Spring 2026
Save the Dates!
Save the dates for two upcoming special events in Alamo Heights ISD.
The annual Business Incubator Pitch Night is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. in the Alamo Heights High School Auditorium.
Five teams will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of earning seed money awarded by district partners.
Community members can vote for one of six Wild Card businesses that will be invited to pitch onstage with the final four teams.
Wild Card voting begins at 5:45 p.m. and takes place inside the High School.
Alamo Heights High School graduation is May 21, 2026 at 8 p.m. This year’s ceremony will be held at Harry B. Orem Stadium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Seating and parking is first come, first served and families and guests are encouraged to arrive early and carpool. Overflow parking and shuttle service will be available at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, 825 E Basse Road, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
As a reminder, the district’s clear bag policy will be in effect.
Come celebrate the Class of 2026 as they cross the stage and receive their diplomas.
Meet the 2026 Alamo Heights ISD Teachers of the Year
The 2026 Campus Teachers of the Year are: Emily Rangel, Culinary Arts teacher, Alamo Heights High School; Brandon Boylan, Mule Time Media teacher, Alamo Heights Junior School; Debbie Mainz, 3rd grade teacher, Cambridge; Erica Kovach, Special Education teacher, Woodridge; and Libby Perez, Kindergarten teacher, Howard Early Childhood Center.
Brandon Boylan, Mule Time Media Teacher at Alamo Heights Junior School, is the 2026 Alamo Heights ISD Teacher of the Year.
Boylan will represent AHISD as the district’s nominee for the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching and Region 20 Teacher of the Year.
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
This is one of the most special times of the year in Alamo Heights ISD. The final weeks of school are full of celebrations, traditions, and moments we’ll carry with us long after the year ends. At the same time, we’re already looking ahead and preparing for what’s next.
Celebrating Student Achievement
In just a few weeks, we’ll gather to celebrate the Class of 2026 at graduation and we’ll also honor our kindergarten, 5th grade, and 8th grade students as they take their next steps in their AHISD journey.
I hope you’ll join me in celebrating all that our students have accomplished this year. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or in competition, they continue to represent AHISD with high standards of excellence and pride. You’ll learn about some of these accomplishments in this edition of School Views, but there are so many more unfolding on every campus every day!
Strategic Planning
This spring, we’ve had the opportunity to sit down with parents and staff through our Strategic Planning Focus Groups, and those conversations have been incredibly meaningful. There’s something powerful about bringing people together to reflect and share ideas and hopes for the future of our district.
Advocacy
Advocacy for public education remains as important as ever. Our students and staff benefit when our community is engaged in advocacy, and I’m excited to share that we’re strengthening that effort in a meaningful way.
AHISD has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of Raise Your Hand Texas’ Community Leaders Fellowship. This partnership will equip members of our community to be strong, informed voices for public education at the state level. I encourage you to learn more about this initiative on page 10.
Bond Updates
I had the chance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the opening varsity softball game at Mule Diamond last month—and yes, I’ll admit, I was both proud and a little nervous. This beautiful new facility is an exciting milestone for our girls softball program who now finally have a home of their own. Mule Diamond is an exciting reflection of what’s possible when a community invests in its students.
These voices are helping us shape a clear vision for the future, reconnect to what we believe in, and identify the priorities that will guide district and Board decisions. I’m grateful for everyone who has participated, and I look forward to keeping you updated as this work continues.
Budget Challenges
We’re already planning for the 2026–2027 school year budget. Last year, we made reductions in several areas, and those changes were felt across our district. Through it all, I remain deeply grateful for the Alamo Heights School Foundation to raise funds that directly impact student learning at all levels. Their work truly makes a difference on every campus, and you can read more about their impact on page 7 of this publication.
Like many of you, I’m counting down the days until we open the new building at Alamo Heights High School in August. Every time I’m able to get a sneak peek inside, I get more and more excited about what’s to come for everyone who walks the halls next school year.
You can stay updated by reading the Bond Update in this publication or by visiting our website ahisd. net/Bond2023Updates. We remain committed to keeping our community informed every step of the way, and we’re grateful for your continued support of Bond 2023.
As we close out another incredible school year, I’m reminded that what makes AHISD so special isn’t just the programs or the accomplishments—it’s our people. Every day, across our district, we are surrounded by everyday heroes. Our teachers, staff, students, and families show up for one another in ways big and small, creating a community where everyone belongs and can thrive.
