This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Rylan McCollough.
See video: https://youtu.be/_0p4vCJs_ds
Rylan is a senior at McKinney Boyd High School where he plays viola & violin in the orchestra. He is a two-time Directors Award recipient, two-time All-Region Orchestra participant, and a UIL State Chamber Music Competition Finalist with the Cadenza Quartet.
Rylan has taken 8 AP courses, and he currently maintains a 3.977 GPA.
In his free time, Rylan is a member of the McKinney Boyd Chess Club, and he is an employee of Dallas Strings. Rylan performs as Principal Violist of the Greater North Texas Youth Orchestra and as a member of the Cadenza Quintet.
After graduation, Rylan plans to study Linguistics or Music Education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst or the University of Edinburgh.
That’s Rylan McCollough, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
In honor of Black History Month, we remember the lives of Albert and Iola Malvern, namesakes of Malvern Elementary.
Iola Lee Davis Malvern
Iola Davis was born in McKinney, Texas on January 28, 1927, during an era when the city—like so many others across the south—was marked by segregation. That fact would remain unchanged for more than 30 years of her life.
Growing up, she attended McKinney’s E.S. Doty School, a square, brick building on the east side of town that housed grades 1-12 for the district’s Black students. She graduated as valedictorian in 1944.
Davis continued her education at Bishop College in Marshall, Texas where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 1948. She would later go on to earn a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University in early childhood development and counseling, and in 1950, she married Albert A. Malvern.
When she began her career as a sixth grade teacher at Doty in 1948, MISD was still separated along racial lines. But, when McKinney ISD fully integrated in 1965, Iola Malvern was one of the first Black teachers to transfer to what had previously been an all-white school, West Ward—now known as Nell Burks Elementary—and taught fourth grade until her retirement in 1983.
Malvern lived in McKinney and remained an active member in many church and community organizations until her passing on December 5, 2019.
Albert A. Malvern
Albert A. Malvern was born on May 26, 1923 in Checotah, Oklahoma. He graduated from Terrell High School in Denison, Texas and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in industrial education from Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. He also received his master’s degree in 1953 from Prairie View. In 1969, he earned a second master's degree in administration and supervision from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas.
In the fall of 1949, Malvern began his educational career at E.S. Doty High School in McKinney. A year later, he married Iola Davis.
He went on to work for McKinney ISD for 36 years as a math teacher and in 1972 became an assistant principal at McKinney High School. He was active in the community and was a deacon in the Drexel Street First Baptist Church.
Albert A. Malvern passed away on October 14, 1985. A beloved figure in McKinney ISD, Malvern's commitment and dedication helped forge a legacy that impacted countless MISD students during his more than three decades of service to the district.
In 2001, McKinney ISD opened the doors of Malvern Elementary, which stands as an ongoing tribute to the legacy of these two remarkable educators.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Jack Shaw from McKinney High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/no-loVQ_zy0?si=kImCYs4yKhSZ1Z69
Jack is a senior on the Lions varsity basketball team, and he has received Academic All-District 3 years in a row.
He has taken 5 AP classes and is a member of the National Honor Society. Jack is in the top 18% of his class and has a 3.88 GPA.
Next year, Jack plans to attend a 4-year university to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
That’s Jack Shaw from McKinney High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
In honor of Black History Month, we remember Reuben Johnson, namesake of Johnson Elementary...
Born in 1926, Reuben Johnson was the product of a McKinney upbringing and education, and he gave back to his community by dedicating 37 years to education, including 28 years in McKinney, where he became the first Black principal in McKinney ISD and was an important figure during the integration of McKinney schools.
Johnson earned his diploma in 1944 from segregated Doty High School, a large, two-story, brick building in east McKinney. After graduating, Johnson served in the Navy during World War II and returned from the war to earn a bachelor’s degree from Texas College in Tyler. He would go on to earn a master's degree from Texas Southern University in Houston as well as principal and superintendent certifications.
It was during his time at Texas College that Johnson met and fell in love with Evelyn Williams, and in 1950, they married.
They moved to McKinney, and Johnson would become supervisor for County Schools of Collin County and served as principal of Community School in Josephine while Evelyn served as a classroom teacher.
In the late 1950's, they came to work for McKinney ISD where Johnson would dedicate 28 years of his life to the students of McKinney. When he and Evelyn retired in 1986, Johnson was the principal of Burks Elementary, and Evelyn had spent 25 years as a first-grade teacher.
“He was an all-around man who touched the lives of his students,” said Evelyn, who passed away in 2019. “He was interested in the welfare of the children and wanted the best for all students so they could be positive achievers throughout life.”
