This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is McKinney North senior, Ellery Langsdale.
See video: https://youtu.be/jIuBTSC5NL0
On the court, Ellery helped lead the Bulldogs to a 2024 Class 5A Division 1 State Runner-Up finish, and she earned Academic All-District honors in volleyball.
Off the court, Ellery shines just as bright. She is a National Honor Society member, taking six AP classes, and carrying an incredible 4.56 GPA, ranking her in the top 25 of her class.
Ellery gives back to campus and her community as a PALS mentor and a member of her church youth group.
After graduation, Ellery plans to attend a four-year university and major in healthcare.
Congratulations to Ellery Langsdale from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/jIuBTSC5NL0
On the court, Ellery helped lead the Bulldogs to a 2024 Class 5A Division 1 State Runner-Up finish, and she earned Academic All-District honors in volleyball.
Off the court, Ellery shines just as bright. She is a National Honor Society member, taking six AP classes, and carrying an incredible 4.56 GPA, ranking her in the top 25 of her class.
Ellery gives back to campus and her community as a PALS mentor and a member of her church youth group.
After graduation, Ellery plans to attend a four-year university and major in healthcare.
Congratulations to Ellery Langsdale from McKinney North 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 Allie Critchfield from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/FrX7EFKgCnc
Allie serves as First Lieutenant of the NorthStar Varsity Drill Team, and she is a 4-year member of the Elite Team. She is a 2-time Diamond Award-winner at Crowd Pleasers Officer Camp, and she was voted “Most Friendly” and “Best Technique” for the NorthStars.
Allie currently maintains a 3.7 GPA with AP and Dual Credit classes, and she participates in the PALS Mentorship program.
In her free time, Allie works as a certified swim instructor and as a crew member at Pickleman’s Gourmet Café. She volunteers with several organizations including Streetside Showers, McKinney Food Pantry, Samaritan Inn, and Special Olympics.
Allie is on track for LDS Seminary graduation with four years of daily scripture study classes, and she is currently serving as president of the Young Women’s youth group at church.
After graduation, Allie plans to attend Brigham Young University to major in Biology and pursue a career as a medical sonographer.
That’s Allie Critchfield, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/FrX7EFKgCnc
Allie serves as First Lieutenant of the NorthStar Varsity Drill Team, and she is a 4-year member of the Elite Team. She is a 2-time Diamond Award-winner at Crowd Pleasers Officer Camp, and she was voted “Most Friendly” and “Best Technique” for the NorthStars.
Allie currently maintains a 3.7 GPA with AP and Dual Credit classes, and she participates in the PALS Mentorship program.
In her free time, Allie works as a certified swim instructor and as a crew member at Pickleman’s Gourmet Café. She volunteers with several organizations including Streetside Showers, McKinney Food Pantry, Samaritan Inn, and Special Olympics.
Allie is on track for LDS Seminary graduation with four years of daily scripture study classes, and she is currently serving as president of the Young Women’s youth group at church.
After graduation, Allie plans to attend Brigham Young University to major in Biology and pursue a career as a medical sonographer.
That’s Allie Critchfield, from McKinney North 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 Jonathan Ullrich from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/5nlWUD6UmC0
Jonathan is a junior on the Bulldawg tennis team, and he has earned All-District honors in both singles and doubles.
Jonathan is a 2-time Academic All-District honoree, and he ranks 17th in his class. He carries an impressive 5.21 GPA, and he challenges himself with multiple AP courses.
Beyond sports and academics, Jonathan shines in the honors band as an award-winning saxophonist, and he gives back to the community by volunteering with the Young Men’s Service League, refereeing soccer and coaching tennis.
That’s Jonathan Ullrich from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week!
See video: https://youtu.be/5nlWUD6UmC0
Jonathan is a junior on the Bulldawg tennis team, and he has earned All-District honors in both singles and doubles.
Jonathan is a 2-time Academic All-District honoree, and he ranks 17th in his class. He carries an impressive 5.21 GPA, and he challenges himself with multiple AP courses.
Beyond sports and academics, Jonathan shines in the honors band as an award-winning saxophonist, and he gives back to the community by volunteering with the Young Men’s Service League, refereeing soccer and coaching tennis.
That’s Jonathan Ullrich from McKinney North 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 William Ruthardt from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/1GiDEqOlBu4
William plays trumpet in the Bulldawg marching band, concert band, jazz band, symphony orchestra and pit orchestra. He is a TMEA All-State Jazz 1 Member, a TMEA All-Area member and a McKinney ISD Concerto Competition Participant. William earned the Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award, the Outstanding Honors Band Member and the Outstanding Soloist Award.
William currently maintains a 3.74 GPA with 7 AP credits. He is a member of the Finance Club and the McKinney North Jazz Combo 1.
In his free time, William works at the El Dorado Country Club, and he performs with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra.
After graduation, William plans to attend Texas Tech or the University of North Texas to study Jazz Performance.
