Category: School News

Devine, Natalia and Lytle bands to participate in UIL Marching Contest Saturday

Devine Warhorse Band received first place at God’s Country Marching Contest.

The UIL Region XI Marching Band Contest will be held on Saturday, October 17 at Barry Stadium in Hondo. Class A and AA schools will be performed from 4 to 6 pm. Class AAA schools start at 7 pm with Carrizo Springs, then Devine at 7:15 pm, Crystal City at 7:30 pm, Natalia at 7:45 pm, Cotulla at 8 pm, Poteet at 8:15 pm, Lytle at 8:30 pm ending with Hondo at 8:45 pm.
Devine Warhorse Band performed their program “After The Long Night” at the God’s Country Marching Festival in Hondo on October 10 and received first place for the 3A classification and overall champion.
The Lytle Pirate Band won second place overall, just behind Devine HS. They received the Best…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Lytle Pirate Band received second place overall at God’s Country Marching Festival.

Natalia Mustang Band performed “Controlled” at the marching contest in Hondo.

Sorrell and Sanchez chosen as Lions Student of the Month

Lions Club Students of the Month are McKailee Sorrell and Esai Sanchez. Pictured are DHS Principal Michael Gomez, DHS Students of the month McKailee Sorrell and Esai Sanchez, and Lion President Lewis Stroud.

Devine High School students McKailee Sorrell and Esai Sanchez were honored as Students of the Month at a recent Devine Lions Club meeting. Both are seniors at DHS.
McKailee Sorrell
McKailee is a senior at Devine High School. Throughout her high school years, McKailee has been involved in many areas of school and community life while taking on leadership opportunities and challenging herself academically.
She has been very involved in FCCLA throughout all four years of high school, serving as Co-Peer Involvement Chair her sophomore year, President her junior year, and Historian her senior year. She has competed in FCCLA each year, advancing from Regionals to State. During her junior year, she and her partner, Paige, traveled to Washington, D.C., where they received a Gold Medal and placed 26th in the nation for their project “Read to Succeed”. She has also been involved in Student Council, serving as Vice President her sophomore year, Secretary her junior year and Social Media Coordinator her senior year.
She currently serves as Secretary of the National Honor Society and has been involved in FCA/Youth Alive throughout high school, serving as President her sophomore year and as a student leader her junior and senior years. She played JV tennis from her freshman through junior years and is participating in UIL Literacy Criticism for the first time this year. She also gives the daily morning announcements for DHS. Academically, she is ranked third in her class and has staken honors, AP, and other advanced courses.
Outside of school, she is an active member of First Baptist Church of Natalia and volunteers through Mission Devine, food bank distributions, Vacation Bible School, Wreaths Across America, and other service opportunities. She has also worked at Land & Ranch Services since her sophomore year and began working at Devine Acres Farm this year.
After graduation, she plans to attend Texas State University to major in Health Sciences with a Pre-Nursing concentration, with the goal of earning a Bachelor Science in Nursing. She plans to become an ICU nurse and hopes to build a career centered around caring for and helping others.
She is grateful for the teachers, advisors, family, friends, and community members who have supported her throughout high school and for the opportunities she has been given to grow, lead, and serve others. She is honored to be recognized as Student of the Month.
McKailee is daughter of Michael and Brandi Sorrell.
Esai Sanchez
Esai is a senior at Devine High School. He is an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society. He is also a member of the Varsity track, baseball and soccer teams, as well as the Warhorse Band, where he plays drums.
Last year, he was honored to be selected for the ATSSB All-State Band, and is committed to working hard and giving his best effort to earn that honor again this year.
After graduation he plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he will major in music. He will be auditioning soon for their indoor drumline, and is excited about the opportunity to continue developing his skills and pursuing his passion for music at the collegiate level.
Esai is the son of Bert and Monica Sanchez.

Community invited to DHS Fall Play “Operation:Save Humanity”

DHS Theatre students are excited about their upcoming play, a cautionary comedy about humanity’s reliance on AI and technology. Top row: Griffin Blouin, Sakura-Genesis Schoenfeld, Kassandra Fajardo, Samuel Alcantar, Adyn Holloway, Emma Gardner, Cody Castleberry, Viola Dzierzanowski, Vicente Ramirez, Rebecca Sanchez, Payton Hester, Gloria Green, Katelynn Toner, Ben Ramon, Phoenix Reyes, Kayla Dzierzanowski, Gabrielle Paramo, Kamden Paige, Elena House, Josiah Mills, Sebastian Balderas, Dakota Nighswander, Natalie Gutierrez, Emma Martinez, Lucas Hoffman and Briana Balderrama. Bottom row: Marissa Sosa, Sophia Alcantar, Jenavive Esquibel, Ella Bowyer, Jessica Ballesteros, Angelica Castillo, Isabella Duron, Jaeden Land, Patrick Foss, Angeliana Rendon-Zapata and Jazlyn Fajardo. Photo by Brianna Paredes.