Thank you for being part of that and for your ongoing support that makes this the best place to learn and to serve.
MULES UP!
Dr. Bashara Superintendent of Schools
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Alamo Heights High School
The new AHHS academic building continues to be on time and on budget and is scheduled to officially open in August 2026.
Most of the current work is focused on the interior of the building though landscaping is beginning along with the parking lot in the front of the building.
Sidewalk improvements are underway. Solar panel installation is also underway.
AHISD Athletic Complex at Robbins
The first softball games were held at the new Mule Diamond, part of the AHISD Athletics Complex at Robbins, in early March. The new building adjacent to the softball field houses concessions, restrooms, locker rooms for tennis and softball, coaches offices, and meeting space and is also complete. Two additional parking lots are also now available off of Ramsey.
Read more about the first softball game on the back cover of this publication.
Cambridge
Ongoing cafeteria and kitchen renovations at Cambridge necessitated a new dining space. After Spring Break in March, a temporary cafeteria serving line and seating areas were relocated to the Gold Gym.
The new Central Plant is still under construction but expected to be up and running in August when students and staff return.
Classroom refreshes also continue with Building 3 scheduled to be complete at the end of the school year. Building 4 work begins this summer along with the library, office and main hallway.
Woodridge
During the summer, classroom refreshes will begin in the first and second grade hallways along with the library, office, and main hallway.
The fifth grade classroom expansion project will also be completed this summer and the modular building will be removed.
Junior School and Central Office/Community Center
Designs were approved for the Junior School and Central Office/Community Center in early 2026. Construction is expected to begin in June at both sites.
The Junior School project will take about two years to complete. The current track area will become a laydown yard for construction materials. Over the summer the back loop will be redone to be more efficient for parking.
The new gym building will be erected near the current tennis courts and also house sixth grade classroom space on the second floor.
The Central Office/Community Center, which will be located on the site of the former Colony Apartments, is expected to be completed in Summer 2027.
How to stay updated
Regular bond construction updates are provided at Board Meetings, in the School Views publication, on district social media platforms, and on the district’s website, www.ahisd.net. The Bond 2023 Updates websiteahisd.net/Bond2023Updates - has timelines, renderings, a Frequently Asked Questions section, and outlines how construction will impact AHISD learners of all ages.
#ExtraordinaryAHISD Staff
2026 Campus Teachers of the Year
EMILY RANGEL
Culinary Arts, Professional Communication, and Student
Council Leadership Teacher
Alamo Heights High School
ERICA KOVACH
Special Education Teacher
Woodridge Elementary
Erica Kovach is a Student Support Team (SST) teacher at Woodridge Elementary. She joined Alamo Heights ISD in 2023 and has been teaching since 2008 in various special education roles. The former Division 1 basketball player says her life has been shaped by movement, connection and community. Her journey has been shaped by those who believed in her before she believed in herself. She strives to be that source of encouragement and stability for her students, helping them realize their strengths and potential.
Emily Rangel has been teaching at Alamo Heights High School, her alma mater, since 2015. She currently serves as a Culinary Arts, Professional Communication, and Student Council Leadership Teacher. Both her mother and grandmother were teachers, and some of her strongest childhood memories are in the kitchen with her father who loved to cook. Today she passes on the knowledge and joy of cooking and food to her own daughter and to her students.
BRANDON BOYLAN
Mule Time Media Teacher
Alamo Heights Junior School
Brandon Boylan is the Mule Time Media teacher at Alamo Heights Junior School. He joined Alamo Heights ISD in 2024. He began his teaching career in 2014 and has also served as an elementary and middle school English Language Arts teacher. His classroom is a fully-functioning newsroom led by seventh and eighth graders who cover timely, newsworthy topics around their campus and the district, all with the assistance of Mr. Boylan’s service dog Buzz who brings smiles to the student journalists’ faces daily.
DEBBIE MAINZ
3rd Grade Teacher
Cambridge Elementary
Debbie Mainz is a third grade teacher at Cambridge Elementary. She joined Alamo Heights ISD in 2010 and has been teaching since 1992 as a classroom teacher and interventionist. Throughout her career, she has learned to embrace change while building strong classroom communities, focusing on the whole child, and savoring the little moments that often have lasting impact.
