In Frisco ISD, there’s a place for everyone — in everything from academics and athletics to fine arts and campus organizations.
FISD’s 2027 National Merit Semifinalists prove one more thing: When students have more opportunities to explore, they have more ways to excel.
These 120 outstanding students are taking full advantage of those opportunities — leading, learning and working toward their futures from every corner of their campuses.
Among FISD’s 120 Semifinalists:
69 participate in fine arts (at 58%, their rate of participation is higher than the general high school rate of 47%)
46 are taking classes at the Career and Technical Education Center
40 are enrolled in Collin College classes
12 are teacher, office or library aides
9 are in Independent Study and Mentorship
5 are in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Frisco High School
One Semifinalist runs cross country, plays in the orchestra, and takes Collin College classes.
Another takes art and Academic Decathlon, as well as engineering at the CTE Center, a Project Lead the Way Distinguished School.
Yet another brought home a state UIL Theatrical Design championship and serves as a stage manager, while also playing in the orchestra and taking Collin College classes.
And the range goes well beyond the numbers. All of FISD’s Semifinalists are taking Advanced Placement or IB courses, while also distinguishing themselves as All-State musicians, tennis players, show choir singers, mock trial participants, peer mentors, student congress members, and interns in health science and information technology.
This is the idea behind Frisco ISD’s student opportunity model — more schools mean more opportunities for students to participate, stand out and lead, creating a fuller high school experience where every valedictorian can be a drum major, and every volleyball player can perform in the school play.
For every National Merit Semifinalist in FISD, there’s a story of effort and determination. They may be graduating in May, but their stories are just getting started.
- Rachel McReynolds