That’s William Ruthardt, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/1GiDEqOlBu4
William plays trumpet in the Bulldawg marching band, concert band, jazz band, symphony orchestra and pit orchestra. He is a TMEA All-State Jazz 1 Member, a TMEA All-Area member and a McKinney ISD Concerto Competition Participant. William earned the Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award, the Outstanding Honors Band Member and the Outstanding Soloist Award.
William currently maintains a 3.74 GPA with 7 AP credits. He is a member of the Finance Club and the McKinney North Jazz Combo 1.
In his free time, William works at the El Dorado Country Club, and he performs with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra.
After graduation, William plans to attend Texas Tech or the University of North Texas to study Jazz Performance.
That’s William Ruthardt, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
No Cell Phones / No Problem
See video: https://youtu.be/wXMTArru-qs
Texas House Bill 1481 requires all school systems in Texas to adopt and implement a policy that prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students on school property during the school day. This bill passed during the last legislative session and went into effect this school year in McKinney ISD. Reactions to the policy varied, with teachers and staff applauding the reductions in distractions, while students were left feeling unconnected from their former way of a wireless life at school. All in all, though, the transition has gone well.
See video: https://youtu.be/wXMTArru-qs
Texas House Bill 1481 requires all school systems in Texas to adopt and implement a policy that prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students on school property during the school day. This bill passed during the last legislative session and went into effect this school year in McKinney ISD. Reactions to the policy varied, with teachers and staff applauding the reductions in distractions, while students were left feeling unconnected from their former way of a wireless life at school. All in all, though, the transition has gone well.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior William Cody Seidel from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/-1yC2MuO5kY
William competed at the State 5A cross country meet last fall, and he was selected as the Most Improved Male Runner for his team last year. William is a 4-year member of the cross-country team, and he received the Academic All-District Award in 2023 and 2024.
William is currently ranked 56th in his class with a 4.28 GPA, and he has completed several AP classes.
William participated in the PALS mentorship program during his junior and senior years.
William is an Eagle Scout, and he works at Pickleman’s Gourmet Café.
Next year William plans on going to college to major in Biology and Pre-Med. He would like to serve in the military, then go to med-school and study to be a surgeon in either the neuro division or trauma division.
That’s William Cody Seidel from McKinney North HS, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Tristan Goo from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/h8BjnGk6zMM
Tristan plays saxophone in the Bulldawg marching band, concert band, jazz band and pit orchestra. He is a TMEA All-Area Participant and a Houston Underground Participant. Tristan has earned the status of Outstanding Jazz Member, Outstanding Honors Band Member, Outstanding Soloist, and he placed 2nd in the McKinney ISD Concerto Competition.
Tristan ranks in the top 5% of his class with a 4.64 GPA and 13 AP credits.
He is a member of the National Honor Society, PALS, MUN, Student Council, Finance Club and MUCSO.
In his free time, Tristan volunteers with Minnie’s Food Pantry, Wilkinson Center Food Pantry, Dallas Arboretum, and he works for Goo Lawn Service.
After graduation, Tristan plans to attend UT Austin to major in Biology and become a dentist.
That’s Tristan Goo, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/h8BjnGk6zMM
Tristan plays saxophone in the Bulldawg marching band, concert band, jazz band and pit orchestra. He is a TMEA All-Area Participant and a Houston Underground Participant. Tristan has earned the status of Outstanding Jazz Member, Outstanding Honors Band Member, Outstanding Soloist, and he placed 2nd in the McKinney ISD Concerto Competition.
Tristan ranks in the top 5% of his class with a 4.64 GPA and 13 AP credits.
He is a member of the National Honor Society, PALS, MUN, Student Council, Finance Club and MUCSO.
In his free time, Tristan volunteers with Minnie’s Food Pantry, Wilkinson Center Food Pantry, Dallas Arboretum, and he works for Goo Lawn Service.
After graduation, Tristan plans to attend UT Austin to major in Biology and become a dentist.
That’s Tristan Goo, from McKinney North High School, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
National College Week is Sept. 15 - 19.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is senior Danny Forrester from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/_P31_NGr5z8
Danny is a 3-year varsity letterman, and he serves as a captain for the Bulldawg football team. In 2024 Danny was named to the All-District 5A team.
Danny has taken several AP classes, and he currently has GPA of 3.7. He was awarded Academic All-District 3 times.
Danny participates in the PALS Mentorship program at McKinney North.
Next year Danny plans on pursuing a Business and Finance degree.
That’s Danny Forrester from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
See video: https://youtu.be/_P31_NGr5z8
Danny is a 3-year varsity letterman, and he serves as a captain for the Bulldawg football team. In 2024 Danny was named to the All-District 5A team.
Danny has taken several AP classes, and he currently has GPA of 3.7. He was awarded Academic All-District 3 times.
Danny participates in the PALS Mentorship program at McKinney North.
Next year Danny plans on pursuing a Business and Finance degree.