In an interview with Arthur McNeil, the namesake of McNeil Elementary, he recalled Johnson and his tenure with the district. “I remember Reuben Johnson came to McKinney serving as principal at E.S. Doty High School and also principal of the elementary school held at Doty after the first phase of integration in McKinney," he said.
According to McNeil, after the elementary school closed, Johnson served as assistant principal at Slaughter Middle School, Caldwell Intermediate School, McKinney High School and finally was named principal at Burks Elementary when Dean Bennett retired. His appointment as principal resulted in becoming the first Black principal within an integrated McKinney ISD.
“Reuben Johnson taught me more about human relations and leadership than any college or workshops that I have attended," McNeil said. "He was committed. He was a leader ... Reuben Johnson had a vision or direction for McKinney ISD, which included quality in all aspects, and he created a framework in the workplace for quality activities to take place.”
While Leonard Evans was head coach and Johnson was principal at Doty High School, one of Johnson’s first decisions was to ask Evans to haul all the worn out athletic equipment to the city dump because it was the equipment he and Evans had used during their time as students at the school. Johnson wouldn’t settle for more hand-me-downs and eventually purchased all new equipment for Doty players.
In addition to his service in McKinney schools, Johnson was an active member of St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church serving as Sunday School Superintendent, on the Steward Board and in the choir. He and Evelyn had two sons who graduated from McKinney High School. Scott is a retired pharmacist and Dreand is a college administrator.
Reuben Johnson passed away in 1988. McKinney ISD honored the legacy of one of its truly great educators when they opened the doors of Reuben Johnson Elementary in 1997. And, there Johnson's legacy lives on each day through the work of the school's teachers and staff.
Adapted from an article authored by Jean Ann Collins, former journalism teacher at McKinney High School.
Superintendent Shawn Pratt's 2024-2025 Student Advisory Committee met for its third of five sessions today at the CEC.
This time, these student leaders from Boyd, MHS and North heard from McKinney City Manager Paul Grimes as he discussed leadership and his role within the city government. Dr. Dennis Womack talked about the work of the district's long range planning committee and provided insight into the many factors involved in accommodating for growth in the district as the students collaborated during a zoning discussion.
The Superintendent Student Advisory Committee provides junior and senior student leaders from MISD's three high schools the opportunity to learn and grow in leadership and to give feedback about district and campus initiatives, events and procedures.
Thanks to Paul Grimes for taking time to share with our students today!
Celebrating 100 Years of Fanny Finch Elementary
See video: https://tinyurl.com/3umvrzvf
“Raise your hand if you were teaching back when chalkboards were considered high tech?”
That seems like a crazy question unless you are addressing the audience of a 100-year celebration, which was the case this past January for Finch Elementary. Current teachers and students along with former students and staff gathered to celebrate the school’s one hundredth anniversary of being named after the legendary educator, Fanny Finch.
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is Alyssa Mullen.
Video: https://youtu.be/YwEQPXggwA4
Alyssa is a senior at McKinney Boyd High School where she is in the Broadway Broncos Theatre program. She has performed with the All-Star Cast of the UIL One-Act Play, as well as several other productions including Big Fish, A Chorus Line and The Little Mermaid.
Alyssa is a National Qualifier for Soloist & Music Director for her work in The Ballad of Sara Berry, and she is a National Qualifier for Music Director for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Alyssa has taken 9 AP courses and 1 dual credit course, and she received the Outstanding Achievement award from NASSP in 2021. She is an AP Scholar with Honor and a National Indigenous Recognition Program Award Recipient. For the past 2 years Alyssa has been named the “Theatre Student of the Year” for McKinney Boyd.
In her free time, Alyssa volunteers with Creek Kids Drama Team, and she works with young children at Bible Scripture Memory Weekly Sundays.
She also participates in the Dallas Young Artists program and Moondance Theatre, and she is currently working on the Gold award in Girl Scouts.
After graduation, Alyssa plans to attend college and major in Fine Arts Acting with a goal of performing and directing plays on Broadway.
That’s Alyssa Mullen, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
✨National School Counseling Week 2025✨
National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
We are thankful for our McKinney ISD counselors!
Welcome to the McKinney ISD podcast hosted by Dr. Shelly Spaulding, Assistant Superintendent of Public Relations & Communications.
See video: https://youtu.be/wE486E3VHDI
One of our district goals is to ensure that our stakeholders are aware of things that are happening in McKinney ISD, and this podcast is another avenue to provide more updates.
Each week we will interview different guests who can provide insight and information on current topics that affect our district. Today, we're starting with our very own Superintendent Pratt! Tune into this episode to learn more about Shawn Pratt's educational career, his input on current educational issues such as school vouchers and open enrollment in McKinney ISD, as well as some answers to our rapid-fire personal questions.
