Ysleta ISD kicked off the new school year on a high note after winning statewide awards in theatre and visual arts over the summer, earning praise for extraordinary fine arts programs that provide students with a high-quality, well-rounded educational experience.
Theatre Arts Steal the Show
Ysleta ISD was the only area district in July to earn the top honor – Exemplary District – in the 2025-26 Award of Distinction program from the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA). The award recognizes Ysleta ISD’s strong support & commitment to theatre education and student participation, and its efforts to promote high standards, diversity, and advocacy for theatre arts. In particular, Ysleta ISD was honored for:
· Quality & quantity of theatrical performances
· A robust play library & access to acting spaces
· Community & administrative support for theatre programs
· Student involvement in UIL contests
· Participation in Theatrical Design contests
· Theatre technology
“We applaud Ysleta ISD for their remarkable efforts in promoting theatre arts,” said TxETA Past President Travis Springfield. “Their program serves as a model of creativity, community, and educational excellence.”
Visual Arts Take Center Stage
In July, Ysleta ISD was also one of 109 to be named a prestigious 2025 District of Distinction by the Texas Art Education Association, highlighting the district’s Visual Arts program as one of the top 8% in Texas! This marked the second consecutive year that Ysleta ISD wins this award for supporting creative learning that helps students grow as individuals and connect with their classmates, peers, and community.
Excellence by Design: A Year of Fine Arts Wins
From winning Congressional contests to state championship performances to being named a premier community in the world of fine arts, Ysleta ISD earned half a dozen prestigious statewide and national awards over the past year, including:
· Best Communities for Music Education award from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education;
· Premier Community for Theatre Education for 2024-2027 from the National Educational Theatre Association, highlighting Ysleta ISD’s exceptional commitment to theatre education and support of the arts;
· Ysleta ISD student Zoe Martinez wins 2025 Congressional Art Competition (District 16) for her original artwork, “From the Roof I See Home,” on display at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.;
· Hanks High School’s Mariachi Los Trovadores wins the best ratings – Division I Superior – from all three judges at the UIL State Mariachi Festival championships.
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