That’s Danny Forrester from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Here is a link to some informal/candid photos taken at graduation this morning. Download/screenshot what you want. This album will be deleted on June 30th. Happy Graduation Day! https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y6ptmc1yyEgAeEA57
Here is a link to some informal/candid photos taken at graduation this morning. Download/screenshot what you want. This album will be deleted on June 30th. Happy Graduation Day!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y6ptmc1yyEgAeEA57
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Corinne Watson from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/V3QaqVUlCeo
Corinne is a senior, and she served as a captain on the Bulldogs track team. Corinne was named Most Improved for her team, and she has received Academic All-District. She competed in the UIL State Meet in the 4x100 and 4x200 meter relays, and she also made the 2024 All-State Track and Field Team.
Corinne has a 3.6 GPA, and she is on the A and B Honor Roll.
Corinne enjoys volunteering with multiple organizations throughout the year, especially around the major holidays.
Next year, Corinne plans to attend college to major in nursing to become a CRNA and to continue her education to become an Anesthesiologist.
That’s Corinne Watson from McKinney North 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 Brandon De Vun from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/Bq3SVv_KFFo?si=vDsuyZu6fag4MMKa
Brandon is a Senior on the Bulldogs Track team.
Brandon is a part of the current school record holding 4x100 relay team with a time of 41.15 seconds. He is a 2024 State Qualifier in the 4x100 relay and Regional Qualifier in the 100 meters.
Brandon has a 4.88 GPA and is ranked 8th in his class. He is an AP student and has received Academic All-District.
Brandon is a member of the McKinney North Interact Club. He volunteers with the McKinney Parks Foundation and works at Five Guys.
Next year, Brandon plans to attend the Naval Academy.
That’s Brandon De Vun from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
“It made me realize that something that I do every single day every single class period, that maybe feels mundane, really is important, and it helps people feel seen.”
See video: https://youtu.be/QiY_YCj3FKI?si=i4F3H8cwsTRljJGr
Madison Marr is the 2025 Teacher of the Year for McKinney North High School. She is a language arts teacher, and she has worked as an educator for 7 years.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Finley Plant from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/bxvA9xtJ5Yw?si=s2IthAB9-TKJe83r
Finley plays cello in the orchestra, and she has served as First Chair for 3 years as well as an Orchestra Officer for 2 years.
She has received a ranking of 1 on Solo, and she was selected for the All-Region orchestra in 2025.
Finley is an AP Scholar with Excellence, and she currently has a 4.5 GPA.
She has taken 8 AP classes, and she has been awarded Academic Excellence for 3 years.
Finley is a member of the National Honor Society, STUCCO, PALS, and the Interact Club.
In her free time, Finley works at Sali’s Italian Restaurant.
After graduation, Finley plans to attend the University of North Texas to major in Business & Accounting.
That’s Finley Plant, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
Directions to Prom
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Dailey Poland from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/zUIDHRyynf4?si=eJOwyguQSzK9Yivp
Dailey is a Senior Captain on the Bulldogs basketball team.
Dailey is ranked 17th in his class, and he has a 4.63 GPA.
He is an AP Scholar with Honors and an Academic Excellence cord recipient.
Dailey is a member of PALS, and he serves as vice president of the Key Club.
Dailey volunteers as an HALO’s Buddy through Kiwanis, and he works with the McKinney Little Free Pantry.
Next year, Dailey will attend Texas A&M to pursue a masters degree in Business Administration.
That’s Dailey Poland from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Preparing Students for Success – the AVID Program in McKinney ISD
“It’s the best program in the district!”
As an AVID instructor, Leslie D’Annibale may be somewhat biased, but her enthusiasm for the Advancement Via Individual Determination program in McKinney ISD is not overstated.
See video: https://youtu.be/66709GXiga8
AVID is transforming the way students learn and prepare for their future by helping students build strong study habits, manage their time effectively and prepare for college and beyond. From mastering study skills to tackling the SAT, AVID empowers students with the tools they need to succeed!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Andy Alvarenga from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/DJnkqmfygGY?si=OUXNDlUKBXWneyCd
Andy is a senior on the Bulldogs Soccer team, and he received Newcomer of the Year and was selected to 1st team All-District.
Andy is ranked 42nd in his class with a 4.3 GPA, and he has taken 8 AP classes. He is a member of the National Honors Society, Interact club, and Spanish Culture Club.
In his free time, Andy plays club soccer and volunteers by doing community service projects.
Next year, Andy plans to go to college to study Engineering while continuing his soccer career. That’s Andy Alvarenga from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
McKinney North High School recently took on a special Kindness Challenge, inspiring students and staff to spread positivity throughout the school and community.
See video: https://youtu.be/38sZuTTN9CE?si=SWNsvz5HLWg970g5
Organized by counselor Nikki Summers, this initiative honors the memory of Blake, the son of a longtime friend, whose family encouraged acts of kindness in his honor as he became ill before his 3rd birthday.
Through this challenge, students are making a difference, one kind act at a time. Let's keep the kindness going!
