The Lion List
February 27, 2026
Welcome back, Lions, to this week’s edition of The Lion List! 🦁 In this issue, we’re giving you a sneak peek inside Seawillow Middle School, celebrating Lion grit and determination on the field and in competitions, recognizing incredible individuals for the Spirit of 1.5, and so much more! Let’s dive in and see all the exciting highlights from across our district. Here’s a roundup of all the exciting moments you won’t want to miss!
Have a fantastic weekend, Lions!
1.Sneak Peek of Seawillow Middle School
At Monday evening’s regular School Board meeting, VLK Architects shared a sneak peek of the new Seawillow Middle School!
While some details may evolve throughout the construction process, we’re excited about the innovative design and the incredible opportunities this new campus will bring to our students, staff, and the entire community. The future is bright in Lockhart! #LISDWeAreHere
Click here to see the 2026-2027 Secondary Course Catalog.
2. Great Friday Night on the Pitch
What a great Friday night on the pitch for our Lion Soccer Program against Leander Glenn! Our teams competed with heart, discipline, and determination from start to finish.
Girls JV – 2-0 Win
Girls Varsity – 1-1 Draw
Boys JV – 4-0 Win
Boys Varsity – 2-1 Win
Across all four matches, our student-athletes demonstrated outstanding teamwork, resilience, and skill. We are incredibly proud of our athletes for representing Lockhart with class and competitiveness. Thank you to our coaches for their leadership and to our fans and families who came out to support and cheer on our Lions.
Go Lions! #LISDWeAreHere
You can directly support our AMAZING Special Olympics athletes by purchasing a sweatshirt here. Raised funds will help provide uniforms, cover entrance fees, support the annual Special Olympics Banquet, and so much more! #LockHeartForPeople #LoveMyLISD
3. Our Lion Scientists Shine at Austin Science Fair
Elementary students from across the district traveled to the Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair to present their projects. Over the past few months, they’ve explored the scientific method – asking questions, forming hypotheses, experimenting, and drawing conclusions.
This weekend, they proudly shared their findings with peers and leaders from across the state. We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and creativity. Never stop being curious, and never stop exploring the mysteries of the universe!
A special thank you to their teachers for guiding and cheering on our young scientists.
4. Under the Lights: Lady Lions Softball Shines
5. Lions Golf Makes Waves on the Greens
Fore! The Lions are making waves on the greens!
The Lockhart Boys Golf Team competed at the Rattler Classic, hosted by San Marcos High. Our first team finished in a three-way tie for 3rd place with a team total of 326.
Individually, Chris Collins took the title with an even-par 72, and Andres Osuna tied for third with a 76. Congratulations to all of our golfers on a fantastic showing!
Next week, the Lions will head to Forest Creek Golf Club in Round Rock for our District Preview. The District Tournaments are scheduled for March 25–26 for the boys and March 30–31 for the girls. We wish all our athletes good luck!
Let’s keep swinging, Lions!
Do you have a concern regarding your student? Please see above graphic for the Parental Concerns Resolution Protocol.
6. Lockhart Color Guard Does It Again
Our teams had an incredible showing at the Texas Color Guard Circuit Veterans Memorial HS Winter Guard Competition, and we could not be more proud!
🏆 HS Varsity – 2nd Place in the Scholastic National A Division
🏆 HS JV – 2nd Place in the Scholastic JV A Division
🥇 JH Cadets Varsity – 1st Place in the Cadet Regional A Division
🥈 JH Cadets JV – 2nd Place in the Cadet Novice Division
From our junior high cadets to our high school performers, these students continue to demonstrate excellence, growth, and true Lion pride. Their hard work, teamwork, and dedication are paying off in a big way
Congratulations to all of our performers and directors on another outstanding competition weekend. We are so proud of you!