Performance Details: Under the direction of Mr. Jose Guardiola, the Devine High School Theater cast and crew present the world premiere of Glenn McGinnis’s hit new comedy on Thursday, October 29, at 7pm. Doors to the DSAC Auditorium open at 6:30pm.
About the Production: Join this highly successful, award-winning ensemble for the inaugural performance of a cutting-edge cautionary-comedy about humanity’s reliance on technology.


Story Synopsis: Operation: Save Humanity follows Doug Johnson, a…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Students are hard at work rehearsing. Photo by Brianna Paredes.

Local Superintendent invited to Testify before Texas Senate Committee

Natalia ISD Superintendent Dr. Elmer Avellaneda traveled to the Texas Capitol in Austin on Tuesday, October 6, to provide testimony before the Texas Senate Committee on Education during an interim hearing focused on maximizing instructional time.
Dr. Avellaneda was specifically invited to share Natalia ISD’s experience after the district previously operated under a four-day instructional calendar before returning to a traditional five-day week.
Joining Dr. Avellaneda in presenting before the Senate Committee on Education will be Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath; Dr. Emily Morton, Director of Research Consulting with NWEA; and James Mosteller, Legislative Director with Excel-In-Ed.
During his remarks, Dr. Avellaneda will discuss the district’s experience with the four-day week, the decision to return to five days, lessons learned from the transition, and factors that have contributed to Natalia ISD’s recent academic improvement.
Dr. Avellaneda emphasizes that…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

DHS National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

NHS officers: Caroline Suhr, president; Paige Barron, vice president; McKailee Sorrell, secretary; and Chloe Goetz, Student Council representative.Current members: Karlee Atteberry, Melenie Cardenas, Kyrie DuBose, Viola Dzierzanowski, Matthew Grissom, Kyra Pompa, Ava Rangel, Jack Rumfield, Esai Sanchez, and Carlos Talamantes. New inductees: Tracy Alaniz, Jacob McKee, Esteban Mendoza, Kylie Monreal, Calleigh Schneider, Camila Sierra, Rylie Wells, Violet Aguirre, Emma Kate Caballero, Morgan Coleman, Karsyn De Leon, Addison DuBose, Kassandra Fajardo, Zane Fritz, Jovianne Gomez, Emma B. Gonzales, Emma Gonzalez, Jacqueline Gonzalez, Mackenzie Hennessey, Payton Hester, Dylan Hinnant, Greeley Malone, Brayden Mann, Asher Mills, Reese Navarro, Zachary Ortiz, Vicente Ramirez, Kenzie Ray, Jaime Rodriguez, Canton Urrabazo, and Faith Wilcox.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Being selected for membership in the National Honor Society is an honor that represents much more than academic achievement. It is a recognition of students who have demonstrated a commitment to scholarship, leadership, character, and service, while also accepting the responsibility that comes with being part of an organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others. For the newest members last week’s induction marked both the culmination of accomplishments already achieved and the beginning of a new commitment to serve their school and community.
Under the direction of sponsor Mrs. Nicole Suhr, the Devine Chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual Fall Induction Ceremony Thursday, October 1, inside the Student Activity Center Auditorium.
High School Principal Michael Gomez welcomed students, family members, faculty. and guests before Paige Barron led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The ceremony continued with current NHS members recognizing those who have been…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!


Natalia Band takes 2nd in Seguin!

The Natalia Marching Band traveled to Seguin this past week where they competed in the Seguin Marching Festival where they took second place! Photos by Mable Byrd.

You can get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this! Click the link to sign up today! www.devinenewsmembers.com

HOMECOMING 10 DAYS AWAY!

Friday, October 16, the game starts at 7pm. The Class of 1976 will be honored at half-time on the track. Pictured above are 1976 Warhorse standouts Francis Schmidt, Jack Schneider, and Bob Briscoe.

Devine Homecoming Oct. 16 & 17!

