• Fall break is from October 10 through October 14. Enjoy the long weekend, Mavericks!
The Student News Site of Emerson High School

The Charge

The Charge
The Student News Site of Emerson High School

The Charge
Ardyn Lessner

Ardyn Lessner, The Charge Associate Editor-in-Chief

Ardyn Lessner is a junior and serves as the Assistant Editor-in-Chief for her second year in newspaper. She’s looking forward to contributing new ideas and having a leadership position in The Charge. She’s a dancer for the Majestics and loves practicing aerial circus on the side, as well as serving as a kids’ aerial instructor at Altitude Fitness. Ardyn is considering interior design or writing as a possible career, but knows she definitely wants to move out of Texas.

All content by Ardyn Lessner
Spencer Carolina, 11, and Isaiah Williams, 9, celebrate after a successful play against Walnut Grove.

Mavericks vs Wildcats: Finding their stride

Ardyn Lessner, Associate Editor-In-Chief
September 19, 2025

The Emerson Mavericks took on the Walnut Grove Wildcats at the Children’s Health Stadium in Prosper on Sept. 12. The final score was 49-0, with the Mavericks taking the loss. Students showed their support...

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Will Webster, 11, and Cameron Johnson, 11, entertain onlookers with pizazz and high energy.

First pep rally signifies start of exciting new school year

Ardyn Lessner, Associate Editor-in-Chief
September 5, 2025

The first pep rally was held on Aug. 29 to celebrate the start of the school year and the first football game of the season. It featured performances from color guard, cheer, Majestics and announcements...

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Emerson Cheer stunted and cheered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Starbucks.

New Starbucks attracts students with drinks and easy access

Ardyn Lessner, Associate Editor-in-Chief
August 26, 2025

A new Starbucks opened up on the corner of Stacy Road and Collin McKinney Parkway on Aug. 11. Construction began in October 2024, as part of a plan for 17,000 new stores to open by 2030, most of them...

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The Majestics end their spring show in a jump split, the finale to a successful year.

Dancers shine bright in spring show

Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
May 2, 2025

The varsity Majestics hosted their annual Spring Show on April 25 and 26 in the auditorium. It included performances by dance classes, color guard, cheer and other student-led clubs such as Mav Krew and...

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Samantha Ricks, 12, and Alex McLane, 12, 'make their marks' during Senior Week in the library.

Anticipation for prom: Senior Week and Prom Court

Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
April 3, 2025

Senior Week honors seniors during their final push towards graduation. Each day from March 31 through April 4, they’ll get to celebrate with treats and activities. Monday, March 31 - Black Rock...

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The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council stands in front of the Capitol building in Austin to learn about government affairs.

Superintendent’s Advisory Council takes trip to Austin

Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
March 13, 2025

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council took a trip to the Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, March 4, to learn more about what the legislative and the billing process is, and how that reforms...

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Cinnaholic had their monthly flavors displayed on the ordering counter.

Cinnaholic: Local gourmet cinnamon rolls

Ardyn Lessner and Julianna Sweatman
March 11, 2025

Opening in Berkeley, California in 2010, Cinnaholic provides a new dessert option, made of high quality ingredients. Although it might seem surprising considering the taste, they feature 100% plant-based,...

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On the right side of the shop, display cases with sliding doors feature bakery items that customers can pick out using a pair of provided tongs and bring to the counter for purchase.

Paris Baguette: Commendable self-serve bakery

Ardyn Lessner and Julianna Sweatman
February 27, 2025

Paris is the heart of France, where street cafes meet blooming flowers, and love is hovering in the air. The picturesque avenues and charming architecture are enticing to many tourists, although distance...

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The Majestics pose with their trophies at the American Dance/Drill Team competition awards ceremony.

Majestics American Dance/Drill Team Competition Recap

Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
February 13, 2025

The Majestics Drill Team participated in the American Dance/Drill Team competition on Feb. 8 at Plano Senior High School under the direction of Amanda Burch and Holly Whitfield. The team performed a jazz,...

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Addisyn Wimberly, 11, receives the "Above and Beyond" award from Make-a-Wish North Texas.

Addisyn Wimberly inspires hope one child at a time

Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
January 29, 2025

Addisyn Wimberly, 11, has been a part of many organizations aiming to benefit children in our local community and around the world. She was recently featured on WFAA Good Morning Texas with leadership...

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Ava McCall, 12, cheers for the Emerson Mavericks at a football game.

Senior Spotlight: Majestic Ava McCall

Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
January 16, 2025

Behind stunning leaps, graceful extensions and sky-high kicks is a passion for dance, nurtured for many years. Ava McCall, 12, can be seen on football fields, stages and gym floors, performing with...