7. Lady Lions: Putt-ing in the Work
The Lockhart Lady Lions Golf team hit the greens at the Westwood Invitational (Feb 9) and Oldfield Invitational (Feb 23), posting scores of 440 and 491! Special shoutout to Marisol Capetillo, who posted rounds of 100 and 111.
The team, led by Marisol and including Soleil Ledesma, Zoie Ledesma, and Priya Patel, has shown grit, determination, and passion all season. We’re so proud of their hard work and growth!
A big thank you to Head Coach Greg Rowe for guiding and supporting the team every step of the way.
Next up: District 25-5A Preview on March 2 and the District Tournament March 30–31 at Forest Creek Golf Course. We wish our athletes the best of luck!
8. Good Times Roll at Navarro’s Mardi Paw
The good times were rolling at Navarro’s Mardi Paw last Friday! From cool games to sweet cake walks and a whole lot of laughter, it was a paws-tively fun-filled event for everyone!
We love seeing our school communities come together to create joyful moments for our students. Thank you to everyone who helped make Mardi Paw such a success – it truly takes a village!
9. Lions Swing for Success at Home
10. Lions Earn Top Honors at SkillsUSA District 10 Competition
Last weekend, the LHS Law and Public Service Program traveled to Hutto to compete in the SkillsUSA District 10 Competition – and our Lions earned top honors at the official awards ceremony.
🥇 Gold – Chapter Display
Nayely Rodriguez, Jazlyn Hernandez Mendez, & Sylvia Leija
🥇 Gold – Career Pathway Showcase (Law and Public Service)
Yadira Ferretiz-Ollervidez, Carmen Flores, & Samantha Tinoco
🥇 Gold – Criminal Justice Quiz Bowl
Vyktoria Mendez, Sylvia Leija, Dayana Yanez Yanez, Keaton Archer, Gilberto Jaimes Rodriguez, Ramiro Vazquez, & Madelin Santos
🥈 Silver – Firefighting
Christopher Collins
Earlier in the day, Lockhart High School received exciting news that all Job Skills and 3D Crime Scene Model projects earned Blue Ribbons and are advancing to State Competition!
🔎 3D Crime Scene Model Teams Advancing to State:
• Sabrina Araiza & Alina Manzo
• Jessica Therrien & Caden Kloss
• Jessica Valencia & Diana Garcia
⚖️ Job Skills Category Display Participants:
• Dayana Yanez Yanez – Prosecutor vs. Defense Attorney
• Jennifer Olvera – Standard Field Sobriety Testing
• Xander Lyon & Madelyn Santos – Felony Traffic Stop
• Sariah Dykes & Maria Torres Banda – Interrogation Methods
• Yasaida Espinoza Lopez & Nicole Mendoza – Crime Scene Documentation
• Keagan Baker & Saphronia Kuhns – Homicide Detective
We are incredibly proud of every student who competed and represented LHS with professionalism, knowledge, and heart.Way to Champion Your Future, LHS Law and Public Service!
Next stop: Corpus Christi in April for the State Competition!
A special thank you to Judge Raymond De Leon for supporting our students and investing in their success.
11. Final Anxious Generation Book Study
Thank you to everyone who joined our final Parent Book Study of the year!
Using The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt as our guide, we explored how cell phones and the digital age impact our students and discussed strategies to best support our Lions. This was our final Parent Book Study of the year and a key conversation before making recommendations to the Board in March.
Missed yesterday’s meeting? You can watch it and all previous meetings here: https://www.lockhartisd.org/parents/parent-book-study
As we wrap up our Anxious Generation Parent Book Study, we’re excited to launch a ThoughtExchange to hear from parents, staff, and our community!
Over the past several months, we’ve explored important topics around student well-being—like the value of extended free play, healthy technology boundaries, and the shared role we all play in supporting our children. Now, it’s your turn to share your thoughts and help us understand what matters most to our community.
Scan the QR code or follow this link to participate: https://tejoin.com/scroll/502090752
Your voice is valued and appreciated! #LISDWeAreHere
12. LHS Artists Earn 38 Medals at VASE Competition
Art that speaks. Scores that impress. Lions that lead.
