FALL 2019
Dilley’s Early College High DEVELOPING COLLEGE AND CAREER READY INDIVIDUALS
The Official Digital Magazine of the Dilley Independent School District
District News Letter from the Superintendent ........................... 3 Board Member Pages ........................................... 4
Thank You to the Community .............................. 8 Early College High School ................................. 10 AVID News .......................................................... 13 Family Engagement ............................................ 14 Sports & Activities ............................................. 27
Campuses
Dilley High School ............................................... 12 Mary Harper Middle School ................................ 19 Dilley ISD Early Childhood Center ...................... 22 Dilley Elementary ................................................ 24
Letters: Dilley ISD welcomes reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email: susan.quintero@dilleyisd.net or melody.carroll@dilleyisd.net
Editor: Susan Quintero
Production: Rally Ochoa Clint Harness
Advertising: Melody Carroll Susan Quintero
Graphic Design: Rally Ochoa Clint Harness Susan Quintero
Contact Us: Editorial and advertising inquiries call 830-965-1912 or email your photos, stories, student spotlights and suggestions to : susan.quintero@dilleyisd.net or melody.carroll@dilleyisd.net , for your chance to be featured. All submissions become the sole property of Dilley ISD. Howler — Fall 2019
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School Board Members Aida Chapa – School Board President Born and raised in Dilley, moved away after graduation. Has two children, who also graduated from Dilley. Both her and her husband have served on the Dilley School Board. Currently works for a consultant firm. Her goals for Dilley ISD have always been for our kids to have the best facilities, education, learning opportunities, and be able to succeed and proceed to
Kay Smith – School Board Vice President Graduated from Texas A&I in Laredo with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Retired elementary school teacher. Currently works at Dilley First Baptist as the Church secretary & treasurer. Family includes husband, three great children and 8 grandchildren. Goal for Dilley ISD is to help children reach their goals and dreams by making sure they have the best education possible in a safe environment where learning excellence is strived for and expected.
Juanita Alvarez – Board Member Married to Rudy Alvarez for 42 years. Blessed with 3 grown sons, one is an educator for Dilley ISD. Proud grandparents. Husband and 3 sons graduated from Dilley ISD. She was raised in Pearsall, and a graduate of Pearsall High School. Retired as Center Manager for Camino Real Mental Health Services Agency. Presently owns and operates a party tray catering “Juanita’s Party Trays”. Her goal for Dilley ISD is for the school to provide students with the best possible education. When students graduate from Dilley ISD, she wants them prepared, not only with knowledge, but also with a sense of community and a good learning experience.
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Rene Alvarez – School Board Member Native of Dilley, Texas. Graduate of Dilley High School (DHS). Married to Noravel Alvarez, also a DHS graduate. They have 3 children, Aracelli, Rene Jr., and Alejandro. Retired officer with 20 years of service to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Dilley Police Department. Has served the community as a First Responder. Employed by Plains All American Pipeline as an Operator for the last 5 years. Goal for students’ is for them to leave Dilley ISD successful graduates of the Early College High School Program, or have chosen a vocational career path where they will be triumphant. Proud, that in his 9 years as a Board Trustee, the district has gone from outdated to modern 21st Century
Frank Torres – Board Member Graduated from Dilley HS. Married 35 years to Yomeida Torres, also a Dilley HS graduate. They have 2 children, Augustus and Andreana, a daughter in law, Tiffani and 2 grandkids, Avery and Jaxon. Both of his children are graduates of DHS and have obtained degrees. Currently works for a family owned concrete delivery business for 30 years. His goal for Dilley ISD is for every student to get the best possible education to help them succeed and get ahead in life.
Juan D. Rodriguez III – Board Member Graduated from Dilley High School. Has an Associate’s degree from Coastal Bend College, & graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2007. Family includes Denise Garcia, Jozlin Rodriguez, Jaelyn Rodriguez, Daniel Rodriguez, Ivan Vela and Jessica Vela. Currently employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Sergeant with the Texas Highway Patrol station in Cotulla. Goal for Dilley ISD is to be able to give our students the tools needed to be ready for life after High School. Wants each student to be proud of Dilley ISD and never lose their Wolf Pride.
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Graciela Silva - Board Member Born and raised in Dilley. Dilley High School graduate 1983. Married to David Silva for 27 years. Two children Crystal and Orlando, both graduates of Dilley High School. Has 3 beautiful grandchildren - Daniel, Darion and her princess, Stormy. Retired/rehired dental assistant of 26 years for Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Goal for Dilley ISD: to continue to be part of a very good school district that focuses on student achievement and that prioritizes the future of our children in this ever changing world.