LIBBY PEREZ
Kindergarten Teacher
Howard Early Childhood Center
Libby Perez is a kindergarten inclusion teacher at Howard Early Childhood Center. She joined AHISD and Howard in 2012, first as a substitute teacher and then as a paraprofessional, Pre-K teacher, and kindergarten teacher. She believes education doesn’t stop at the classroom door; it extends to meaningful relationships and support for families. In 2016 she helped start the Heights Clothes Closet, which has since expanded across the district, as a way to provide basic necessities to children in need.
Two AHISD Teachers Earn National Board Certification
Two Alamo Heights ISD teachers have earned National Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching profession.
Shelly Bynum is a theatre teacher at The Junior School and Sara Garcia is a fifth grade teacher at Cambridge. Currently less than 1 percent of Texas teachers are National Board Certified Teachers.
“Earning my NBCT in Career Technology Education (CTE) is especially meaningful at this point in my career- 25 years in,” says Bynum. “It represents both growth and continued commitment to my craft. I appreciate that theater is recognized as part of CTE, because the skills we build in the theater go beyond the stage.”
As a part of the certification process, they built a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, video, and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching. For this incredible accomplishment, each educator will receive additional compensation each year.
“It is the most intense professional development because you reflect on your teaching and your impact on students,” says Garcia. “It’s eye opening and makes you think about everything you do in your class that directly impacts the learning and growth of your students. It’s very introspective and challenges you in ways that stretch your views of your teaching practices in the classroom. It is a long process that involves lots of work and a huge investment of time, but when you are done you truly feel accomplished.”
HEB STATE FINALIST 2026
Alamo Heights High School special education teacher
Monica Lopez is a state finalist in the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
The surprise announcement was made March 25 by H-E-B representatives and District leaders.
Lopez is one of five finalists in the “Rising Stars- Secondary” category which recognizes teachers with less than 10 years of experience. She received a $1,000 check for herself and a $1,000 grant for her school.
Powering the Profile
TODD DORGAN
Alamo Heights High School Engage Socially and Globally
Todd Dorgan, AP Human Geography teacher at Alamo Heights High School, was recognized for Powering the Profile and guiding students to “engage socially and globally.”
MARIANA MEDARIS
Cambridge Elementary Communicate and Collaborate
Mariana Medaris, Bilingual/ ESL Coordinator and Academic Interventionist at Cambridge, was recognized for Powering the Profile and helping students, staff and families “communicate and collaborate.”
The Profile of a Learner is a guide that articulates the knowledge, skills, and attributes students will need to pursue individual dreams and positively impact the world upon graduation. The video series Powering the Profile, available on the Alamo Heights Mules YouTube channel, highlights Extraordinary AHISD staff as they bring the district’s Profile of a Learner to life for students.
Co. has done for our campus. This recognition means that more people will learn about this incredible program and the amazing students who bring it to life every day.”
Lopez is in her 9th year of teaching and has been teaching at AHHS since 2023. She is currently a Special Education teacher and Business Incubator teacher. In 2024, she launched Heights Printing Co., a student-led print shop located on the Alamo Heights High School campus that provides students with disabilities the opportunity to engage in hands-on, real-world work experiences.
“This was the best surprise,” said Lopez. “I am truly honored to be recognized by HEB for all of the amazing things Heights Printing
State finalists will be interviewed and grand prize winners announced in early May at an awards ceremony in Houston. The winner in the Rising Stars category will receive $5,000 for themselves and a $5,000 grant for their school.
“Monica defines success not through test scores but through transformation,” says Cory Smith, Alamo Heights High School Principal. “Her leadership in launching Heights Printing Co. speaks volumes about her initiative and vision. Beyond the products they create, the program’s true success lies in the transformation it inspires. Students who once struggled to find their voice now mentor peers, lead customer interactions, and beam with pride as they showcase their work to visitors.”
Nominations for the awards were submitted earlier this year by H-E-B customers, employees, and community members and a team of judges narrowed the field to the finalists.
REUNITE
at Heights
AN ALUMNI & HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION
The Alamo Heights School Foundation was proud to host Reunite at Heights, our annual alumni and Hall of Fame celebration, on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Each year, we present three Distinguished Alumni awards, one Lifetime Educator award, and one Distinguished Service award to former students, faculty, and community volunteers for their remarkable contributions to Alamo Heights and beyond. Please join us in congratulating this year’s outstanding honorees on their induction into the Alamo Heights School Foundation’s Hall of Fame!