Over the weekend, our Lions competed at the regional VASE competition and delivered an INCREDIBLE showing with Lockhart students earning a total of 38 medals!
VASE UIL RESULTS:
38 LHS Visual Arts students competed
54 total entries showcased at Akins High School
34 entries earned the highest score of 4
Students advancing to State
Jocelyn Ortega - "Lost and Found"
Krysta Espinoza - "Fight for Freedom"
Breelyn Simmons - "Untamable"
Peyton Lindsay - "Bolt from the Blue"
We are so proud of our talented artists for representing LHS with creativity and excellence!
13. Coach Justin Torres: Leading Lions On and Off the Field
We are proud to celebrate Lockhart High School Coach Justin Torres, who is being recognized in the Hispanic Texas High School Football Coaches Association Weekly Spotlight for the incredible impact he is making on and off the field!
Thank you, Coach Torres, for the leadership, dedication, and example you set for our students and the Lion community every day! #LISDWeAreHere
Learn more about his journey here: https://hthsfbca.com/2026-weekly-spotlight/
14. Spirit of 1.5
The Spirit of 1.5 is about living and celebrating exceeding expectations and fostering a deeply caring environment that grows everyone within Lockhart ISD. This spirit encompasses a heartfelt devotion to people, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence that consistently delivers impactful outcomes.
This week, we’re excited to celebrate Casey Anthony from ABS, Meghan Bailey and April Zapata from BLE, Zera James from LHS, and Claudia Flores from LJHS.
Casey Anthony
Mrs. Anthony's classroom is full of encouragement, patience, and high expectations. Because she builds strong relationships and truly believes in her students, they grow in both confidence and academic growth. Her class is consistently the highest readers in 4th and that's because she fosters a tremendous love for Reading.
Meghan Bailey & April Zapata
Ms. Bailey and Ms. Zapata serve as the leads for our BLE Culture Action Team, and their impact on our campus has been tremendous. They have been instrumental in strengthening our culture—not only for our students, but for our staff as well. They thoughtfully organize our monthly staff socials, creating opportunities for connection, encouragement, and celebration. In addition, they play a key role in leading our campus attendance incentives, helping keep students motivated and engaged. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work, leadership, and consistently positive attitude. Their dedication truly makes BLE a stronger, more connected community.
Zera James
Ms. James leads with excellence as a CTE Health Science teacher. Her students carry a passion for learning, which is evidenced by the high engagement they display inside and outside of the classroom. Her students are able to translate their skills in real-world high-stakes environments. In fact, several of her students are now CCMA Heroes, having put their training to use in actual medical emergencies. Thank you for your leadership and unlocking our students' potential Ms. James!
Claudia Flores
Ms. Flores has been going above and beyond preparing her students for success! She is tutoring over 30 students after school to help them get ready for upcoming benchmarks. We’re so grateful for the time, effort, and care she puts into supporting our Lions. Her dedication not only boosts academic achievement but also inspires students to reach their full potential. Thank you, Ms. Flores, for making such a meaningful impact on our school community!
Do you know someone who exemplifies the Spirit of 1.5? Nominate them today by filling out this form!
15. #LISDWeAreHere Weekly
Did you know? Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in K–1 were reading proficiently by 3rd grade.
