Celebrating 126 Years of Serving the communities of Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, and Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties
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Pictured above from left to right are: Jade Ramirez and Michael Ramirez, Emma Kate Caballero and Jorge Caballero, Ava Rangel and Desi Rangel, Hailey Eads and Paul Gomez, Brianna Chavez and Luis Chavez, Darilynn Garcia and Dario Garcia, Isabella flores and Daniel Flores, Mason Beaver and Kayli Beaver, Riley Gutierrez and Josie Gutierrez, Aadyn Harper and Elizabeth Ruiz, TJ Buvinghausen and Allie Buvinghausen, Cole Reyes and Emily Reyes, and Enoch Hall and Kasey Hall.
By Joshua Chessher-Lytle ISD Director of Bands
The Lytle Pirate Band proudly represented our community at the Hill Country Marching Festival in Fredericksburg on September 27, delivering an outstanding performance that earned them 4th place out of 14 highly competitive 3A bands. Alongside their impressive overall finish, the Pirates brought home 2nd place Drumline, 3rd place Front Ensemble, 4th place Drum Majors, and 5th place Color Guard—showcasing the depth of talent and dedication across the entire program.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the Lytle Pirate Band held their own against many of the very same programs they faced at the 2024 UIL State Marching Contest, once again proving that Lytle stands among the best in Texas. Their continued growth and excellence highlight the hard work of our student musicians, directors, and families, and we could not be more proud of the way they represent Lytle ISD.
If you haven’t had a chance to see the Pirate Band perform this year, we will be performing this Friday October 3 at Walter Joyce Stadium at 730pm, and admission is FREE! If you’d like to come see us at a Marching Contest, our next Contest is this Saturday, 10/04/25 at Heroes Stadium at 145pm. The band students would love your support!
Devine school board members Henry Moreno and Keri James signal their vote to approve a pay raise for substitute child nutrition workers during the Monday evening school board meeting. The board also heard an update from Weaver and Jacobs Construction on current projects. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher
Representatives of Cuero-based Weaver & Jacobs Construction gave the Devine school board an update on current bond projects during its regular meeting Sept. 15.
Construction manager Chris Stone reported that curb workfor the new drive at the high school had been completed earlier the same day. Sheet rock work is underway on the renovated offices, he said.
Upstairs, mill work for new cabinets in the cosmetology department will “hopefully” begin next week, Stone said. New flooring and sinks will soon follow, Stone said,.
Work on the new locker rooms is underway. Workers are preparing to pour the new concrete slab for the girls’ locker room.
Meanwhile, at the elementary school, concrete is being poured for the new ramps, Stone said. Electrical and plumbing work is slated for the near future.
Stone introduced Sean Brandt as his replacement as project manager. Brandt reported on work to pour concrete for the new softball field backstop.
Superintendent Todd Grandjean followed the Weaver & Jacobs report with an update on site work for the district’s new tennis courts. With the slab to be poured in mid-October, Grandjean said a Jan. 1 completion date is anticipated.
The district may be able to hold its first tournament as early as mid-November, Grandjean said.
Under action items, the board voted 6-0 to approve…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!
3rd grader Katrina House gets a big hug from big sister Elena before the big first day of school.
Kohen Hoover is ready for 1st grade
Big brother Jason Chessher walks Waylon to pre-k.
Cousins…Emery Wight and Rylee Velasquez are ready for the first day of 2nd grade at Ciavarra Elementary.
Bradley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.
Westley Zachry is all smiles for his first day of kindergarten at Ciavarra Elementary.
Reese and Riey were ready to start their 1st day of 2nd grade at Devine Elementary.
Cloee Jo Esparza ready for her first day of kinder.
Big brother Kaysen Oakes helps little sister Penelope off to school.
Charlee Brown of Natalia going into 3rd grade at Natalia Elementary.
David Calame III (6th grade), Reagan Duncan (pre k 3) and Waco Calame (3rd grade).
Karlie Gallegos is all ready for 1st grade
Kendrick Ramirez is all ready for 3rd grade in Devine.
Lane and Cody Jones first day of school.
Lucas Rendon is up bright and early ready for second grade.
Luke Kyle and Milee Downing are all ready for the big day.
Senior Sunrise Devine High School.
The Rendons are all ready for the big first day of school.
Two local boys have been selected to represent the U.S.A. in the high school All-American game internationally in the United Kingdom. Jake Seay and Brody Lane were selected by a committee of NCAA coach’s to play against Europe’s best high school international football teams. This is an amazing honor and accomplishment for two small town boys from Devine. Both boys have been named National Radars top 10 in the Nation with Jake Seay being ranked #1 Offensive Lineman for the class of 2028. Jack Zimmerle and the Devine youth football program have done an outstanding job of developing the talent in Devine, great job to all.