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Daycare
Dilley ISD would like to thank our school community for supporting the students, teachers, and staff with the new facilities courtesy of the 2013 and 2015 bonds. With community support, our students now have 21st century facilities in which to grow their academic abilities. Thank you!!
DHS Field House
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CTE Classroom
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Then and now Dilley ISD (DISD) is a 3A school district located halfway between San Antonio, Texas and Laredo, Texas. When DISD first implemented the Early College High School, there were 966 students in the district, 170 teachers and staff, 90% Hispanic students, 90% low socio economic, 155 homeless and 40 migrant students. In 2013 DISD and all campuses were rated IR (improvement required) by The Texas Education Agency (TEA). The middle school and high school had no preparatory advanced classes/honors classes. Something Needed to Change! Year 1 of the ECHS only had 17 students and one college class. The class was taught in house during the Fall semester. This format provided time to tutor students during off class days and prepare them for future TSI Tests. Another class was taught in the Spring. DISD continued to learn about how ECHS worked. TEA representatives worked with the ECHS to create a strong first cohort. Year 2 of the ECHS had 40 students and 4 more classes were added. Classes were taught in house and through distant learning. Year 3 there were 93 students taking classes. Courses continued to be taught in house and some distant learning. One online course was added. There were challenges. Scheduling classes to fit students core needs and elective wishes were a challenge. The district did not want to deny students the opportunity to participate in athletics, AG or band. Supports were put in place to assist these students to stay on task. This was done through the AVID Program. AVID provides supports with note taking, time management, team building activities, portfolio for college applications and college visits. Tutorials, writing labs and study sessions are also provided as academic supports. Dilley is an hour from the closest Junior College. Southwest Texas Junior College is the closest, and students are taken to the college campus for tours, to give a speech in a speech class, or participate in activities. Successes for the ECHS – It started with 17 students, three years ago. The class of 2019 had 28 active students. Students have earned honors in Phi Theta Kappa, The Junior College National Honor Society and made the Deans and Presidents list. Scores on college admissions tests have increased because of the rigor of higher level courses. DISD construction of a new CTE (Career and Technology Education) building allowed the district to include industry certificates in Welding and Welding Technology Associates of Applied Science Degree. Students were able to obtain certificates in the medical fields. Students earned certificates in CNA (certified nursing assistant), EKG Technician and Phlebotomy. Howler — Fall 2019
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ECHS – Now!!! By: Fernando Torres – ECHS Dean The Early College at Dilley High School is in its fifth year of serving students. In the 2019-2020 school year, the Early College is serving 109 students in both academic and career education courses. A definite game changer in the lives of students, these students are able to earn an Associate’s degree and/or certifications in Welding and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) while working towards earning their high school diploma. Dilley ISD partners with Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde, Texas in providing the required college courses to earn an Associate’s Degree. Dilley ISD is one of many districts in the state of Texas helping students attain college credit tuition free. Early College students may complete college hours through online courses, distance learning courses, and face-to-face instruction by adjunct faculty at Dilley High School. This school year, Dilley ISD has increased the freshmen early college enrollment by 50%, now serving 38 students. The early college also serves 21 seniors, 27 juniors, and 24 sophomores, and there are 9 projected seniors earning Associate’s Degrees in May of 2020. This program has also encouraged the pursuit of higher degrees as students in the Early College have gone on to study at The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas State University, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University San Antonio, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Schreiner University, St. Mary’s University, and Texas Lutheran University.
Looking forward, Dilley ISD is seeking to continue to build and strengthen the Dilley Early College High School program. Mr. Torres, the new Early College Academic Dean, will make several presentations to the 8th grade AVID classes in November and will also hold a parent meeting in December for all 8th grade parents interested in learning information about the Early College program at Dilley High School. Eighth grade students will begin TSI (Texas Success Initiative) testing in December. Mr. Alfaro is helping students by using online programs to help 8th grade students pass the reading portion of the TSI. Eighth grade students must attempt the TSI reading test in order to begin the program in the fall of 2020 and enroll in EDU 1300. For those students struggling to pass the reading portion of the TSI, there will be a summer bridge scheduled in June with tutorials, social emotional guidance lessons, and TSI test prep. The Early College at Dilley High School welcomes all students to apply and begin their college journey in the 9 th grade. For more information about the Early College, please contact Mr. Torres at Dilley High School.
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College Ready! College 4 All! Gearing Up For Success College Fairs provide students with a way to research various Colleges, Universities, Trade Schools, and other organizations to gather information about the respective organization they may be looking to attend, or thinking about attending.
