🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ STATE FINALS BOUND! 🏆💙

The Meridian Early College High School Mustangs are headed to the MHSAA State Track & Field Finals!

This year's group features a tremendous mix of veteran leadership, first-time qualifiers, team captains, record-breakers, and talented underclassmen who have worked tirelessly to earn their place on Michigan's biggest stage.

🌟 STATE QUALIFIERS 🌟

⚡ Bridger Ouderkirk (Jr.)
100m • 200m • 4x100 • 4x400
Three-time state qualifier and team captain who captured Regional Championships in both the 100m and 200m.

⚡ Logan Holzinger (Jr.)
110m Hurdles • Long Jump • 4x100
Three-time state qualifier, team captain, Regional Champion in the hurdles and long jump, and holder of Meridian's 110m hurdle school record.

🔥 4x100 Relay
Bridger Ouderkirk • Logan Holzinger • Trent Bowen • Braxden Radcliffe
Regional Champions and one of the fastest sprint relay teams in school history!

🔥 4x400 Relay
Bridger Ouderkirk • Dillon Spilker • Brady Bowen • Braxden Radcliffe
Regional Runner-Up and ready to compete with the state's best.

💪 Alijah Frazier (Jr.)
Discus
First-time state qualifier and team captain whose hard work and leadership have elevated the entire throws program.

💪 Brooklyn Lalicata (Jr.)
Discus
First-time state qualifier and team captain who has been the heart of the girls throws program throughout her career.

🏃‍♀️ Josi Cryderman (Soph.)
100m Hurdles • 300m Hurdles
A fierce competitor whose dedication has placed her within reach of Meridian record-book performances.

🌟 Freshman Standouts
Trent Bowen and Braxden Radcliffe will both make their State Finals debut after playing key roles on our qualifying relay teams and contributing across multiple events throughout the season.

A special congratulations also goes to first-time state qualifiers Dillon Spilker and Brady Bowen, whose versatility and commitment helped elevate our relay squads to another level this spring.

The journey to the State Finals is built on countless hours of practice, sacrifice, perseverance, and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes and the way they represent Meridian both on and off the track.

Good luck, Mustangs! Leave it all on the track and field! 💙 #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #MustangsTHRIVE
about 5 hours ago, Sarah Glann
Congratulations to our 2026 retirees! Thank you to Megan Thompson, Shirley Gingery, Diana Shinn, Dawn Crawford, and Beth Pigion for your years of service to Meridian Public Schools! Your work over the years has helped thousands of students, and we are so thankful for you. We wish you the best in your retirement and future! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs
2 days ago, Noah Kent
Retirement celebration graphic for Meridian Public Schools featuring the school logo, confetti, balloons, and the headline ‘Happy Retirement.’ Five staff portraits are displayed with names: Megan Thompson, Shirley Gingery, Dawn Crawford, Beth Pigion, and Diana Shinn. Text at the bottom reads: ‘Thank you for your dedicated years of service to Meridian Public Schools! We wish you the best in your retirement!’ and ‘Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone!
The last day of school is approaching! Thursday, May 28 is the last day of school, and we will be operating on a half day schedule. #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs
4 days ago, Noah Kent
School reminder graphic for Meridian Public Schools announcing a half day of school on Thursday, May 28, which is also the last day of school. The design features the school logo centered on a blue diamond overlay against a blurred classroom background with desks and chairs. The Meridian Public Schools logo also appears at the top of the blue diamond.
Graduation night is almost here! Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026 at Commencement, Thursday, May 28th at 7:00PM in the MECHS Gymnasium! No tickets are required for entry. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #Graduation
4 days ago, Noah Kent
Alt text: Graduation commencement invitation flyer with the text “They did it!” in large script at the top. Below, it says “Join us for Commencement” followed by “Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM, Meridian Early College Gym.” The design includes a graduation cap with a gold tassel floating above an outstretched hand and the Meridian Public Schools “Home of the Mustangs” logo in the bottom left corner.

📣 Meridian Public Schools wants to hear from YOU!

On May 5, 2026, our community voted on the Meridian Public Schools bond proposal. While the proposal did not pass, we remain committed to listening, learning, and working together to support the future of our schools and students.

