Thorndale ISD is proud to shine the spotlight on one of our outstanding alumni, Courtney Melde, from the Class of 2009. Throughout her time at Thorndale, Courtney was a vibrant and active student, participating in various athletics including volleyball, basketball, cross country, track, and tennis. Her dedication extended beyond sports, as she was also a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Thorndale Cares.

Courtney's journey after high school is a testament to her perseverance and ambition. After graduating from Thorndale High School, she pursued higher education at Concordia University in Austin, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry in 2012. Driven by her passion for medicine, she worked at a surgery center for two years before taking a significant step to Grenada to attend medical school. Courtney spent two years in Grenada completing her basic sciences before transitioning to New Jersey/New York City for her clinical rotations, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience in diverse medical settings.

Achieving a major milestone, Courtney graduated with her Medical Degree and embarked on her Family Medicine Residency in Temple, Texas. Her dedication and excellence did not go unnoticed, as she was named Resident of the Year for 2020-2021. Additionally, she took on the role of Chief Resident during her third year of residency, demonstrating her leadership skills and commitment to her field.

In a joyous turn of events, Courtney married Caleb Melde in the fall of her final year of residency, stepping into her new roles as a wife and bonus mom to three wonderful children, all on the same day. By June 2023, she celebrated another significant achievement by becoming a board-certified Family Medicine Physician. Today, Courtney resides with her family in Granbury, Texas, where her children attend Glen Rose Intermediate and Junior High. Her husband, Caleb, works as a Physical Therapist, while Courtney serves as an Attending Physician at Baylor Scott and White in Fort Worth, continuing to make a positive impact in her community.

Reflecting on her time at Thorndale ISD, Courtney fondly recalls her junior year when Coach Dickerson printed "DR" for Drum Roll on the basketball team shirts. That year, the team reached the state tournament and had the incredible opportunity to play at the Drum/Erwin Center. Although they didn't win state, the experience remains a cherished memory, especially as they witnessed the boys' team achieve back-to-back state championships. These moments encapsulate the essence of teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit that Courtney holds dear.

Courtney encourages current students to immerse themselves in teams or organizations such as athletics, band, UIL, or FFA. She believes the lessons learned from being part of a team are invaluable, fostering personal growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond school years.

Thorndale ISD is incredibly proud of Courtney Melde's achievements and the positive impact she continues to make in her community and profession. Her journey from a dedicated student-athlete to a compassionate physician exemplifies the spirit and resilience of our Bulldog alumni. Courtney’s story serves as an inspiration, showing that with dedication, hard work, and a supportive community, remarkable achievements are within reach.