Admissions representatives from fifty Colleges, Universities, Trade Schools and other organizations were invited to Dilley High School to participate in the annual College Fair at Dilley High School. Students were able to meet one on one with representatives to talk about their organization and ask questions. Students received information about the application process, financial aid and various degree programs offered.
Representatives provided students with information about academics, life on campus and extra-curricular activities. Various colleges, universities, trade schools and the armed forces were all well represented. Students at Dilley High look forward to this annual event. Howler — Fall 2019
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Building College and Career Readiness Success By: Adam Martinez – Dilley ISD AVID District Director
AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination is a college readiness program that is
district wide in Dilley ISD (DISD). Teachers and students are provided training and support to provide their students with the college and career readiness success. The AVID program initially started at the secondary levels and is now being implemented district wide. Updates for 2019-2020 school year are: Dilley High School campus was rated as an AVID certified site for 2018-2019 school year. The AVID program continues to complement the Early College High School Program. Currently there are two full time AVID elective teachers at the high school. This past summer campus administrators and teachers were sent to the AVID Summer Institute in San Antonio. The AVID program is a point of emphasis for new campus principal, Roger Solis. Tutoring by high school students through the AVID elective classes has evolved over the last year. Mary Harper Middle School (MHMS) was rated as an AVID Emerging School Wide Site for 20182019 school year. The campus also has two full time AVID elective teachers. Four teachers were sent to the AVID Summer Institute in San Antonio. MHMS campus is projected to be rated as a school wide site of distinction by the end of the 2019-2020 school year. This will meet the Lone Star Governance GPM 4.1. Dilley Elementary School (DES) was rated as a certified campus for 2019-2020 school year. Administrators and teachers also attended the AVID Summer Institute in San Antonio. DES focuses on strategies that introduces the AVID program to students. Strategies include: WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading), AVID Binders – students utilize binders to stay organized during their time at school, Note Taking – students in upper grade levels work on focused note taking, and Critical Thinking – students work on critical thinking skills to prepare them for challenging content. College banners, posters and bulletin boards are common throughout all three campuses. Classroom doors are decorated and teachers display their college degrees on their doors. Dilley ISD, a Family Working Together for student success! Howler — Fall 2019
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“A Family Working Together”
Dilley ISD – Family Engagement Information provided by: Community Engagement Team
Dilley ISD (DISD) is truly a Family Working Together. Teachers, staff, administration and the community are working together, to provide information and activities for parents in order to keep them informed and involved with their child’s educational process. All three campuses in the district are working with family engagement specialist to provide parents with informational events and activities to help engage families in their child’s education, and increase collaboration between school and home. The district has two family engagement specialists who coordinate events and activities for the campuses. Mary Ann Sanchez is assigned to the elementary campus, and Sarah Mitchell works with the middle school and high school. Families can join students and teachers in fun events, celebrate student successes or read with their child during extended library hours. It is not always convenient for parents to come to the school, so teachers are conducting home visits to meet with parents at home or in the community. This provides opportunities for teachers to get to know the families. Family engagement is a shared commitment between families and schools to improve student achievement and create life-long learning. Howler — Fall 2019
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Reading counts Reading With Wolves “a PaWsitive exPeRience Information: Dilley Reading with Wolves
Dilley ISD Reading Counts Program
The purpose of the Reading Counts Program is to encourage children to practice reading in and out of the classroom. The student completes 3 basic steps in the program.
1. The child chooses a book to read that is part of the Reading Counts program and is in the child’s independent reading level. Students will be given an RI test to determine their Lexile Reading level. Once the student’s Lexile is determined, students will have the opportunity to generate reading interests lists on their level. More information on Lexile Levels on the following website: www.lexile.com 2. The child reads the book for comprehension (understanding of the story). 3. The child takes a computerized quiz of 10 comprehension questions, hoping to score at least 8 out of 10.
Teachers are provided a handbook with classroom strategies: “Wolves Stop and Read Time” an appropriate amount of time will be set aside daily for Silent Independent Reading. Journaling – each student is expected to write in a journal as a dedicated time period each day. Summarizing – students will retell or write a short summary.
Students receive points for each book test/they pass. Specific grade level requirements currently set by grade levels as shown in Dilley ISD Library RC Goals insert.