As we consider next steps, we are asking families, staff, and community members to complete a brief survey to share your thoughts, questions, and priorities regarding district facilities, student learning environments, safety, and long-term planning.

📝 Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/z56UvUpzAeeFsDQ58

The survey will remain open through June 1, 2026.

Thank you for partnering with us and continuing to show your #MustangPride 💙
#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #MustangsTHRIVE

7 days ago, Sarah Glann
Survey
On Wednesday, Amy Boxey, Coordinator of Student Success & Career Programs at Meridian Early College, was awarded the Outstanding Impact in Career & College Preparation of Students award from the Midland Area College & Career Access Network. Mrs. Boxey assists hundreds of students each year with their college and career plans after high school. Her impact on our students is invaluable. Thank you Amy for your fantastic work each day! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs
8 days ago, Noah Kent
Amy Boxey, Scott LaFever, and Sarah Glann at an awards ceremony posing for a photo with an award
REMINDER: There is no school on Monday, May 25th! See you all on Tuesday! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs
8 days ago, Noah Kent
School reminder graphic with a spiral-bound calendar illustration displaying ‘May 25’ and the message ‘NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day.’ The background is light gray, with ‘REMINDER’ at the top and the Meridian Public Schools ‘Home of the Mustangs’ logo at the bottom.

Hey Mustangs - summer is right around the corner, and that means it is time for the SunMeals Summer Food Program! Parents can sign up their children aged 18 and younger to receive a weeks worth of meals from the food service office! To sign up, visit www.merps.org/summerfood. A seven (7) day meal kit (containing breakfast and lunch) will be available for parents to pick up for their children on Thursdays at Meridian Elementary School in the bus loop from 2-4PM! Meals being on Thursday, June 4th, and end on Thursday, August 6th. Questions can be directed to the Food Service Office at foodservice@merps.org. Thank you! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs

11 days ago, Noah Kent
Flyer for “Summer Seven Day Meal Kits” from SUN Meals. The flyer features a large bowl of salad with strawberries, asparagus, leafy greens, lime slices, cheese, and prosciutto on the right side. Text on the left reads: “Summer Seven Day Meal Kits,” followed by details: “Meridian Elementary Bus Loop,” “June 4th - August 6th,” and “Every Thursday 2–4 PM.” A blue sign-up box at the bottom says: “Sign up at www.merps.org/summerfood” and “For kids up to age 18.” The Meridian Public Schools logo appears in the bottom right corner. The design includes light textured background with scattered green leaves.

📢 2026-2027 School of Choice Information – Meridian Public Schools is now accepting applications through the first School of Choice window for the 2026-2027 school year!

Under Schools of Choice legislation (Sections 105 & 105(c) of the School Aid Act), students in Kindergarten through 12th grade who reside within the Midland County ESA and neighboring intermediate school districts are eligible to apply.

Application Window:
May 4, 2026 – May 22, 2026
⚠️ Limited open enrollment slots are available for K-12 students, so be sure to apply early!
📞 For more information, please contact the Meridian Administration Office at 989-687-3200.
Visit www.merps.org/enroll to complete the application process.
#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs

11 days ago, Noah Kent
A classroom scene shows a teacher standing at the front pointing to a whiteboard while a group of young children sit on the floor listening. Overlaid promotional text reads “Non-Resident School of Choice” and “Limited Spots Available.” The graphic advertises Meridian Public Schools enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year, noting applications are accepted until May 22, 2026, with a call to “Enroll Now,” a phone number (989-687-3200), a website (www.merps.org/enroll ), and a QR code. The Meridian Public Schools logo appears in the top right.

Mark your calendars, for the first Meridian Early College High School Craft Show!! Vendors use the QR code or the following link to sign up: https://tinyurl.com/ymn9maaw. Let's help our Spanish Club get to Spain!! If have any questions or if you would like to make a donation for our raffle, please contact Emily Sanders at emily.sanders@merps.org or Joyce Hamilton at joyce.hamilton@merps.org. #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs

