With our 50th class reunion weeks away, it is time to start checking in with the reunion committee members to let us know if you can make it to the reunion activities on Friday and Saturday, September 26 & 27. A class letter with reunion info was mailed in June, along with some things to mail back, or give to the committee. Please do that asap, even if you are unable to attend. *Contact Linda Martin Gunn, Cheryl Schott Lorraine, Thelma Gutierrez, Ofilia Hernandez Pedroza, Nancy Ehlinger Saathoff, Marsha Garrett Bourcier, or Jeff Wisenbaker for more information.
Some highlights of the weekend with be: (Friday) class introduced on the track at the Homecoming football game and post-game meet-up at Black Creek Grill; (Saturday) DExSTA social at 1pm at the old Green Alamo (VFW) where we will be the Honor Class and part of the program, then an evening private reunion at Triple C.
There will be lots of time to visit and celebrate our class and each other on this special 50th Reunion during Homecoming! See you then!
My Front Page
Devine students competed in National STAR Event Competition
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.
Sanchez awarded UIL Outstanding Performer Award
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:
- Top Honor: It stands as the pinnacle of recognition at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest.
- Selection: Judges meticulously evaluate each performer based on their superior musicianship.
- Division I Rating: Eligibility hinges on receiving a Division I rating at a regional contest.
- Solo Performances: State-level solo performances must be memorized.
- Gold Medal: Outstanding Performers are typically awarded a gold medal by the UIL.
- Rarity: The award is bestowed upon a select few, often representing the top 1% of participants, as reported by Odem High School.
Lytle ISD welcomes Maldonado as new High School Counselor
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.
Estrella wants to be an artist when she grows up
Estrella tends to take on a leadership role amongst her peers and leading the way to get things done. But she is not all business though, as she is very sociable and likes to laugh and play with others.
Estrella’s favorite restaurants are Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, and her favorite food is pizza.
Estrella takes personal pride in her appearance and likes getting her hair and nails done.
She is both artistic and creative and enjoys making arts and crafts, scrapbooking and drawing. With those skills and talents, she is considering a career as an artist when she grows up.
At school she is on the A honor role. She is also involved in track and choir.
When outside she enjoys a variety of activities such as riding her bicycle, swimming and playing outside at the park. Inside she loves watching Disney movies, cartoons, and educational children’s television shows. Her favorite type of movies and games are Disney Princess related. Estrella’s favorite movies include Frozen and Cinderella.
Estrella’s forever family will be one that is loving and affectionate. Her family will offer her a safe and loving home environment where she will feel secure and loved. Her family will provide her with unconditional love, and emotional support.
In her own words … “Hello! I am Estrella! I am 10 and looking forward to finding a forever family! I may be shy and quiet, but I am a whole lot of fun once you get to know me. I am smart, happy, funny, and have a lot of energy. I really enjoy choir.”
If you think you could be a forever family for Estella or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 for more information or visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.
You can also view the www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits along with individual personal stories they wish to share, with their future forever family.
Bigfoot Wallace Museum Bake Sale this Saturday, Aug. 9th
PD searching for other victims in Assault and Online Solicitation case
The Sandy Oaks Police Department (about 45 minutes northeast of our area) is requesting the public’s assistance following the arrest of John Ramirez III (DOB: 12/10/2004, Age 20) in connection with multiple charges involving a minor.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Ramirez is urged to contact the Sandy Oaks Police Department at (210) 850-6437.
Arrest Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Charges Filed:
Sexual Assault of a Child
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor
Bond Violation (Filed by Bexar County Pretrial Services)
At the request of the Sandy Oaks Police Department, the Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation. No further information is available at this time.
Attention Devine sports fans
It is time to show your Devine spirit in the Community Spirit Contest!
For a chance to win a pair of tickets to any home football, volleyball or basketball game, decorate your place (business, home, windows, etc.) in maroon and gold for our Warhorses and Arabians.
Seven lucky winners will be picked, and the first winner will be announced August 8 at meet the Warhorse and Arabians night! Tickets are donated by proud sponsors of the Warhorse/Arabian Nation! See page 3 for more info and scan the QR code with your camera to enter.
Two dead, 3rd hospitalized in horrific double-murder
What began as a report for “suspicious activity” ended in deputies arriving at a horrific scene near Hondo this past Friday, August 1. Deputies with the Medina County Sheriff’s Office quickly found and detained the suspect who was found walking a short distance from the scene of the double-murder.
“Autopsies were expected to be completed today,” Sheriff Randy Brown said. “One of the victims appears to have been beaten to death with a pickaxe, and the other two victims were shot. The third victim is hospitalized but expected to survive.”
Sheriff Brown noted that it appears that the parties involved knew each other, and assured everyone that the suspect is “locked up.”
The MCSO issued a press release shortly after the incident stating: The Medina County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a tragic shooting incident that occurred on August 1, at approximately 12:40 AM in the 200 Block of CR 4636, Hondo, Texas. Deputies responded to the scene following a 911 call received by dispatch in regard to Suspicious Activity.
Upon arrival…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!
BBQ benefit for Gilbert Iglesias family
Would you like to help?
Family, friends, and the community are invited to support one of our neighbors who is going through a hard time. Gilbert Iglesias, of Devine, has been hospitalized for several months and underwent heart surgery. There were many complications that eventually led to amputation of both of his legs.
The BBQ plate fundraiser will be August 30 at 3. See ad for more details.
Fundraiser organizers at Foxy’s Bar are looking for donations of silent auction items, raffle items, briskets, sausages, chips, sodas, brown bags, and to go boxes. Message the Mickey Myers Facebook page or stop by Foxy’s Bar to donate or sign up to help.
