Congratulations to Melissa McMillian-Cunningham on being named the 2010 Texas Educational Theatre Association Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Cunningham received this honor January 23, 2010, at the annual TETA Conference held in Dallas at the Hyatt Regency-Reunion Convention Center.  She is currently serving the association as the K-12 Vice President and is on the Board of Directors.

Ms. Cunningham graduated from Tomball High School, Stephen F. Austin State University with a BFA; receiving a Secondary Teaching Certificate in Theatre and English, and a Master of Arts from SFA in Theatre, specializing in acting and directing.  She has shared her expertise in directing, acting, speech, English, and yoga at Carthage High School, Mesquite High School, Stephen F. Austin State University, Murray State University, and Central Heights High School.

Students, teachers, parents, and administrators sing "Ms. C's" praises as being visionary, encouraging, and exemplary.  While at CHHS, Ms. C and her students have designed and built a black box theatre so her students would have a practice venue.  In August 2010, she and her students will attend and perform in the American High School Theatre Festival as part of the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Ms. C's awards and honors include: 2 appearances at the UIL One-Act Play State Meet, Central Heights Teacher of the Year, and she was selected to be a faculty member at the Governor's School in 2 states: Texas and Kentucky.