11 days ago, Emily Sanders
Craft Show Poster
Kira Buchholtz is enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where she will serve as an Operations Specialist. During her time at Meridian, she participated in the Bay-Arenac ISD Veterinary Science Program, the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program, and was a member of the Meridian Ski Club. Following her service, Kira hopes to pursue a career in photography. Congrats on this next milestone, Kira!
#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #DecisionDay
12 days ago, Jordyn Landon
Kira Buchholtz, Navy, Operations Specialist, Photography etc.
Noah Thompson is attending Delta College through Meridian’s 5th-year program, where he will earn credits before transferring to Northwood University or Michigan Technological University, where he plans to major in Cybersecurity Management with minors in Cybersecurity and Economics. During his time at Meridian, he was a part of the Bay-Arenac ISD Cybersecurity Program and a member of the Bowling team. Congrats on your next endeavor, Noah!
#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #DecisionDay
12 days ago, Jordyn Landon
Noah Thompson, Delta College, Cybersecurity, Economics, etc.
Lucas Bunn is attending Delta College through Meridian’s 5th-year program. During his senior year, he completed welding courses through Midland High’s CTE program and plans to continue his education at Delta College to earn his advanced welding certification. Congrats on your next step, Lucas!
#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #DecisionDay
12 days ago, Jordyn Landon
Lucas Bunn, Delta College, Welding, etc.
Christian Card is attending Delta College through Meridian’s 5th-year program. He plans to follow the credit articulation plan, also known as the 3+1 program, with Northwood University to earn a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Christian’s career goal is to become a software engineer. During his time at Meridian, he attended the Bay-Arenac Career Center for computer programming and was actively involved in Business Professionals of America. You will do amazing things in your future, Christian!
#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #DecisionDay
12 days ago, Jordyn Landon
Christian Card, Delta College, Computer Science, etc.
Isabella Ebach will be attending Eastern Michigan University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She aspires to build a career as a marketing specialist. During her time at Meridian, she particularly enjoyed taking advanced art classes. Congrats on your next big step, Isabella!
#MeridianMustangs #ReachHigher #DecisionDay
12 days ago, Jordyn Landon
Isabella Ebach, Eastern Michigan University, Marketing, Advanced art
On Friday, MECHS celebrated the Class of 2026 with our annual Decision Day ceremony! College decisions were announced, workforce careers showcased, awards were presented, and scholarships awarded to this amazing group of students! Here’s to the future Class of 2026! We are so proud of you all! #ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #DecisionDay2026
12 days ago, Noah Kent
Students sitting in an auditorium posing for a photo for Decision Day 2026 at Meridian Early College High School
Students standing on a stage celebrating decision day at Meridian Early College High School
Maceson Hoyer is beginning a union apprenticeship to pursue a career as a journeyman lineman. With a strong foundation from the Bullock Creek Building Trades Program and the Tri-County Lineman Program, he aims to earn his Journeyman Lineman certification and continue advancing in the electrical trade. You will do great things, Maceson!
#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #DecisionDay
12 days ago, Jordyn Landon
Maceson Hoyer, Journeyman Lineman, Workforce, Future Lineman, etc.
Renee Parsons is attending Delta College through Meridian’s 5th-year program, where she plans to earn credits before transferring to Ferris State University to pursue a degree in Dental Hygiene. During her time at Meridian, Renee earned Cum Laude honors and participated in the Bay-Arenac ISD Dental Occupations program. She also completed a co-op at Lavender Dental and was involved in the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Track and Field. We are wishing you the best in your next journey, Renee!
#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #DecisionDay
12 days ago, Jordyn Landon
Renee Parsons, Delta College, Dental Hygiene, etc.

Jazmen Compton is entering the workforce after gaining experience in the Coleman Culinary program, where she developed a passion for becoming a chef. Jazmen was also recognized as one of the turnaround students of the Class of 2026. Congrats, Jazmen!

#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #DecisionDay

12 days ago, Jordyn Landon
Jazmen Compton, Culinary, Workforce, Turn-Around Student 2026, etc.

Levi Compton will be attending Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio, on a full-ride scholarship. He plans to study Secondary Education with a focus on English. During his time at Meridian, Levi participated in the Dow College Opportunity Program and was a member of the Coleman Culinary Program. Congrats on your bright future, Levi!

#ReachHigher #MeridianMustangs #DecisionDay

12 days ago, Jordyn Landon
Levi Compton, Hiram College, Secondary Education (English)