ALL Devine Alumni are invited to a Homecoming Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17th starting at 1:00pm at the Devine VFW Hall, with the Devine Ex-Students Teachers Association (DExSTA). Join us with the 50th Reunion Honor Class of 1976, and former Warhorse & Colt Football Teams & Coaches to Celebrate Homecoming 2026!
Friday, October 16, registration will open at 6:30 pm at Warhorse Stadium. Game starts at 7pm. Tickets are sold online or at the gate. 1976 Honor Class recognition will be at half-time on the track in front of the press box. Wave as your name is called out. All Devine Exes look for the…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Ballet Folklorico team from Devine Intermediate brought Fiesta spirit to HS pep rally

The Devine Intermediate Ballet Folklorico team showed out and proudly represented Devine for the DHS Fiesta themed pep-rally on Friday, Sept. 25!

The Devine Intermediate Ballet Folklorico team showed out and represented Devine for the DHS Fiesta themed pep-rally on Friday, Sept. 25! This club only started one year ago in September 2025 and has already proved great talent.
Folkorico dance is a blend of traditional dances and ballet within Mexican culture often made up of flowy, colorful dresses that play a large role in the choreography, along with some footwork and dances to mariachi music.

The group of girls and boys brought a bold, powerful and moving dance performance, filling the gym with loud cheers and excitement. Their colorful dresses and big smiles all brought the spirit to the Fiesta-filled day. The talented group of young individuals is coached by Elisia Mitchell, Amy Bailey and Crystol Rosales-Tolbert.

You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this! Click the link to sign up today! www.devinenewsmembers.com

Natalia ISD celebrates Bond 2024 construction milestone with “Topping Out Ceremony” and final steel beam

NISD Superintendent Dr. Elmer Avellaneda (center) and members of the Central Office and Administration celebrate at the “Topping Out Ceremony” last Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Natalia celebrated a major milestone in the construction of their new Natalia Elementary School. The ceremony marked the placement of the final steel beam, symbolizing the completion of the building’s structural framework and the continued growth of the district. Photos by Debbie Petty/ Natalia ISD Public Relations/Communication. Pictured above are: members of the Central Office and Adminstarion Maricela Passmore, Shelby Montgomery, Jeannette Roberts, Tanya Crisp, Julie Oppelt, Dr. Elmer Avellaneda, Nichole Speer, Rebecka Rendon, Sunnie Jass, Joseph Guidry, and Tina Castro.

NATALIA, Texas — Natalia Independent School District celebrated a significant milestone in its Bond 2024 construction program on September 25 with a Topping Out Ceremony recognizing the continued progress of the district’s construction projects.
Superintendent Dr. Elmer Avellaneda, Natalia ISD Board President Eric Smith, Elementary Principal Nichole Speer, Ag Teacher Madison Hightower Flores, and SpawGlass San Antonio Region President Jason Smith delivered remarks during the ceremony.
The event brought together representatives from SpawGlass, Pfluger Architects, and AG|CM, along with Natalia ISD School Board members, district administrators, staff, and other distinguished guests.
Natalia Mayor Tommy Ortiz and City Secretary Dora Rodriguez also attended the ceremony, joining district and community representatives in recognizing the milestone.
Bond 2024 improvements include…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

School opts for exemption to Chapter 37 armed security guard requirements due to funding/ staffing constraints

DMS Principal Kandi Darnell speaks about the campus C accountability rating among other campus news. Enrollment figures were shared to show the school’s size and grade distribution. With an enrollment of 445 students, 151 students are sixth graders and 158 are seventh graders, making the seventh grade the largest of the three middle school grades.

Board approves a final payment of $85,456 for the new tennis courts

By Anton Riecher
At this week’s Devine ISD school board meeting, the board voted 5-0 to approve a final payment of $85,456 to Austin-based Hellas Construction for the new tennis courts at the athletic facilities outside Warhorse Stadium. Completion is scheduled for mid-November.
The motion to approve final payment was made by board member Chris Davis and seconded by Ali Buvinghausen. Board members Candace Esparza and Carl Brown were absent for the Monday meeting.
Exemption to armed security guard requirement
By a 5-0 vote, the Devine School board approved a resolution for an exemption to the new state requirement, which required public school districts to place at least one armed security officer at every district campus during regular school hours (Texas Education Code Section 37.0814).


Because of funding and staffing constraints, the board determined the district qualifies for a good-cause exemption and will use an alternative safety plan.
With the exemption, our district’s alternative plan includes…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 $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!