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A decorated Christmas tree can bring light and festivity to previously dull spaces, as well as act as a great source of entertainment.

Winter season reflections

Ardyn Lessner
December 19, 2024

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Aaron Burden, Unsplash

Fall season reflections

Fall was a time for warmth, laughter, and time spent with loved ones. Before transitioning into the winter season, it’s important to reflect on autumn as a faceted season that can be explored through many perspectives.
Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
December 5, 2024

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Christopher Hammer stands in front of his second period GT Humanities class. He’s able to use all of the knowledge gathered over the years to provide a better education for his students.

Honoring Emerson’s special gifts on National Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day

Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
November 24, 2024

On Nov. 24, people around the world start rolling their tongues, juggling swords and contorting their bodies in extraordinary positions. On National Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day, these oddities are...

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Chloe Gill, 12, Bailee Howell, 12, and Saniya Allen, 12, volunteer at the PALs booth.

Club fair showcases students’ creativity

Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
November 18, 2024

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, the annual club fair was held in the quad, featuring student-run club booths on either side of the school entrance. The event provides clubs an opportunity to advertise and recruit...

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Olivia Kim, 12, serves the ball over the net during the game against Liberty High School.

Inside look into Emerson’s varsity girls volleyball team off the court

Ardyn Lessner, Staff Writer
October 30, 2024

The varsity girls volleyball team has been through its ups and downs but always prioritized stable, close relationships with one another. Led by coach Lauren Wright, they had a fluctuating season, with...

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Sahana Narasimhan, 10, diligently studies for the Academic Decathlon competition that takes place in November 2024.

Academic Decathlon participant looks forward to the upcoming competition

Ardyn Lessner
October 10, 2024

Academic Decathlon, where students are given opportunities to proudly represent Emerson through answering a series of knowledge-based questions, kicked off the school year with a lot of preparation for...

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One of Salata’s creative wood panels depicting their ordering process hangs on the wall next to their bright green counters. This contributes to an efficient flow of customers and prevents a traffic jam, as the customers are prepared before they enter the line.

Salata: New era in fast food

Ardyn Lessner
October 7, 2024

It’s hard to find fast food restaurants that are simultaneously delicious and healthy, but luckily, Salata offers many options. It first opened in 2005 in Houston, Texas by Berge Simonian, and soon expanded...

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Salad and Go is recognizable by its bright colors painted on the outside of the restaurant.

Salad and Go: A healthy option for the almond moms

Ardyn Lessner
September 26, 2024

Located off the corner of Custer and Stacy Rd., Salad and Go immediately catches the eye of any wandering passerby, with its bright orange and lime trims against the smoky gray walls. The drive through...

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Counselor Jamie Manley discusses college options with a current junior. She dedicates her time to serving the students and making life easier for them.

College week: Counselors guide students toward success

Ardyn Lessner
September 12, 2024

College is an exciting time for young adults to explore who they are without living in the shadows of their parents. They must learn to thrive independently, which can be a struggle for some students....

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Christian Lyons, 12; Kelton Wafer, 12; Nate Leal, 12; and Agape Lawrence, 12 hype up the crowd in anticipation for the Aug. 29 game against McKinney.

First pep rally launches fall sports and names Make-a-Wish awards

Ardyn Lessner
August 29, 2024

Maverick Leadership hosted the very first pep rally of the school year on Aug. 22, featuring performances from the Majestics, band, color guard, cheerleaders, and band. Flag runners welcomed the football,...

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Emerson’s new dance teacher Holly Whitfield lights up the stage

Emerson’s new dance teacher Holly Whitfield lights up the stage

Ardyn Lessner, Guest Contributor
May 7, 2024

The sound of blaring music, feet hitting the hardwood floor, and echoing laughter are some evident signs that a new dance instructor and assistant coach for the Majestics, Holly Whitfield, has come to...

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I ordered the caramel apple cronut, which was the size of my face.

Parlor Doughnuts: McKinney’s new sugar spot

Ardyn Lessner, Guest Contributor
March 18, 2024

Parlor Doughnuts, which recently opened in McKinney, Texas, is known for their pastries that are a blend of soft doughnut and flaky croissant. Founded by Darrick Hayden in Evansville, Indiana in 2019,...

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Creative Commons

Regifting: Acceptable, or abominable?

Ardyn Lessner and Julianna Sweatman
December 19, 2023

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Ardyn Lessner

New Maverick: Mr. Porter

Ardyn Lessner, Guest Contributor
October 16, 2023

The students of Emerson High School welcome a new math teacher, Michael Porter, who will use his past experiences to ensure perseverance and respect in his classroom, while also making it an...

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