Early attendance matters—learning, connecting, and growing happens in school every day. Let’s keep our Lions on the path to excellence! #LISDWeAreHere #AttendanceMatters
16. Lion Guard
Join the Lion Guard, Lockhart ISD's community watch program, and help us keep our schools safe, secure, and supportive! As a member, you'll help ensure a secure environment for our students and staff. Your involvement strengthens our community, fosters communication, and enhances safety. Sign up and join our team dedicated to safeguarding our schools. #LockHeartForPeople
17. Reminders & Upcoming Events
February 28 - LHS Varsity Lions Baseball @ TxSlugFest Tournament (Hondo, TX)
Vs Palestine HS - 12:30p
Vs Pearsall HS - 3:00p
February 28 - LHS Varsity Lions & Lady Lions Powerlifting Regional Qualifier - TBA
February 28 - LHS Color Guard: WGI Austin Regional @ Glenn HS (Varsity Only)
February 28 - LHS/LJHS Dance: Showmakers Contest @ Texas State University
February 28 - LHS Theatre: Pre-UIL One Act Play Public Performance - 7:00 - 8:00p (GOPAC)
March 1 - LHS Color Guard: WGI Austin Regional (Prelims) (Glenn HS)
March 2 - Read Across America Day
March 2 - Texas Independence Day
March 2 - 6 - School Social Worker Week/Education Diagnostician Week/School Breakfast Week
March 3 - LJHS Choir: UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Tenor/Bass Choir Performance - 2:00p (Nimitz MS)
LJHS Orchestra: Intermezzo & Philharmonic Orchestras Pre-UIL Concert - 6:00p (LHS GOPAC)
March 3 - LHS Lions Soccer vs Cedar Park HS (Cedar Park, Tx)
JV - 5:30p/Varsity - 7:15p
- March 3 - LHS Varsity Lions Baseball vs Jarrel HS - (Jarrel HS) - 4:45p
March 4 - LJHS Choir: UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Varsity Treble Choir Performance - 2:20p @ Nimitz MS
HS Choir: Pre-UIL Concert, 6:30pm @ LHS (GOPAC)
- March 4 - LHS Varsity Lady Lions Powerlifting Regional Championship (Qualifiers only) - TBA
March 5 - LHS JV Lions Baseball Tournament (MacArthur HS)
Vs Brackenridge HS - 2:00p
VS MacArthur HS - 4:30p
March 5 - LJHS Band: Advanced Bands UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Concert Band I Performance, 10:00a @ Seguin HS
JH Band: Advanced Bands UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Symphonic Band Performance - 4:40pm @ Seguin HS
ABS/BBE/BLE/CFE/NAV/PCE Art: Elementary Art Showcase/Big Art Day - 5:30pm @ MLC
- March 6 - Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day
- March 6 - LHS Lions & Lady Lions Track & Field @ Buffalo Relays (Giddings HS) - TBA
March 6 - LHS JV Lions Baseball Tournament (MacArthur HS)
Vs Stevens HS - 12:30p
March 6 - LHS Lions Soccer vs Leander HS (Lion Stadium)
JVB - 4:15p/JVA - 5:30p/Varsity - 7:15p
- March 6 - LHS Varsity Lions Baseball vs Navarro HS (Lions Field) - 6:00p
- March 6 - LJHS Band: Advanced Bands UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Wind Ensemble Performance - 3:40pm @ Seguin HS
- Now Hiring for the 2025-2026 School Year
- We have multiple positions open for the 2025-2026 school year for teaching and non-teaching opportunities. Click the link to view all opportunities!
18. One Thing that Made Us Smile This Week:
Lucky the Lion and our TEA-riffic cheer squad surprised our District Leadership team Wednesday morning with a celebration to remember!
To recognize the growth in ELAR across the district, our cheerleaders shared a spirited message: “Shout it out. Make it clear. ELAR is the best this year!”
To top it off, leadership even got to try the official Lion Lemonade from HTeaO!
This celebration honors not only the work of our leadership team, but also the dedication behind the growth we’re seeing across our schools. It is a celebration of our teachers’ hard work, our students’ commitment to learning, and the unwavering support of our families and community. Together, we are making a difference for our Lions every day #LISDWeAreHere #LoveMyLISD
We're always looking for great stories to tell that highlight our #LockhartLeading community. If you have feedback or want to share a good news story, email Communications Specialist, Dechanel Santos at dechanel.santos@lockhart.txed.net.