Each year, as Memorial Day approaches, the area surrounding Melissa City Hall transforms into a powerful tribute to service and sacrifice. Through the Melissa Honors Military program—supported by the Melissa Rotary Club and facilitated by the City of Melissa—banners featuring the faces and names of local service members rise proudly along the walkways and green spaces.
The community gathered at Melissa’s obelisk behind City Hall, as the Rotary Club led a heartfelt 2026 Memorial Day ceremony. With Brian Kirkpatrick guiding the event, Pastor Chad McSwain’s invocation, Suzanne Taylor’s stirring National Anthem, and solemn tributes from Dawn Kelley and young bugler Maddie Fulencheck, the morning became a powerful moment of remembrance. Rotary leaders Dana Conklin and John Cave lay wreaths in honor of the fallen, setting the tone for a ceremony that lingers long after Brian’s closing words.
DG Mary Bedosky addressed the students, parents and Rotarians at the first Serve and Celebrate banquet encouraging students to continue with Rotary involvement after graduation. RYLA recipients were introduced. scholarship recipients were presented with certificates and checks, Interact sashes presented, and other awards were presented. The outgoing Interact board introduced the incoming board with various anecdotes and bits of advice. 
Eight graduating seniors from Melissa High School were awarded scholarship certificates and checks at the Interact Service and Celebration banquet. Friends, family and Rotary members attended the banquet honoring all Interact accomplishments and awards. 
Rotary scholarship recipients left to right, Kate Garret, Ace Gustaveson, Addison Thomas, McKenzie Hendrickson, Hannah Ackerman, Rachel Lewis, Hemela Taddesse, and Brooklyn Landrum.
Rotary and Interact team with community volunteers to make the Special Olympics of Texas Summer Games the best experience possible for the amazing athletes and their families.
