Category: Events

National FCCLA STAR Event placings have been released for all those who did not place first through third at the leadership conference held in Washington, D.C., in July. Devine FCCLA had two teams still awaiting their final placings. Juniors Paige Barron and McKailee Sorrell left the conference with silver medals, meaning that they scored anywhere from 80-89 points on their judges’ rubric. Recently, Devine FCCLA was notified via email of discrepancies in the judging system. The following excerpt is from the email:
While importing scores from our Judge Pro platform into the FCCLA Portal, we discovered that the Room Consultant scores were inadvertently omitted from the original upload. Once this was brought to our attention, we immediately corrected the issue by importing the missing scores into the portal.
Although these updates did not change any student placements, they did affect some overall scores and, as a result, the medal level earned by some participants. Specifically, some students who originally received silver medals should have received gold medals.
As a result, Barron and Sorrell will now receive gold medals! Overall, they placed 26th nationally in a very competitive Focus on Children, Level 3 category.
The other team awaiting their final placing was Kelvey Cortez and Isabella Gonzales, who competed in Interpersonal Communications, Level 1. The girls participated in the Top 10 Finalists session on the last day of the conference. Finally, they know that they placed 8th overall in the nation!
As previously reported, the two other teams who competed were Kamden Paige, who placed 1st in Leadership, Level 1; and Catherine Brown and Kayla Dzierzanowski, who placed third in Public Policy Advocate.

Friendship Art Club, which is based in Lytle and includes artists from several nearby communities and San Antonio, has issued a call for area artists to participate in the club’s Annual Art Show and Sale scheduled on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9am to 3pm at the Lytle Community Center.
The show features artists and artisans in booths and in a competition, showcasing both club members and non-member guest artists. Artists may participate in a judged competition in painting, drawing, and photography as well as a new theme category “250 Years of Freedom.”An art judge will award ribbons in the competition, and the voting public will determine the special award “People’s Choice” the day of the show.
Artists who wish to have a booth to exhibit their work and/or participate in the competition must submit an Artist’s Application by Friday, September 5. Booth spaces are assigned only on receipt of the application and booth fee. Since booth spaces for the indoor show are limited, artists are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applications and more information are available by contacting Show Chair Jane Brown at 210-415-2546 or 210-701-1293 or by emailing Thefriendshipartclub@gmail.com.

Washington, D.C., July 2026 – The 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Washington, D.C., from July 6 to 10, 2026, drawing over 10,000 students, educators, and guests from across the country. This event offered an excellent opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership skills, develop their talents, explore career options, and hear from inspiring speakers.
Paige Barron, Catherine Brown, Kelvey Cortez, Kayla Dzierzanowski, Isabella Gonzales, Kamden Paige, and McKailee Sorrell proudly represented Devine Middle School and High School at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Kamden Paige won first place in the nation at a National Leadership Conference! Making school history, he is one of only three Devine FCCLA teams that we know of to ever accomplish this feat. The 8th grader’s Leadership, Level 1 project, titled Kamden 2.0: Leadership Level-Up, focused on growing his leadership skills over the past year.
Sophomores Cat Brown and Kayla Dzierzanowski competed in Public Policy Advocate, Level 2. Their project concentrated on advocating for a recycling program in Devine and on the school campuses. Their project, Clean and Green, began in October and reached nearly 20,000 people, advocating for recycling in Devine. This was the members’ first year competing in FCCLA. They did an exceptional job on their project and placed 3rd in the nation in their event!
The Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events served as the focal point of the conference. Over 4,300 FCCLA members took part in these competitions, demonstrating their skills and achievements in both chapter and individual projects, as well as their competencies in leadership and career readiness. The collaboration between youth and adults in coordinating and assessing the events provided students with essential skills and meaningful perspectives.
STAR Events are crucial in fostering student growth by enhancing their classroom interactions and steering them toward promising career paths. Offering over 30 different events, students can showcase their knowledge, skills, and abilities by engaging with important topics related to families, careers, or communities. Through researching these topics and creating projects to promote positive change, students gain essential skills and industry knowledge necessary for success in the modern world.
More results coming soon!
The following teams will find out their final places when the results are announced in two weeks.
Seventh-graders Kelvey Cortez and Isabella Gonzales competed in Interpersonal Communications, Level 1. The team reached over 11,000 people to inform them about the health benefits of using more natural ingredients, such as home-milled flour. Their project, Better from Home, made the Top 10 in the nation in their category.
Juniors Paige Barron and McKailee Sorrell competed in Focus on Children, Level 3. Their project, Read to Succeed, promoted making reading accessible and fun for children. The team began work on their project to help little ones love literacy in September and reached over 15,400 people, as well.
The students’ projects showcase their determination, ingenuity, and dedication to positively influencing the lives of others. Their success on the national stage reflects their effort, collaboration, and relentless enthusiasm.
Without volunteers, the conference wouldn’t have been as successful. Anthony and Amie Cortez and Korrey Paige helped chaperone while in Washington, D.C. Devine FCCLA is led by Linsey Outlaw. For more information on how to get involved, please contact her at Devine High School.
About FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective student-led, national-based organization that supports youth on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow and helps them address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA has over 250,000 members and more than 5,200 chapters across the nation.
The Ultimate Leadership Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical co-curricular student organization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.