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Pawsitive Behavior Mary Harper Middle School Pups – Promoting Pawsitive Behavior
Students at Mary Harper Middle School (MHMS) are on a mission to promote positive (Pawsitive) behavior on their campus. MHMS is a PBIS campus. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior. All students have an opportunity to be shining stars. Students were introduced to the “Be That Kid” program. All students were placed on teams, with teachers. Teams are provided various opportunities to earn tickets for their team. So far, there have been a few “Be that Kid” events, and a couple more are planned. There was a “Be That Kid Kickoff” in September where students met with their teams for the first time. Campus assistant principal, introduced the program and kids were told how they could earn tickets. Students were then told about their first group challenge. It was a banner making contest. Teams chose one focus words to create a banner. The focus words were as follows: Generosity, Friendship, Kindness, Integrity, Respect and Determination. PBIS committee members talked about the focus words. Students had to create banners that reflected their teams focus word. Representatives from Central office judged the banners in October. There was a Family Event Night in November where parents, students and teachers recognized the students and team who earned the most points in the first six week period. The program was introduced to parents. Team shirts were purchased for the entire student body. Staff and students showed off their team colors and focus word. Students will wear them on Wednesdays to earn points for their team. In the next couple of weeks, the campus is planning parties for other teams and to further recognize students who earn points for the next six weeks.
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Mary Harper Middle School PBIS Poster Challenge Students at Mary Harper Middle School participated in a PBIS Poster Challenge. The PBIS Banners were the first challenge from the PBIS Team. It provided each team an opportunity to earn points. The team with the most points at the end of the 6 weeks will win a party. Teams can also earn point for their team with perfect attendance, good grades, etc.
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Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior. With PBIS, schools teach kids about behavior, just as they would teach about other subjects like reading or math. The focus of PBIS is prevention, not punishment.
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By: Steve Lozano What started out being a dream eventually became a reality. Dilley ISD had been looking for ways to help teen moms who were at risk and had nowhere to leave their babies. Until one day, the superintendent got a group of two people together to begin researching what it would take to open a school sponsored childcare center. The team knew it was going to be a big task to take on, but agreed to take on the task. After doing the research and attending meetings at the Department and Family Protective Services, Dilley ISD finally made what was once a dream become a reality. On January 7, 2013, the Dilley ISD Early Childhood Center received word that they had officially been licensed as a state approved childcare center. The center opened up with 2 employees and 3 students in attendance, in what is currently the superintendent’s house. As the center started to grow and the circumstances changed, they then knew that they would have to start looking for something bigger. In September of 2013, the Dilley ISD Childhood Center moved to a new location on Leona Street, which was formerly the CSA building and resided there for 4 years.
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With the many construction projects that were occurring in the district, there were already plans of moving the daycare closer to the other campuses. The plans of moving started becoming more concrete and then the staff was informed that one of the newly renovated buildings would be housing the daycare. The staff was excited that they would be getting a building that they could call their own. On August 8, 2018, the new center was licensed and the childcare center staff now would have a new permanent home. The life of the daycare center has moved from a small place with 2 staff members and 3 students to a facility with 4 staff members and a receptionist and now 28 children. This is why what starts good never ends and then you add the love of children and it becomes a great place.
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Dilley Elementary Playground The Dilley Elementary playground has had a welcomed new edition with the 2019 construction completion. The old playground was constructed in 1992 and served the kids of Dilley Elementary for 27 years. A playground committee of community members, teachers and school administrators met in the spring of 2019. Several meetings were held in order to pick out equipment and the design of the playground. Construction was done over the spring and summer of 2019 and the playground was officially open for the first day of the 2019-2020 school year. The students of Dilley Elementary school enjoy utilizing a brand new playground and will have a fun time at recess for years to come.