Our 2026 Hall of Fame Honorees from left to right: Anne Mortimer Ballantyne (Distinguished Service, Class of 1969), Steve Waters (Distinguished Alumni, Class of 1968), Debbi Chesney (Distinguished Alumni, Class of 1985), Margie Peak on behalf of Howard W. Peak IV (Distinguished Alumni, Class of 1967), Danny Poarch (Lifetime Educator)
SUBMIT A NOMINATION!
Scan the QR code or visit ahschoolfoundation.org to nominate someone for the 2027 Hall of Fame!
The submission deadline for the 2027 Hall of Fame is Monday, June 30, 2026. All submissions are considered for five years.
In addition to celebrating our honorees, Reunite at Heights serves as an opportunity for alumni and community members of all ages to reconnect, make new friends, and support AHISD– the heart of Alamo Heights! Thank you to our generous sponsors and underwriters for making this event possible. We couldn’t do it without your support! Special thanks go to our Hall of Fame chair, Lynn Ziegler ’69, and our Reunite at Heights chair, Katherine Hollimon ’98, for their help organizing this event.
Thank you to our Sponsors and Underwriters!
MULE SPONSORS: Susan & Van Stewart
GOLD SPONSORS: The Ballantyne Family, Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm (Mac) G. Chesney, The Steve Waters Family, The Worth Family and Worth & Associates
BLUE SPONSORS: Jean Lee and Deborah & Rex Amini, The Ballantyne Family, Debbi’s Fan Club, Kenny & Julie Dorbandt, Frost, Nancy Wood Moorman, The Mortimer Family, In Honor of Howard Peak, SAMCO Capital, John & Suzanne Thomas, Ann B. Watson, Dreeben, Sechler and Zeller Families, The Thad Ziegler Glass Family
AWARDS UNDERWRITER: Lee Michaels Jewelers
Greater Heights Night
— WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026 —
OUR MISSION: The mission of the Alamo Heights School Foundation is to unite our community to invest in our schools, address insufficient state funding, and empower our teachers and staff to help every student achieve their full potential.
OUR VISION: Our vision is to ensure that Alamo Heights ISD remains the undeniable first choice for families and educators — a district driven by a powerful, united community. We’re building a future where every child has access to extraordinary opportunities, teachers are empowered and competitively compensated, and sustainable funding ensures an exceptional education no matter the obstacles. Together, we’re continuing to demonstrate what’s possible in public education.
Heights School Foundation
7101 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
www.ahschoolfoundation.org
210-832-5957 ahfoundation@ahisd.net @ahsf09 facebook.com/ahsf09 @ahsfoundation
Alamo
TRUSTEES AT WORK
Clay Page, Board President
To paraphrase a famous quote from the movie Field of Dreams, “if you build it they will come.” Earlier this spring I was very proud to attend the first softball game at Mule Diamond, our new softball field at the AHISD Athletics Complex at Robbins. I looked around as I waited on the field for our opening ceremonies, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come. The stands were full of our community members and parents, our staff, and the architects and contractors who built the amazing facility. The team and coaches were full of pride to welcome everyone to their beautiful new home. And our former Board President Brian Hamiltion and Dr. Bashara were awaiting their big moments of ceremonial first pitches.
This big moment and celebration was the result of many small moments and milestones over the past few years - a commitment and vision for athletic facilities for all students, a bond election that asked for the community’s support and funding, and hours upon hours of meetings with those same architects and contractors mentioned above to ensure the new facility met our standards and stayed on time and on budget.
I’ve had the honor of serving on the School Board during those big and small moments and it’s hard to measure our pride in seeing bond projects come to fruition. We can study the architect’s renderings and site plans for months,
but watching a facility come to life is incredibly satisfying. I guess that’s why I love my job too. Seeing the excitement on our softball athletes and coaches faces was everything (and congrats on the opening night 15-0 victory).
As we end one school year, and embark on another summer of multiple construction projects across our campuses, I know it’s hard to imagine some of these projects in their completed state. But I know it will be worth it as the transformation continues to unfold. Thank goodness we have had the ‘mods’ at the high high school…they seem to have been a hit.