Orlando, FL, July 2025 – The 2025 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Orlando, Florida, from July 5 to 9, 2025, drawing more than 10,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, hone their talents, explore career pathways, and hear from inspiring speakers.
The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference. Over 4,300 FCCLA Members competed in these events, where they were recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. The collaboration between youth and adults in managing the events and evaluating participants allowed students to develop real-world skills and gain valuable insights.
STAR Events play a pivotal role in supporting student development by enriching their classroom experience and guiding them toward successful career pathways. With more than 30 events to choose from, participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by actively addressing essential issues concerning families, careers, or communities. By researching the topic and implementing projects to advocate for positive change, students acquired valuable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21st century.
We are thrilled to share that Collier Paige, Kamden Paige, and Urijah Thompson proudly represented Devine Middle School at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. Collier Paige and Urijah Thompson competed in the National Programs in Action, Level 1 STAR Event and achieved a remarkable silver medal for their project, “Making Devine Divine,” which focused on litter cleanup in their town. The boys placed 11th overall in the nation. Kamden Paige also received a silver medal and placed 10th nationally in recognition of his Interpersonal Communications, Level 1 project, “Give a Pet a Home”, which helped Devine Animal Control find adoptive families for the dogs in their custody.
The students’ projects exemplify their dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their accomplishment at the national level is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and unwavering passion.
Devine FCCLA would like to thank the following community members and organizations for helping these projects be successful: Devine High School, Devine Middle School, Devine Intermediate School, Madison Pike, Sarah Boehme, Roxanne Freas, Devine Animal Control, Devine City Council, Triple C Steakhouse, and Devine Market Association.
Former Devine High School FCCLA member Felix Mendoza, Class of 2025, also attended the NLC and served as an evaluator. His dedication to FCCLA was highly valued by both Devine FCCLA and Texas FCCLA. Without volunteers, the conference wouldn’t have been as successful. Claudia Mendoza and Korrey Paige helped chaperone while in Orlando. Devine FCCLA is led by Linsey Outlaw. For more information on how to get involved, please contact her at Devine High School.
Esai Sanchez awarded the UIL Outstanding Performer Award, the highest honor bestowed upon high school music students at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Solo & Ensemble Contest, recognizes exceptional musicianship. Judges select these top performers from a pool of Division I-rated participants.
Key Points about the UIL Outstanding Performer Award:
Lytle ISD is excited to welcome Jennifer Maldonado as our new high school counselor. A dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in Texas public schools, Mrs. Maldonado brings a strong background in student advocacy, academic advisement, and social-emotional learning. She most recently served as a counselor at Medina Valley Middle School after many years of teaching English Language Arts.
Mrs. Maldonado holds a Master of Science in School Counseling from Angelo State University and is known for building strong relationships with students, families, and educators. Her skills in bullying prevention, conflict mediation and supporting emergent bilingual students make her a valuable addition to school community.
Lytle ISD–July 2, 2025
In response to a newly enacted Texas state law, Lytle ISD will implement a new Student Cell Phone Policy beginning this school year. We understand this change may be challenging for some, especially in our close-knit Pirate community. We are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for all — and this new policy is designed to support just that.
Why the Change?
Texas House Bill 1481 now mandates that school districts prohibit student use or possession of personal communication devices during the school day. In alignment, the Lytle ISD updated policy requires all personal communication devices — cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and similar electronics — to be kept in students’ backpacks and not used from the time they arrive on campus until they are picked up. Devices may not be carried on a student’s person, and their use is strictly prohibited in bathrooms and locker rooms.
Thank You to Our Cell Phone Task Force
Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the members of the Lytle ISD Cell Phone Task Force, who met during the past school year to thoughtfully develop a local policy. Their insight and preparation enabled our district to respond quickly and wisely to this unexpected legislation. Because of their work, we begin this school year with clarity, consistency, and compassion.
How Will This Work?
School Day: Students must keep devices stored in backpacks and not in pockets or hands during the day.
Buses & Events: Devices may be used on school buses but without cameras. Use during extracurricular events, including UIL activities, will follow the guidelines outlined in the student handbook.
Violations: If a device is taken out during the school day, it will be confiscated, turned in to the front office, and a parent must retrieve it at the end of the school day. In the event violations become excessive, additional consequences will be imposed.
Exceptions: Students with documented medical needs may be granted exceptions through the appropriate campus committee review.
For more details, see Lytle ISD’s Student Handbook (coming in August) or contact your campus office.
