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Mesquite ISD

Excellence Happens Here

November 10, 2026

Cross-Country, Tennis and More Celebrated at November Board Meeting

A group of people smiling.

The November Board Meeting’s special recognitions portion began with the Apple Corps program, honoring Michelle Holly of A.C. New Middle School and Brandon Bailey of McKenzie Elementary School. Mesquite Academy Instructional Assistant Silvia Lara was also honored as the November Star Para. We’d like to extend a special thanks to First Financial Group of America (FFGA), Mesquite Education Foundation and Clay Cooley of Mesquite for their partnership in helping us celebrate these outstanding educators and staff members each month.

Burlington Stores was recognized as the November Community Partner for their generous investment in MISD schools and students. Burlington donated $5,000 to Tosch Elementary School to support teachers in purchasing classroom supplies and instructional resources they need to enhance student learning and success. To learn more about this partnership, click here. 

The evening also highlighted student leadership and athletic excellence. National Honor Society presidents from each of our high schools were recognized for their leadership and service to their campuses and fellow students:

Mesquite High School

  • Brianna Okorie
    • Sponsor: Cait Christensen 

North Mesquite High School

  • Alondra Mancha
    • Sponsors: Joshua Makkappallil and Kayla Brinkley

West Mesquite High School

  • Elijah Pinales
    • Sponsor: Rebecca Lynch

Poteet High School

  • Diana Roberts
    • Sponsors: Elizabeth Rose and Mayra Pratz

John Horn High School

  • Madelyn Guevara
    • Sponsor: Daniel Thomas

Vroonland Vanguard High School 

  • Jazlene Santamaria
    • Sponsors: Joseline Pita, Merci Reyes and Bethel Asfaw

The special recognitions concluded with a host of athletic achievements across tennis and cross country:

Mesquite High School

  • Tennis Team
    • District and Bi-District Champions
      • Coach: Linda Howig
  • Cross Country
    • Ximena Valerio Ortiz, Individual Regional Qualifier
    • Brianna Okorie, Individual Regional Qualifier
    • Danna Bartolo Urbano, Individual Regional Qualifier
    • Jayden Gomez, Individual Regional Qualifier
    • Denton Gilbert, Individual Regional Qualifier, 3rd place
    • Joselyn Mendoza Monjaras, Individual Regional Qualifier, 3rd place
    • Girls and Boys Teams, 14-5A Regional Qualifiers 
      • Coach: Betty Kidd

North Mesquite High School

  • Cross Country
    • Luis Mata, Individual Regional Qualifier, 2nd Place 
    • Allison Ovalle, Individual Regional Qualifier, 2nd Place 
    • Josh Loera, District Silver Medalist; Placed 2nd overall at Regionals; Individual State Qualifier
    • Girls and Boys Teams, 14-5A Regional Qualifiers 
      • Coach: Tara Jernigan

West Mesquite High School

  • Cross Country
    • Naomi Angeles, Individual Regional Qualifier
    • Sean Ramirez, Individual Regional Qualifier
    • Zaybrien Garcia,  Individual Regional Qualifier
    • Jimmy Villalobos, Individual Regional Qualifier
    • Francisco Callahan, Individual Regional Qualifier
    • Sophia Sanchez, Individual Regional Qualifier, 3rd Place 
    • Emma Muniz, District Champion and Individual Regional Qualifier, 1st Place 
    • Girls and Boys Teams, District Champions and Regional Qualifiers 
      • Coach: Kail Kidd

Poteet High School

  • Tennis Team
    • Bi-District Champions
      • Coach: Kerri Delaney
  • Cross Country
    • Trystan Rodriguez, Individual Regional Qualifier
      • Coach: Kate Okafor

To watch the full November Board Meeting, click here.

View Photos from the Meeting