Laredo Independent School District

Lamar Middle School Band Director San Juanita “Janie” Rodriguez was recognized by the Webb County Commissioners Court for being named a 2025–2026 honoree for the Dr. William P. Foster Project Community Development Award, administered by the Music Education Alliance. This international award is presented annually to band directors who provide exceptional music education experiences for their students and who have a profoundly positive impact on their schools and communities.

To be chosen for this distinction—one of the few recipients worldwide and the only one from the State of Texas—shines a bright light on the outstanding fine arts programs at Laredo ISD. The coveted award was presented to Janie during the MEA conference held in Chicago.

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GECHS TAFE students are Leveling UP! Eighteen Garcia Early College High School Texas Association of Future Educators students competed at the Area 1 Conference Competition in Corpus Christi—and 13 are officially STATE QUALIFIERS!

This outstanding achievement is even more meaningful as the program is only in its second year. Their hard work, dedication, and professionalism truly shined as they represented GECHS and Laredo ISD with excellence.

LISD is incredibly proud of our future educators and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.

State Qualifiers are the following:

Creative Lecture:
Regina Valadez, 2nd place (JV), 9th grade

Educators Rising Moment:
Dulce Vega-Gonzalez, 1st place (JV), 9th grade
Joselyn Rangel, 2nd place (JV), 9th grade

Teacher Materials:
Abril Victor, 1st place (JV), 9th grade

Lesson Plan and Delivery Arts:
Zenaida Zepeda, 2nd place (JV), 9th grade

Lesson Plan and Delivery Spanish:
Sara Contreras, 1st place (V), 12th grade
Norberto Bolanos, 2nd place (V), 12th grade

Lesson Plan and Delivery STEM:
Marely Ramos, 1st place, (V), 12th grade
Victoria Lopez, 1st place (JV), 9th grade

Public Speaking:
Yvana Guzman, 2nd place (V), 12 grade
Angelina Jimenez, 2nd place (JV), 9th grade

Interactive Bulletin Board Middle:
Sofia De La Cruz, 9th grade
Brianna Hernandez, 9th grade

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Laredo ISD Interim Superintendent Guillermo Pro delivered the keynote address at the 21st Annual South Texas Youth Leadership Conference held at Texas A&M International University. Students from Martin High School, Nixon High School, Cigarroa High School, and García Early College High School proudly represented Laredo ISD alongside peers from across the region.

The conference provided a full day of leadership development, inspiration, and collaboration, bringing together students, educators, and community leaders. As keynote speaker, Interim Superintendent Pro shared an encouraging message focused on resilience, service, and the importance of preparing today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders. Attendees also participated in breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and college-readiness workshops designed to empower and motivate South Texas youth.

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Congratulations to Memorial Middle School's Danna Marrufo for being named LISD December Student of the Month. The LISD Student of the Month is sponsored by Laredo Federal Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A Marketplace on Bob Bullock, and Laredo Orthodontics.

Congratulations to Garcia Early College High School's Yvonne Cruz for being named LISD December Student of the Month. The LISD Student of the Month is sponsored by Laredo Federal Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A Marketplace on Bob Bullock, and Laredo Orthodontics.

Congratulations to Christen Middle School's Mario Camarillo for being named LISD December Student of the Month. The LISD Student of the Month is sponsored by Laredo Federal Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A Marketplace on Bob Bullock, and Laredo Orthodontics.

Congratulations to Martin High School's Ebony Bedarte for being named LISD December Student of the Month. The LISD Student of the Month is sponsored by Laredo Federal Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A Marketplace on Bob Bullock, and Laredo Orthodontics.

Congratulations to Lamar Middle School's Ares Cervantes for being named LISD December Student of the Month. The LISD Student of the Month is sponsored by Laredo Federal Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A Marketplace on Bob Bullock, and Laredo Orthodontics.

LISD Board Parliamentarian Gus Perez was spreading Christmas Cheer as Santa’s helper to LISD students. Perez distributed toys to students at Alma Pierce and Tarver Elementary School.

Congratulations to Nixon High School's Israel Lerma for being named LISD December Student of the Month. The LISD Student of the Month is sponsored by Laredo Federal Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A Marketplace on Bob Bullock, and Laredo Orthodontics.

Through the Bus Stop of Hope initiative, the LISD Transportation Department distributed over 60 coats to selected students across the district, helping provide warmth and comfort during these colder months. 💛

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The spirit of giving was in full swing 🎅🎁 LISD Board Secretary Rodolfo “Rudy” Morales III and LISD Board Trustee Juan Ramirez, Jr. joined Toys for Tots to distribute holiday gifts to students at Leyendecker Elementary and Macdonell Elementary, bringing smiles and cheer to our school communities. #lisdtheplacetobe

Congratulations to Cigarroa Middle School's Ronny Rodriguez for being named LISD December Student of the Month. The LISD Student of the Month is sponsored by Laredo Federal Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A Marketplace on Bob Bullock, and Laredo Orthodontics.

🎄 ’Tis the season at Toroland! The holiday spirit was in full swing during Walking in a Winter Toroland Christmas Fest, hosted by LISD Board Trustee Monica Garcia. The evening featured a festive parade with our community partners and incredible performances by LISD cheer, dance, band, and sports teams. Toys were distributed to students at Zachry, Kawas, Ligarde, and Santo Niño Elementary Schools, spreading smiles and holiday cheer throughout the Pride of South Laredo.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration a memorable one for our families and students!

LISD students received an early Christmas gift during the Toys for Tots toy distribution at the LISD PAC Courtyard. LISD board members Rudy Morales, Veronica Orduno, and Juan Ramirez presented the students with a gift.

Congratulations to Cigarroa High School's Consuelo Zamarripa for being named LISD December Student of the Month. The LISD Student of the Month is sponsored by Laredo Federal Credit Union, Chick-Fil-A Marketplace on Bob Bullock, and Laredo Orthodontics.

Aaron Fuentes, Hector J. Garcia Early College High School Class of 2024, currently a cadet at the United States Military Academy, Class of 2028, and Xerina Coleman, J. W. Nixon High School Class of 2025, who is currently attending the United States Naval Academy, Class of 2029. Aaron and Xerina had the opportunity to see each other at this year’s Army vs. Navy football game, a proud moment highlighting Laredo ISD’s legacy of excellence and service. It is inspiring to see two individuals from Laredo ISD representing our community at our nation’s service academies.

Holiday magic through music 🎄🎶 Our Tiger Team Honor Choir delivered an incredible Christmas concert. Happy Holidays!

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🐯 Tonight, our Tiger Team brings the Christmas spirit to life! Come enjoy an evening of music, joy, and talented young voices.

📍 LISD Performing Arts Complex Auditorium - Clear bag policy enforced.
⏰ 6 PM

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