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Football
Dilley Athletics By: Lamar Rodriguez, Athletic Director Coach Rodriguez is the new athletic director at Dilley ISD. He had some great things to say about his athletic program. He believes these young men and women are working hard to re-establish success in Dilley. The Wolves will continue to work during the off season and towards upcoming Spring Sports with one mindset earning the right to win through “Faith, Discipline and Hard Work”. Through faith the Wolves will overcome all adversity and challenges thrown their way and will keep believing in their purpose of re-establishing and protecting Dilley’s Athletic Tradition. Through discipline and hard work, the Wolves will strive to do things the correct way, both in and out of the classroom, along with the work habits in athletics to succeed for Dilley, and most importantly gain the experience needed to take on life’s challenges as an athletic member of the program. Through wins, losses, and injuries our athletes stayed together, kept working for each other and kept competing. Everyday small battles were won in our student athlete’s responsibilities, choices and work ethic towards our athletic family. Coach Rodriguez credits the success of the athletic program to hard work and dedication of student athletes, cheerleaders, band, dance team and coaches. Dilley ISD cheerleaders, band, and dance team are the motivating spirit of the athletic program. They support the athletes at all games, rain or shine and win or lose. Our motto is “Family”, and he truly believes this group of young men and women, as well as the coaches have modeled the culture of staying together through the struggles and successes of this year, in both our high school and middle school teams. Howler — Fall 2019
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Cheer
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Volleyball
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Volleyball By Khloe Torres
Congratulations to the Dilley Lady Wolves for placing 2nd in District with a record of 7-3. The girls
have been working extremely hard from spring until this point. Their hard work and time put into this sport were continuous and their achievements for volleyball were truly magical. Being the underdogs in a district with some talented individuals did not stop the Lady Wolves from reaching their goal, which was to make it to playoffs. The team worked as one, truly defending the pack of the traditional wolf pride. The 2019-2020 team was coached by Shandi Rios, Jessica Idrogo, and Khloe Torres. Congratulations to the following individuals who made the All-Team district selections: Janel Aguilar Sr- Co-Setter of the Year and Destiny Tijerina Sr- Co-Libero the Year. 1st Team All-District Jaden Aranda Sr, Lanie Dubose Sr, and Elizabeth Guite Sr. 2nd Team All-District Danika Aranda Jr and Mia Valenzuela Jr. Honorable Mention Abcde Aranda Soph., Karina Gonzales Jr, and Blanca Muniz Soph. These girls put in an endless amount of time on the court, as well as outside of the court. They put the STUDENT in student-athlete. Congrats to the following athletes for All-Academic: Abcde Aranda, Blanca Muniz, Kristal Rodriguez, Danika Aranda, Mia Valenzuela, Skyler Bradshaw, Janel Aguilar, Lanie Dubose, Elyssa Aguilar, Elizabeth Guite, Karina Gonzales, Jaden Aranda, and Destiny Tijerina.
Go Lady Wolves! Howler — Fall 2019
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Band Marching to the beat - School Spirit of Dilley By: Terri Robertson The Mighty Grey Wolf Band is 130 students strong, ranging from grades 6-12. They actively participate in all region and community events. Under the leadership of Terri Robertson and Calvin Goetsch, the Mighty Grey Wolf Band is the heart and soul at pep rallies, football games, and school special events. The Dilley Band performed in the Dilley Veteran’s Day Ceremony, traveled to Pearsall to perform at the Frio County Memorial Wall and then went to Crystal City to march in the annual Spinach Festival Parade. The band received 2nd place in the marching category and proudly displays their trophy in the Dilley High School Band Hall. Students were able to enjoy 2 hours of free carnival rides after the parade. A great time was had by all. Aside from keeping the beat to activities, the band marched at the Region 11 UIL Marching Contest in Hondo on Oct. 12th and earned a Division 2 Rating of Excellence. The high school band members have their Region Band Auditions in Lytle on December 7. Students who advance to the Area competition will audition for the All State Band in Orange Grove in early January. The High School UIL Solo and Ensemble competition takes place in Eagle Pass in early February. The bands annual Christmas Concert is scheduled for Dec. 11, at 5:30 pm, in the HS Cafeteria. This will be the Sixth Graders first formal concert in their musical career! The 7th Grade Band and the High School Band will also be performing. The band thanks you for your continued support and looks forward to performing for you soon. Wolf Pride! Howler — Fall 2019
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Cross Country This year has been a wonderful year for the Lady Wolves. The girls Cross Country team has several strong runners. Melody Del Real has led the pack in every meet placing in the top three. At the district meet on October 15th, Melody placed first with Meia Meza close behind and running her best meet yet which secured the 3rd place position. Isabel Hernandez worked just as hard, never gave up and placed 9th. Additional team members are Pilar Garfield, Jaslyn Ochoa, and Anastacia Reinhardt. As a team the girls placed 2nd in District and 12th at the Regional Meet in Corpus Christi with Melody Del Real placing 4th and advancing to the state Cross Country Championship where she placed 41st. Congratulations on a great season!!!
Coach Victor Flores, Head Cross Country Coach, reflects on Melody Del Real: It has been a pleasure coaching Melody these last four years. I still remember back when she was 12 years old in summer track and I would watch her run. I knew she had lots of potential. She struggled her Fresh-
man and Sophomore years, however she was up there competing and doing fairly well. We had a long talk last Spring about what she needed to do to compete at the level she is competing right now. She followed my advice. She is a very coachable young lady. She is a “yes sir”, “no sir” person, never missed practice and is willing to go that extra mile or does what needs to be done to get better. It would be wonderful to get more athletes like her. We have been blessed here in Dilley with what our athletes, both boys and girls, have accomplished at the level of State Competition the
past 13 years. Go Wolves! Melody Del Real with her 4th Place Medal from the Region 4 Cross
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