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
A layout of graduation procedures at The Star. (Kristin Sommers)

Senior graduation: 2026 details and procedures

Ardyn Lessner, Associate Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2026

  The class of 2026 will take their final steps as high school students on Thursday, May 21, at 8:30 p.m. at The Star. Doors open at 7:30 for family and friends and the ceremony is expected to...

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John Pacheco, 12, celebrates after he is crowned Prom King. (Gary Allyn)

Presenting Emerson’s 2026 Prom King: John Pacheco

Ardyn Lessner, Associate Editor-in-Chief
April 15, 2026

Prom King is a prestigious title, one that only few will hold in their lifetimes. John Pacheco, 12, was awarded the highly anticipated title for the 2025-2026 school year on Saturday night on April 11...

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The pond beside Parkside Trail looks like it’s straight out of a Descendants movie!

Pictures and plates: Prom photo and dinner spots

Ardyn Lessner, Assistant Editor-in-Chief
April 8, 2026

Prom is a night to remember, filled with music, lights and glamour. However, there are special moments in between the chaos of getting ready and dancing the night away that are spent with close friends....

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Valentine’s Day flowers can easily be found at local supermarkets or farmer’s markets at this time of the year!

Valentine’s Day: Spreading self love

Ardyn Lessner, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2026

Roses are red, violets are blue, if you’re alone, give some love to yourself too! Valentine's Day is considered to be the day of love. However, society has shifted to focus more on the romantic aspect,...

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Callie Petty, 12, practices her solo to ensure she's ready for competition.

Majestics: The road to success

Ardyn Lessner, Associate Editor-in-Chief
January 26, 2026

Behind effortless routines, sharp turns and synchronized choreography is months of practice and training. The Majestics have been preparing for contest season since the beginning of the school year but...

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The Majestics cheer while walking in the parade (David Lessner).

Frisco community rallies for annual parade

Ardyn Lessner
November 20, 2025

The annual Frisco ISD community parade was held on Saturday, Nov. 15 near Kaleidoscope Park at 10 a.m. Spectators and participants gathered to celebrate the hardworking veterans and community pride, although...

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Music Theatre International

Rehearsals for musical, “Disaster!”, begin

Ardyn Lessner
November 3, 2025

Rehearsals for the 2025 musical "Disaster!" will officially start on Nov. 3. A jukebox comedy that takes place in the 1970s, the show features characters trapped in a floating casino who face various natural...

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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