Kayla Dzierzanowski and Cat Brown – 3rd place in the nation in Public Policy Advocate, Level 2.

By Anton Riecher
A proposed city budget of $5.129 million for the coming fiscal year, an increase of more than $361,000 from the current budget, was presented to the Lytle City Council July 9 by the city staff.
Mayor Ruben Gonzalez said the special workshop presented an opportunity to “go ahead and have a presentation, discussion and (give) direction concerning the budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.”
The meeting moved from revenue review to department-by-department budget adjustments, then into unresolved capital and utility priorities, creating a practical workflow from financial planning to operational implementation and long-term infrastructure readiness.
A complete video of the budget workshop is posted on the Devine News YouTube channel at youtube.com/@devinenews7472.com.
City Administrator Zachary Meadows and city financial director Yvonne Griffin repeatedly emphasized that many figures used in the proposed budget were flexible estimates pending receipt of certified property value figures later this month from appraisal districts in Medina, Atascosa and Bexar counties.
Griffin said an expected increase in sales tax revenue is based on the annual increase seen in recent years.
“I have changed the city sales tax,” she said. “I am increasing it by $345,000. That’s just based off the growth over the last few years. Hopefully, that will continue.”
Council members…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

For many years, the Devine Food Pantry has quietly served as a lifeline for families throughout our community. Behind every box of food distributed is a story—a senior living on a fixed income, a family facing unexpected hardship, or a neighbor simply needing a helping hand. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the pantry has been able to meet these needs one family at a time.
Devine Food Pantry has sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. As well as Fridays from 5pm to 7pm BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
For appointments, please call 830.663.9228 during regular session hours.
Today, the need continues to grow, and we are inviting the community to become part of the solution.
One of the pantry’s hidden treasures is the Devine Food Pantry Shoppe. Filled with gently used furniture, home décor, kitchen items, collectibles, seasonal decorations, books, and many unique treasures, the Shoppe offers shoppers the opportunity to find something special while directly supporting the pantry’s mission. Every purchase helps provide food and hope to local families.
Devine Food Pantry Shoppe is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 2 pm.
We also welcome donations of furniture, household goods, home décor, tools, collectibles, and other quality items that allow us to turn unwanted treasures into meals for our neighbors.
In the coming months, we hope to expand our community fundraising efforts with special sales, featured items, and other events that will help ensure the Devine Food Pantry remains a strong resource for families throughout our area. These efforts are only possible because of the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, civic organizations, and volunteers who believe that no one in our community should go hungry.
If you’ve never visited the Devine Food Pantry Shoppe, we invite you to stop by. You may discover the perfect piece for your home while helping provide food for someone else’s table.
Together, we can continue making a difference – one donation, one volunteer, one purchase, and one family at a time.
For information about shopping, donating items, volunteering, or supporting the Devine Food Pantry, please visit our Facebook page or contact the pantry directly.
Because when neighbors help neighbors, our entire community grows stronger.

Devine FFA Ag Clays team members Aiden Harrold, Jacob McKee, Jack Rumfield and William Edgmon competed in the annual Ag Clays 381 State Tournament in San Antonio.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEVINE, YOU DID IT AGAIN! A HUGE thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the Dinosaur George Traveling Museum at the George S. Woods Community Center! The excitement was absolutely prehistoric and we’re thrilled to announce that we shattered our previous attendance record!
2024 Attendance: 568
2026 Attendance: 636
That’s an incredible increase and nearly 15% of the entire population of Devine walking through the doors to experience this amazing event!
Dinosaur George shared that Devine was one of his favorite stops of the summer and he absolutely loved visiting with all of the children, families and dinosaur enthusiasts who came out to see him. Thank you for helping make his visit so memorable!
But don’t put away your adventure hats just yet, we’ve got another fantastic guest headed our way!

