YMLA Highlights - November 2025

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YMLA Highlights - November 2025:

Click on the article titles below to read the full story and discover all the details, highlights, and exciting moments. From there you can learn more about the event, students, staff, and community achievements that make YMLA such a special place.

Staff of the Month - Nov 2025: M. Esquivel

November 21, 2025

At Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy, we proudly recognize Mrs. M. Esquivel as our November Staff of the Month. As a Teaching Assistant, she brings warmth, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to our classrooms every day. Her support for students, teamwork with teachers, and willingness to step in wherever needed make her an essential part of our campus community. Students feel encouraged by her care, and staff appreciate her reliability and positive spirit. Congratulations, Mrs. Esquivel, and thank you for all you do for the YMLA family!

PALS: Strengthened by LASA Partnership

November 21, 2025

The PALS program at Gus Garcia YMLA is off to an incredible start as we welcomed our first visit from the LASA High School PALS today. This mentorship partnership strengthens leadership, communication, and service for all students involved. After a successful visit to Barbara Jordan Elementary earlier this month, our PALS are now even more equipped and inspired thanks to the guidance from LASA’s student leaders. We thank Mr. Saldana and the LASA PALS for making this visit possible and look forward to continued collaboration and growth as our young men develop their leadership skills.

Book Fair! Dec 1-12th

November 21, 2025

Get ready, Garcia Men—our Book Fair is coming December 1–12, bringing exciting new books, graphic novels, journals, and more to our library. Our goal is to reach $1,600 in sales so we can earn a Buy One, Get One Free Book Fair in May, giving families even more reading opportunities. Every purchase supports our library and helps students discover new interests. Families can also set up a convenient eWallet for cash-free shopping. We look forward to an amazing Book Fair and seeing our young men dive into new reads!

Yearbook Pre-Sales Are Now Open

November 20, 2025

Pre-sales for the 2025–2026 Gus Garcia YMLA Yearbook are officially open! Yearbooks are $25 (cash only) and can be purchased by submitting payment to Mrs. Barnes in the art room; parents may use the QR code form and send cash with their student. Yearbooks will also be sold at the Fall Festival, Winter Concert, Fine Arts Banquet, and Sports Banquet while supplies last. This year’s edition features student photos, sports teams, awards, and major campus events—a keepsake you won’t want to miss. Yearbooks will be distributed in May 2026.

Order Now: Click here to order your yearbook!

Student Council: Can Food Drive Challenge Results!

November 20, 2025

Good afternoon YMLA Families and Students! We are excited to share the results of our 2025 Can Food Drive Challenge, where our campus came together to support our community in an incredible way. Congratulations to Mrs. Autry’s Advisory, the winners of this year’s competition, whose students earned raffle entries and demonstrated outstanding school spirit. We also want to recognize our Front Office Staff, who contributed an impressive 304 cans, and thank every Advisory that participated with generosity and teamwork. Every donation will directly support community members in need, reminding us of the impact we can make when we unite as a school. Thank you for your kindness, energy, and commitment to serving others!

Fine Arts: Peace Poster Competition Success!

November 20, 2025

We are proud to celebrate Yostin and Abraham for their outstanding participation in the 2025 Austin Area Lions Club Peace Poster Competition. Both students presented their artwork and shared their ideas about peace before an audience of about 45 people at the celebration luncheon, demonstrating creativity, confidence, and strong public-speaking skills. A heartfelt thank-you goes to Mrs. Cierra Barnes for inspiring and guiding our young artists, and to Mrs. Adams for attending the luncheon and supporting them in person. Yostin and Abraham represented Gus Garcia YMLA with enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to promoting peace. Their achievements remind us of the power of creativity and community engagement.

4-H Program Shines at San Antonio Stock Show!

November 19, 2025

We are thrilled to share exciting news from our YMLA 4-H program! This year, our talented students were featured on the official cover of the San Antonio Stock Show packet, a remarkable achievement that highlights their creativity, dedication, and teamwork. The San Antonio Stock Show is one of Texas’ premier agricultural events, and having our students represented in this way reflects the leadership and commitment central to 4-H values. We are incredibly proud of our young men for showcasing YMLA’s talent and excellence. Congratulations to all, and we look forward to more amazing contributions!