Our staff has been incredibly flexible and patient as the demands of construction have impacted their classrooms, schedules, and even the cafeteria at Cambridge. But I do know that the end results will be remarkable. I encourage you to stay updated on our progress, in this publication and on our Bond Updates website.
We are reaching that end point with our high school construction. After two years, some would say long years, we will be ready to welcome students and staff in August. It kind of feels like Christmas Eve - the anticipation for the coming celebration and excitement and joy of the holiday. I can’t wait to stand in the front hallway during a passing period, visit the new library, admire the nods to history in the building, and see the new learning spaces come to life when students and staff make them their home. And yes, it will feel good to see the Mule statue in the front, welcoming visitors once again.
I’ve said it before- we’re not just building classrooms, we’re building the future of Alamo Heights ISD. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. I couldn’t be prouder to have served as your Board President during this transformational time.
UP! Clay
MULES
COMMUNITY UPDATES
CELEBRATING OUR GRAND & SENIOR MULES
Earlier this Spring, the District hosted the final Senior/Grand Mules event of the 2025-2026 school year. It was an opportunity for participants to learn about AHISD schools directly from students and staff and tour classrooms to see learning in action.
The program began three years ago to engage all members of the Alamo Heights ISD community in the efforts of our schools. This year, more than 50 Senior and Grand Mules participated in the Fall and Spring sessions with a “Mules on Wheels” style program that included visits to two campuses.
Dates for the next Senior/Grand Mules events will be announced in the coming months.
AHISD selected for Raise Your Hand Texas’ Inaugural Community Leaders Fellowship
Alamo Heights ISD has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of Raise Your Hand Texas’ Community Leaders Fellowship.
The Fellowship is an 18-month program designed to equip local teams — composed of parents, educators, business leaders, and school trustees — with the tools and skills necessary to find, use, and amplify their voices in state education policy. It is a mix of in-person, virtual, and self-paced sessions.
“Alamo Heights ISD is the heart of our community,” says Dr. Frank Alfaro, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services. “We have an active and engaged community that celebrates our students and teachers and that knows what they need to be successful. We look forward to learning how to extend that passion to the state level so that our state leaders know both the celebrations and the needs of our school district and of public schools in general. We are excited to partner with Raise Your Hand Texas in this new learning opportunity.”
School districts from all regions of the state applied, and Raise Your Hand Texas leadership selected 32 school districts through an application and interview process.
The program builds on the foundation of the Trustee Advocates Program, which launched in 2022. While the previous program focused on teams composed of school board members and superintendents, the Fellowship uses a unique collaborative model. Each team consists of seven to 10 participants, including at least three community members who are not school board trustees or district employees.
Artist recognized by Texas Cavaliers
Larkin Welder, a 5th grader at Woodridge, was recognized as a finalist in the 2026 Texas Cavaliers’ River Parade Art Contest.
This year, more than 50 schools across the city submitted thousands of pieces of art for the contest. Students were recognized by City Council District and Larkin represented District 10. Her art teacher is Adelaide Barnes.
Larkin was recognized at a press conference with the other finalists from across San Antonio. She met King Antonio CIII Gardner Peavy who, along with his entourage, will visit the school during Fiesta.
As a finalist, Larkin earned $5,000 for her school’s art program, a week-long summer art camp at the McNay Art Museum, and prizes from sponsors including the San Antonio Zoo and H-E-B. Her art also appears on a VIA bus which was unveiled at the press conference.
The theme of this year’s contest was Through the Decades.
Paisley Eccles, also a 5th grader at Woodridge, was recognized as a runner up in the art contest. She earned $3,000 for her school’s art program. Her teacher is also Adelaide Barnes. Scarlett Materna from Cambridge, was also recognized as a runner up in the art contest. She earned $3,000 for her school’s art program. Her teacher is Susan Hankosky.
AWARD-WINNING FIESTA MEDAL
Congratulations to AHHS Visual Arts student Mara White! She’s the winner of the 2026 Wash Tub Fiesta Medal Design Contest! Proceeds from the sale of these medals will benefit Haven for Hope.
AHHS Visual Arts has partnered with The Wash Tub since 2019. Students walk through the process of being a Graphic Design Artist from beginning to end. The Wash Tub Executive team selects an artist to work with and the artwork is turned into a wearable work of art! Viva Fiesta!