Devine Police department show their support for Dinosaur George!

July
8 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Sit & Stitch Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (15+ years) | Reservation Required
8 – FREE Yoga Class from 6pm – 7pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
8 – Food Pantry Distribution from 5-6 p.m. at 405 St Natalia, Tx 78059
9 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours from 6 – 8 p.m. (18+ years) | Reservation Required
9 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Guy Vincent at 7 p.m.
10 – Catholic Charities Food Give Away (for seniors only) at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church Lytle, Tx
10 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Plant Swap from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
10 – Thrift & Sip 3-Day-Sale from 10am – 3 pm at Devine VFW Hall located at 211 West College Ave
11 – Thrift & Sip 3-Day-Sale from 10am – 3 pm at Devine VFW Hall located at 211 West College Ave
11 – Craftsman Collision Center Grand Opening from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at 512 E. Hondo Ave, Devine, TX 78016
11 – Community Market Day & Yard Sale from 8am – 12pm at 237 School Drive, Poteet, Texas
11 – Smoke Showdown Fajita Cook-Off at 12 p.m. at Rooster’s Icehouse Lytle, Tx
11 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Tony Taylor at 7 p.m.
12 – Thrift & Sip 3-Day-Sale from 10am – 3 pm at Devine VFW Hall located at 211 West College Ave
13 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Lego Club at 4:30 p.m. (5+ years) | Reservation Required
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library RPG w/ Mr. J 3rd grade+ from 2 – 4 p.m. | Reservation Required
15 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Jumanji PG (104 min) at 1 p.m.
15 – Back to School Immunizations at Lytle Community Center from 10am – 12pm | Please bring immunization records
16 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Weston Ripps at 7 p.m.
18 – Produce Pop-Up Market from 11am – 4pm at Tommy Joe’s BBQ in Lytle
18 – Live music featuring The Artifax from 9pm – 12am at Billy’s Dining & Dancing in LaCoste, Tx
18 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Trevor Underwood at 7 p.m.
18 – Wellness, Beauty & Balance Workshop at10 a.m. at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
16 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Planner Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (14+ years) | Reservation Required
19 – The Ritual Reset Wellness Experience at 4 p.m. at The Lot in Castroville, Tx
20 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Teen Club from 4 – 5:30 p.m. (13-18 years) | Reservation Required
20 – Teen Summer Wellness Camp from 9am – 12pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
21 – Teen Summer Wellness Camp from 9am – 12pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
21 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
21 – Vintage Truck Ceramics Paint Party from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Charlie’s Daughter on the Green
21 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Embroidery Club from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (14+ years) | Reservation Required
22 – Movie at Devine Driscoll Public Library | Anastasia (94 min) at 1 p.m.
22 – Teen Summer Wellness Camp from 9am – 12pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
22 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Collage/Junk Club (18+ years) from 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Teen Summer Wellness Camp from 9am – 12pm at ASÉ Yoga & Pilates in Castroville, Tx
23 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours 2.0 (18+ years) from 6 – 8 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Clown Academy (ages 7+) from 2 – 4 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Jessee Lee at 7 p.m.
25 – Ritual & Restore FREE Wellness Class at 9 a.m. at Texicana Boutique
25 – A Quick Rewind: The Ultimate 90s Launch Party at Rooster’s Icehouse Lytle, Tx
26 – Carnitas Plate Sale from 10am – 3pm at St. Andrew’s Lytle Church
27 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Art Club (7+ years) from 3 – 5 p.m. | Reservation Required
28 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Balloon-osaurus Show at 1 p.m. (200 cap)
30 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Garrett Talamantes at 7 p.m.
31 – Live music at Devine Golf Course featuring Nick Lawrence Band at 9 p.m.
August
5 – Back to School Event from 9am – 1pm at 888 Barber and Beauty Institute in Lytle | Free Haircuts & School Supplies
4 – Lytle High School & Junior High Schedule Pick Up from 8 – 9 a.m.
5 – Lytle High School & Junior High Meet the Teacher from 5 – 7 p.m.
7 – City of Devine Outdoor Movie Night
6 – Mini Golf at the Devine Driscoll Public Library from 1 – 4 p.m.
If you want to add an event to this calendar, please email devinereporter@devinenews.com or call (830) 665 – 2211 and leave a message for Brianna.