NJHS: Brown Santa Service Project

November 19, 2025

Our NJHS students had a heartwarming experience at this year’s Brown Santa service event! True to the chapter’s pillars of leadership, character, and citizenship, our scholars packed Christmas boxes for five families and wrapped 65 gifts, showing pride and compassion in giving back. Dr. Royster and Ms. Marble were thrilled to work alongside the students, who enthusiastically shared, “We’re going to give this kid a really good Christmas.” A special highlight was having Ms. Marble’s mom join as a volunteer, making the day even more meaningful. We are incredibly proud of our NJHS students for demonstrating kindness, teamwork, and the true spirit of service.

Fine Arts: String Fest 2025

November 19, 2025

We are proud to share that our Gus Garcia YMLA orchestra students shined at the 51st Annual Fall Festival for Strings, “String Fest,” on November 19 at the Delco Activity Center. Representing our campus with enthusiasm, confidence, and teamwork, the students delivered a performance they can truly be proud of. Throughout the event, they demonstrated strong musical growth, excellent rehearsal habits, and a positive attitude, all while encouraging one another and connecting with peers across the district. We thank our families for their support and celebrate our students’ hard work and dedication. String Fest was a wonderful success, and we look forward to more opportunities for our young musicians to learn and shine.

Fall Festival 2025

November 14, 2025

Thank you to all students, families, staff, and community partners who joined us for our Fall Festival on November 13! The evening was a wonderful success, filled with games, music, food, hands-on crafts, and opportunities to connect with our campus programs and staff. Our student leaders and volunteers helped create a welcoming, fun-filled environment for everyone. Events like this highlight the strength and spirit of the YMLA community, and we are grateful to everyone who donated time, supplies, or energy to make it memorable. Your support helps provide engaging experiences for our students, and we look forward to hosting more family events in the future!

House Meeting: Veterans Day

November 12, 2025

It was a joy to welcome our former students back to YMLA for this week’s House Meeting! We honored our alumni and Mr. Petteway for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country, adding a personal and inspiring touch to the celebration. Our students delivered heartfelt speeches and engaging presentations, demonstrating respect, creativity, and pride while highlighting YMLA’s values of leadership, empathy, and community. A special thank-you goes to Coach Morrison, the House Committee, and all who helped organize this meaningful event. Moments like these reflect the unity and spirit of YMLA, making this Veterans Day celebration memorable and impactful for our entire school community.

PALS: Our First Visit to Jordan Elementary

November 05, 2025

The first PALS visit from Gus Garcia YMLA to Barbara Jordan Elementary was a remarkable success, highlighting mentorship, leadership, and community service in action. Austin ISD’s PALS program has empowered students since 1980, and at YMLA, high school mentors from LASA guide our students, who in turn mentor younger learners. During the visit, YMLA students connected with 4th and 5th graders through lunch conversations, library activities, and guidance, sharing encouragement and fostering a love of learning. Becoming a PALS member requires academic focus, positive behavior, and commitment, ensuring students lead by example. This inaugural visit set a strong foundation for future mentorship and the continued growth of community-minded leaders.

Fine Arts: All-City Guitar

November 05, 2025

Last week, our talented Gus Garcia YMLA guitar students participated in the AISD Guitar All-City event at the AISD Performing Arts Center, and it was an incredible experience! The event brings together top middle and high school guitarists for a full day of rehearsal and a memorable evening performance. This year, beginners joined advanced students, giving even more musicians the chance to shine on stage. Families and community members enjoyed an evening full of energy, music, and creativity. We thank everyone who supports our music program—moments like these inspire confidence, showcase talent, and strengthen our YMLA community. Here’s to more performances and continued success for our guitarists!

House Meeting: Staff vs Kids - Football Game

November 01, 2025

Our recent Staff vs. Students Football Game was a fun-filled, exciting day on campus! Only students who earned LiveSchool points—recognizing positive behavior, leadership, and responsibility—were invited, making this event a special reward for their efforts. The stands were full of energy as students cheered, and both staff and students displayed incredible sportsmanship on the field. While the score was close, the real winner was our school community, as teamwork, friendly competition, and smiles filled the day. Events like this celebrate student achievement, encourage positive behavior, and strengthen our YMLA community. Thank you to everyone who made this memorable event possible!