach volleyball team.
That’s Keira Gallegos from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Join us on Monday, September 8th, for our fall open house! Meet your child's teachers, walk their schedule, and see all the great things that McKinney High School has to offer!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Gabby Sanchez from McKinney High School.
Video: https://youtu.be/DGxJffaPN54
Gabby is a 4-year member of the varsity Marquettes Dance & Drill Team, and she performs with the Elite, Kick Company and Hiphop Crew.
She is a 4-time runner up in several solo competitions, and she was selected as a solo champion her sophomore year.
Gabby is currently Senior Captain, and she has served as Lieutenant for 2 years.
Gabby currently has a 3.93 GPA, and she is a 2-year member of the National Honor Society.
She has earned 3 green cords through her volunteer hours and 3 Academic Excellence cords.
In her free time, Gabby works part-time at Play Street Museum in Allen as a birthday party host. She also is a member of several Dance World teams at Dance Athletics.
After graduation, Gabby plans to continue dancing and attend either the University of Arkansas or Ole Miss to study Elementary Education
That’s Gabby Sanchez, from McKinney High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Video: https://youtu.be/DGxJffaPN54
Gabby is a 4-year member of the varsity Marquettes Dance & Drill Team, and she performs with the Elite, Kick Company and Hiphop Crew.
She is a 4-time runner up in several solo competitions, and she was selected as a solo champion her sophomore year.
Gabby is currently Senior Captain, and she has served as Lieutenant for 2 years.
Gabby currently has a 3.93 GPA, and she is a 2-year member of the National Honor Society.
She has earned 3 green cords through her volunteer hours and 3 Academic Excellence cords.
In her free time, Gabby works part-time at Play Street Museum in Allen as a birthday party host. She also is a member of several Dance World teams at Dance Athletics.
After graduation, Gabby plans to continue dancing and attend either the University of Arkansas or Ole Miss to study Elementary Education
That’s Gabby Sanchez, 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 John Allen from McKinney High School.
Video: https://youtu.be/aqIGubzfBdc
John serves as a captain for the Lions Football team, and he is a two-year varsity starter, along with being a 2024 All-District Selection.
John is an AP Scholar with Honors, and he is enrolled in 11 AP classes with a 4.16 GPA.
John is a member of PALS, and he volunteers for service projects with his McKinney High School football team.
He also owns and operates a landscaping business.
Next year John plans on playing football at the collegiate level while studying Economics or Mechanical Engineering.
That’s John Allen from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Video: https://youtu.be/aqIGubzfBdc
John serves as a captain for the Lions Football team, and he is a two-year varsity starter, along with being a 2024 All-District Selection.
John is an AP Scholar with Honors, and he is enrolled in 11 AP classes with a 4.16 GPA.
John is a member of PALS, and he volunteers for service projects with his McKinney High School football team.
He also owns and operates a landscaping business.
Next year John plans on playing football at the collegiate level while studying Economics or Mechanical Engineering.
That’s John Allen from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
To know Mr. Robert Quach is to love him...and now all of Texas knows how great he is as well!
Mr. Quach has received two state-wide awards for his role as a campus administrator!
Copy and paste the link for more info: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/article/2361497
So many back packs. Quite a few hugs. Maybe a tear or two.
The 2025-2026 school year officially begins today, and this video highlights those first moments of the doors opening at three McKinney ISD campuses: McKinney High School, Valley Creek Elementary and Evans Middle school. Keep your eyes peeled: in the middle of all the students, teachers and parents featured in the footage, you’ll spot Principal Dr. Paula Kent, Principal Dr. Ebonee King and Principal Melissa Hernandez.
Video: https://youtu.be/h6Ca2tEvAyk
Teachers and staff -
The red go bags are still being finalized. We will send out a notification once they are ready for pick up. Thanks so much!