Honoring Harvey Oaxaca During School Board Appreciation Month
Bennett Elementary wrapped up School Board Appreciation Month on Friday, Jan. 31, by celebrating school board Secretary Harvey Oaxaca for his dedication and service to our students and schools. Mr. Oaxaca toured classrooms and the library alongside campus principals, witnessing the incredible learning taking place. The celebration continued with a school-wide assembly where students and staff expressed their gratitude for his hard work and commitment to MISD.
Thank you, Mr. Oaxaca, for making a difference in our community!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week is Arianna Johnson from McKinney North High School.
See video: https://youtu.be/NtCfr5nx658?si=PvC9v6VfkWh23niT
Arianna is a Senior Captain on the Lady Bulldogs Soccer team.
Arianna received All-District 1st Team Defender in 2024.
Arianna is ranked 86th in her class and has a 4.0 GPA.
She is an AP student and a Red, Blue, and Orange Cord Recipient.
Arianna is a member of the National Honors Society and PALS. She also plays club soccer with FC Dallas Youth.
Next year, Arianna plans to continue her Soccer career at the University of Texas at Tyler while majoring in Health Sciences.
That’s Arianna Johnson from McKinney North High School, our Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Week.
6th Grade STEM with PlastiVan!
PlastiVan Educators are reshaping the way we think about plastics, one classroom at a time! PlastiVan Educator John Fellenstein, a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers, joined the 6th grade science classes at Cockrill Middle School yesterday to showcase engaging demonstrations and interactive activities to inspire students about the endless possibilities in science and engineering within the plastics industry.
"Students dive into the chemistry, history, production and eco-friendly aspects of plastics, connecting the science to their daily experiences," said Dr. Kendra Henke, MISD coordinator of secondary science. PlastiVan fosters a passion for science and empowers students to explore exciting careers in engineering. We’re igniting curiosity and paving the way for a brighter, plastic-conscious future together!"
McKinney ISD 6th Grade Math Students Learn Personal Financial Literacy
See video: https://tinyurl.com/e6y563ya
Our district was honored to welcome Denise Steller from First United Bank to speak with our 6th-grade math students across all five middle schools. Through an engaging Dollars & Sense activity, students gained a hands-on understanding of how their education and career choices after high school will impact their lifestyle and financial decisions.
By learning the fundamentals of budgeting and financial planning early, these students are building the foundation for a future of smart money management. Thank you to First United Bank for partnering with us to bring this valuable lesson to our students!
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, MISD shines the spotlight on Stephanie O'Dell!
Stephanie O'Dell's leadership as a member of the MISD Board of Trustees is rooted in many years of service as a volunteer at the campus level and as a mentor through MISD's REACH program. She first got involved 20 years ago, serving in PTO and PTA in various roles, helping out where there was a need and mentoring high school and elementary students over the years. In 2015, O'Dell was elected to the MISD board and during her time there has served as vice-president and board secretary.
She and her husband have two daughters who attended McKinney schools and who have gone on to graduate from Texas A&M University and Boston University.
Thank you, Stephanie O'Dell, for your service to MISD students and families!
Be sure to read Stephanie O'Dell's bio and watch her video feature at https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/misd/page/stephanie-odell.
The Mother/Son Dance is just a few days away! Get your tickets today!
Click here: https://mckinneyisd.reg.eleyo.com/course/113/2024-2025-special-events/mother-son-dance#dance
Saturday February 1, 2025
McKinney High School Cafeteria
1400 Wilson Creek Pkwy
McKinney, TX. 75069
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Mother/Son Dance Tickets — $24.00 per person
Pictures available by 5804 Photography. Pre-order on ticket webpage.
Finch Elementary Celebrates 100 years!
Principal Erika Echegaray and the staff and students of Finch Elementary hosted a full house of guests on Tuesday, January 28, to celebrate 100 years of serving MISD students and families. MISD Board of Trustees President Philip Hassler, Secretary Harvey Oaxaca, Larry Jagours, Stephanie O'Dell and Lynn Sperry were on hand as well as five former Finch principals: Betty Poe (1991-1998), Sandra Barber (1999-2003), Becky Cross (1998-1999), Margaret Pace (2003-2006) and Becky Hoffman (2011-2016).
They were also joined by former staff and students who returned to Finch to commemorate the milestone. The celebration included the MHS drumline, performances by the MHS Harmony and Finch choirs, student presentations portraying former Finch principal and Eddins Elementary namesake C.T. Eddins and school namesake Fanny Finch as well as remarks from Echegaray and Hassler.
