The Front Porch

Season 2, Episode 23: Coach Ashley Pruitt loves her family, and that is more than just her husband and two kiddos. That is also every volleyball player at Melissa High School. Coach Pruitt has instilled a family-first mindset in the volleyball program, and it's her mission as the head varsity volleyball coach to "develop great humans." She said that the school district and the community demands excellence, but in her eyes that is more than just winning volleyball games #thefrontporch 


Melissa High School: Website

Melissa Varsity Volleyballl: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 2, Episode 22: Potential has always intrigued Brian Masters, president of Hope Coffee. That is why he started his inspirational brand and why he wanted to bring his company to Melissa, Texas. Brian Masters firmly believes in this community, and he's proud to be a cornerstone of the new Gateway Village development in Downtown Melissa. This is Hope Coffee's third location and it's creating ripple effects in each of its communities. The crazy part to this story: Before starting this inspiring brand ... Brian Masters didn't even drink coffee.  #thefrontporch


Hope Coffee Melissa: Website

Gateway Village: Website

Deric Salser Podcast: Listen Now

Allen Ellen Podcast: Listen Now

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 2, Episode 21: Coach Matt Nally wants to win football games, but over the last few years he's realized that's not why he does what he does. In the midst of his success on the football field, his philosophy on coaching has evolved. Instead of focusing on the wins and losses, the leader of the Melissa Cardinals Football Team wants to pour into his players and coaches. He wants to help them be strong men, good citizens, loving husbands and engaged fathers. For Coach Nally, it's not about winning football games ... it's about winning life. #thefrontporch


Melissa High School: Website

Cardinal Football: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 2, Episode 20: Alan Ellen has been fighting for his dream for a long time. Now that lifelong dream is becoming a reality in Melissa, Texas. Alan is the Chief of Instruction at Pro Black Belt Academy, the new martial arts facility in Melissa. His passion for his sport, and his love for his adopted community, really come out on this episode of The Front Porch. Talking to small business owners in this community provide a completely different perspective to the heart of Melissa. #frontporch

LINKS:

Pro Black Belt Academy: Website

Deric Salsar & Gateway Village Podcast: Listen Now

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 2, Episode 19: Mila Figg is an all-star. She is a published author. She is a mechanical engineer. She is a small business owner. On this episode of The Front Porch, we give Mila the opportunity to share her inspiring story, because she now proudly calls Melissa, Texas, home. Orginally from Kenya, Mila wanted to live the "American dream." Once she arrived in the United States to start college, she realized it wasn't exactly what she was expecting. (There was no limousine waiting for her at the airport with a suitcase of money in the trunk.) But that didn't deter this head-strong woman. She rolled up her sleeves and generated her own "milk and honey" in America. This is a story of strength and resilience. #frontporch

LINKS:

Mila Inspired: Website

Mila Inspired: Facebook

The Little Elephant's Big Adventure: Amazon

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 2, Episode 18: This conversation with Judge David Moore exemplifies our mission for this community podcast. His spirit and passion for Melissa, Texas, is contagious. His dedication to serving and giving back to this community is inspiring. Judge Moore is the "Iron Man" of Municipal Courts - not missing a court date in 32 years while serving Melissa (he's never banged his gavel either). This is a wonderfully great episode of The Front Porch, highlighted by Judge Moore's sense of humor and love for Melissa, Texas. #frontporch

Links:

Melissa Municipal Court: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 2, Episode 17: Chris Thatcher was destined to work in city government. From his father to his brothers, public service has become a calling, and Chris Thatcher takes his role as Utility Billing Director in Melissa, Texas, very seriously. For many residents, his department is the primary source of contact with the City of Melissa. He totally recognizes that and understands the importance of that role. Chris Thatcher's No. 1 goal is to provide exceptional customer service to every resident of this community.  #frontporch

Links:

Utility Billing: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 2, Episode 16: Andrew Lowery served our country for 34 years in the Army Reserves. When he got out, he made it his mission to give back and embrace the community that supported him and his family for so long. Melissa, Texas, has benefitted from his selfless spirit. One of the main giving back initiatives that Andrew Lowery supports is Wreaths Across America, which honors our fallen service men and women. #frontporch

Links:


Wreaths Across America - Melissa: Facebook

Wreaths Across America: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 2, Episode 15: Nolan Harvey, the contracted city engineer in Melissa, brings a completely different perspective to this episode of The Front Porch. He has worked for the City of Melissa for almost 9 years, and he has been at the forefront of the growth and development. With every decision that is made, Nolan and his staff have the "good and growth of the community in mind."  #frontporch

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 2, Episode 14: Alyssa Chaney grew up in Melissa, Texas. She left to attend college in Stephenville, Texas, but as soon as she graduated from Tarleton State University, she came straight back home. Now, she is getting the amazing opportunity to celebrate anything and everything for Melissa Schools. Her role as Communications Specialist for Melissa ISD gives her the opportunity to tell the story of a school district - and a community - that she whole-heartedly loves. #frontporch

Links:


Melissa ISD: Website

Melissa Schools on IG: Follow

Tarleton State: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com