May 6, 2026
Laredo Independent School District is proud to recognize our outstanding students who were honored at the Laredo Public Library’s 23rd Annual Laredo Poetry Festival!
This year, LISD had 12 winners across multiple categories with over 1,000 Entries submitted throughout our community. This recognition is a true reflection of the incredible talent of our students and the dedication of our educators. Laredo ISD is proud to be home to such creative minds and passionate teachers and librarians who inspire excellence every day.
Group 1 (1st–3rd), Group 2 (4th–5th), Group 3 (6th–8th), Group 4 (9th–12th), and Group 5 (Adult).
🏆 Our Winners:
Sophia Peñalopez – Group 1, Santa Maria Elementary – 1st Place
Gisel Cerda – Group 1, Alma Pierce Elementary – Honorable Mention
Victoria Velez – Group 2, Santa Maria Elementary – 1st Place
Sophia Torres – Group 2, Francisco Farias Elementary – 3rd Place
Zoey Arriaga – Group 3, Dr. J.G. Cigarroa Middle School – 2nd Place
Martin Garcia – Group 3, L.J. Christen Middle School – Honorable Mention
Patricia Allred – Group 4, Hector J. Garcia Early College – 1st Place
Arabella Lopez – Group 4, Hector J. Garcia Early College – 2nd Place
Ruben Magaña Jr. – Group 4, Dr. L.G. Cigarroa High School – 3rd Place
Ariana Araiza – Group 4, Dr. L.G. Cigarroa High School – Honorable Mention
Jorge Gutierrez – Group 4, Hector J. Garcia Early College – Honorable Mention
Lizette Mendive – Group 5 (Adult) – 2nd Place – Hector J. Garcia Early College Teacher
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our teachers and librarians for their dedication, guidance, and commitment to nurturing our students’ creativity and love for writing. A special Thank you to librarians (Beatriz Garcia, Santa Maria Elementary, Rebecca Cabriales, Alma Pierce Elementary, San Juanita Reyes, Farias Elementary, Cynthia Bolanos Flores, Cigarroa Middle, Gloria Saldivar, Christen Middle, Patricia Sosa, Cigarroa High School) whom student’s placed in the contest.
Your words inspire, your voices matter, and your talent shines brightly—congratulations to all! ✍️
#lisdtheplacetobe
This year, LISD had 12 winners across multiple categories with over 1,000 Entries submitted throughout our community. This recognition is a true reflection of the incredible talent of our students and the dedication of our educators. Laredo ISD is proud to be home to such creative minds and passionate teachers and librarians who inspire excellence every day.
Group 1 (1st–3rd), Group 2 (4th–5th), Group 3 (6th–8th), Group 4 (9th–12th), and Group 5 (Adult).
🏆 Our Winners:
Sophia Peñalopez – Group 1, Santa Maria Elementary – 1st Place
Gisel Cerda – Group 1, Alma Pierce Elementary – Honorable Mention
Victoria Velez – Group 2, Santa Maria Elementary – 1st Place
Sophia Torres – Group 2, Francisco Farias Elementary – 3rd Place
Zoey Arriaga – Group 3, Dr. J.G. Cigarroa Middle School – 2nd Place
Martin Garcia – Group 3, L.J. Christen Middle School – Honorable Mention
Patricia Allred – Group 4, Hector J. Garcia Early College – 1st Place
Arabella Lopez – Group 4, Hector J. Garcia Early College – 2nd Place
Ruben Magaña Jr. – Group 4, Dr. L.G. Cigarroa High School – 3rd Place
Ariana Araiza – Group 4, Dr. L.G. Cigarroa High School – Honorable Mention
Jorge Gutierrez – Group 4, Hector J. Garcia Early College – Honorable Mention
Lizette Mendive – Group 5 (Adult) – 2nd Place – Hector J. Garcia Early College Teacher
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our teachers and librarians for their dedication, guidance, and commitment to nurturing our students’ creativity and love for writing. A special Thank you to librarians (Beatriz Garcia, Santa Maria Elementary, Rebecca Cabriales, Alma Pierce Elementary, San Juanita Reyes, Farias Elementary, Cynthia Bolanos Flores, Cigarroa Middle, Gloria Saldivar, Christen Middle, Patricia Sosa, Cigarroa High School) whom student’s placed in the contest.
Your words inspire, your voices matter, and your talent shines brightly—congratulations to all! ✍️
#lisdtheplacetobe