The celebration ceremony was followed by a reception in the library and a tour of the building.
Fanny Finch (1866-1941) was a remarkable, longtime McKinney educator who became the first woman to serve on a school board in Texas. Her influence and leadership brought libraries, restrooms and playgrounds to the city's schools, and in 1924, the school board, in response to a petition from the community, changed the name of South Ward Elementary to Fanny Finch Elementary. 100 years later, Finch's legacy lives on in the school that still bears her name!
Here's to another 100 years of Finch Elementary!
This week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week is senior Madeleine Brubaker from McKinney High School.
See video: https://tinyurl.com/4kbw9w6m
Madeleine is an artist in the AP Art: Design course, and she has earned 3 regional medals and 2 state medals at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event.
She placed 2nd in the Art Club of McKinney contest for her watercolor and scratchboard work, and she received 2 Honorable Mentions in Scholastic Arts & Writing.
Madeleine currently has a 3.95 GPA and ranks 22nd in her class.
She received College Board Recognition for a STEMM Service project, and she has earned her Academic Recognition Cords.
Madeleine was awarded for Outstanding Achievements in Latin, Art and Social Studies, and she received 2nd & 3rd place for the National Latin Exam her freshmen and sophomore years.
In her free time, Madeleine participates in Stemist Club and Visual Arts of Prosper. She is a party host at the Apex Center, and she enjoys using her free time to create art.
After graduation, Madeleine will attend Oklahoma State University to major in Interior Design and minor in Studio Art.
That’s Madeleine Brubaker, this week’s Dennis Baker State Farm Scholar Artist of the Week.
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, we shine the spotlight on Lynn Sperry!
Lynn Sperry is passionate about serving the students and staff of McKinney ISD as well as the community at large; that devotion has led her to invest more than 40 years on the MISD Board of Trustees and to serve in a wide range of roles beyond the district.
She served 12 years as director of the Texas Association of School Boards and received the designation of Master Trustee from TASB in 2000. More recently, from 2020-2022, she was president of the North Texas Area Association of School Boards.
The list of local boards and foundations beyond MISD that Sperry has been a part of is lengthy and includes the McKinney Education Foundation, Baylor Scott and White, Avenues Counseling Center, Crape Myrtle Trails, and Serenity High.
In 1997, she was named the Kim Hoffman Volunteer of the Year for McKinney, along with her husband Neil, and in 2006, Sperry received the Carey Cox Award for The Outstanding McKinney Citizen.
Her presence in MISD has proved to be generational; her children attended MISD schools, and now her grandchildren are following suit.
Thank you, Lynn Sperry, for your many years of service to MISD and the community!
Be sure to check out Lynn's full bio and video feature at https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/misd/page/lynn-sperry
School Board Appreciation Month — Stephanie O'Dell at Press Elementary!
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, Principal Rachel Corbin and the staff and students of Press Elementary celebrated board member Stephanie O'Dell on Friday, January 17! They kicked off the visit with a quick tour and choir performance by the Press Pride Performers and then moved into the library for lunch, Q&A and presentations from students representing each grade level.
They talked about O'Dell's responsibilities as a board member and her motivation to serve, and students had the opportunity to share some of their artwork, sewing projects and creative writing work. To O'Dell's further delight, they presented her with a new book that would be added to the library in her honor.
The time at Press wrapped up with a boisterous send off in the front foyer.
"I am so impressed with each and every student," O'Dell said afterward. "They were all so well spoken and truly loved being at school. Both of the kids that I sat next to at lunch want to come to school every day. They said, 'I love coming to school. I love learning. I love making friends,' and it shows the value of public education in the state of Texas. Press Elementary...everyone's doing such a great job. These kids are fabulous, and they're learning every single day."
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, we shine the spotlight on Larry Jagours!
Born and raised in McKinney, Larry Jagours considers himself "a true McKinneyite." Indeed, his educational journey from the former E.S. Doty School to his graduation from McKinney High School is interwoven in significant ways with the history of McKinney ISD and the broader community.
Jagours went on to build a career in education that spanned 29 years, investing 16 of them here in MISD as a special education teacher and, later, as a substitute. Now a retired minister, Jagours continues to serve the MISD community through his work on the Board of Trustees.
“It is an extreme honor and privilege to be elected to the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees,” said Jagours, “to further the vision of academic excellence with all members in making McKinney ISD the premier school district in Collin County, if not within the State of Texas.”
Thank you, Larry Jagours for your service and dedication to the students of McKinney ISD!
Be sure to check out Larry Jagours' full bio and video feature on his MISD profile page!
https://www.mckinneyisd.net/o/misd/page/larry-jagours
