McKinney ISD students honored for film and stock market game achievements

The McKinney Independent School District (MISD) held a school board meeting on May 12, 2025, where notable achievements of students were celebrated. The meeting highlighted two significant awards: the 90 Second Newbery Festival Film Award and the Stock Market Game.

Ginny McGowan, the senior director of teaching and learning for elementary education, opened the meeting by recognizing students who participated in the 90 Second Newbery Festival. This annual contest invites young filmmakers under 18 to create short films that summarize Newbery Award-winning stories in just 90 seconds. Several McKinney ISD students were honored for their creativity, with nominations for categories such as best storytelling and cinematography. Notable participants included fourth graders Maggie Bleakley and Evelyn Branch from Berks Elementary, and Josiah Duong and Aaron Hall from Walker Elementary, among others.

The meeting also celebrated the success of McKinney ISD students in the Stock Market Game, an online simulation that teaches students about economics and investing. Three teams from the district excelled, with one team, the "Not Broke Bros," achieving first place in the Dallas region and fifteenth in the state. Their portfolio peaked at $189,091. Other teams, including the "Council of Monkeys," also performed well, securing second place in the region.

Overall, the meeting showcased the district's commitment to fostering student engagement in both the arts and financial literacy, highlighting the impressive accomplishments of its young learners.