Curriculum & Instruction Updates
By Dr. Jimmie Walker, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
AHISD appreciates the strong participation in our February 2026 community feedback survey, with more than 3,400 student responses and nearly 1,900 parent responses across the district. Results continue to reflect a highly positive experience, including 88% of parents reporting a positive learning environment, 85% positive feedback on communication, and 82% indicating their child feels safe at school.
Families also highlighted the quality of instruction and engagement, with one parent sharing, “We value the high-quality, engaging curriculum and the passionate educators… the district does an incredible job of making education feel like an adventure rather than a chore.”
Students reported increased use of paper and pencil in class, while parents responded more favorably that instructional technology use is appropriate for their child. This feedback plays a key role in shaping campus and district goals. For example, 87% of teachers report that students are more focused in class since the implementation of the no cell phone policy. Community input also identified areas for future growth, including interest in expanded career and trade-focused electives and additional extracurricular opportunities such as new sports.
We are grateful for our families’ partnership—your feedback helps us celebrate successes and continuously improve to support every student.
AHHS earns AP Honor Roll Recognition
For the third year in a row, Alamo Heights High School has been recognized as a Gold Level Advanced Placement Honor Roll High School.
The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Recognition is based on criteria that reflects a commitment to increasing college-going culture, opportunities for students to earn college credit, and efforts to maximize college readiness.
For the Class of 2025, 66 percent of seniors took at least one AP Exam during high school, 56 percent of seniors scored a three or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 44 percent of seniors took five or more AP Exams.
“Our district is proud to witness the growing number of students taking AP exams each year and earning college credit while at AHHS,” said Dr. Jimmie Walker, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “We also want to commend our AP teachers for their unwavering commitment to supporting students’ learning and success in these rigorous courses.”
ALL STATE HONORS FOR TOP MUSICIANS
This year, two AHHS Fine Arts students were selected to the Texas Music Educators Association, or TMEA, All-State Ensembles.
Andrew Krause (percussion) and Julian Mendoza (oboe) were selected to the All-State Band.
All-State recognition is the highest public school award for individual achievement in music that a student can receive and represents the top student musicians in Texas. The process began with over 70,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 18 ensembles. Only the top 2.6% of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians.
Students were chosen through a competitive audition process held this year across the state at District, Region, and Area levels. Andrew and Julian performed with the All-State ensembles at the TMEA Clinic/Convention in February.
Band directors are Michael Misko, Matt Moreno, and Troy Chester.
Festival of Learning and Culture Night
The 2026 Festival of Learning & Culture Night was a night to remember!
Thank you to our incredible students, staff, and families for sharing their passions, talents, and traditions with our community.
From vibrant performances to interactive experiences and amazing flavors from around the world, it was a night full of discovery, connection, and fun!
Pictured are Folklorico dancers from Woodridge Elementary.
Woodridge 4th Graders Featured on KSAT
Woodridge 4th graders were featured on KSAT for the “Science with Sarah” segment with meteorologist Sarah Spivey!
Our young scientists mixed up some out-of-this-world “moon dough” (just cornstarch + conditioner!) and showed off their knowledge of the phases of the moon.
Way to shine bright, Woodridge!
BITS & BRIEFS MULE NEWS
Spring Roundup
Boys Basketball
The Mules’ team tennis squad wrapped up with one of the more impressive marks in program history, going 17-4 and 8-0 in district play, earning themselves a berth in the regional semifinals.
Girls Basketball
The girls basketball season was filled with many high notes in 2026, including a dominant defensive showing against CC King, holding them to 17 points, and district wins against New Braunfels and Veterans Memorial.
San Antonio Sports AllStar Game
There was a lot of Blue and Gold represented in the 2026 San Antonio Sports All-Star Basketball Games in April. In the 5A-1A boys game, Alex Elliott and William Whittingstall were selected along with Coach Brewer who headed the team. In the girls 5A-1A game, Berkley Hart was selected to represent the Mules.
TNL Scholar Athlete
Each week during the football season, student athletes are recognized as Thursday Night Lights Scholar Athletes. At the end of the season, one student is selected as the Scholar Athlete of the Year and earns a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Beluga Air.
This year, multi-sport athlete and AHHS senior D.K. Garza earned the recognition. After a record-setting season on the football field, Garza will take his talents to the Ivy League and play football for Cornell in 2026.
Cheer Wins National Championship
A successful season for Alamo Heights Cheer at all levels in 2025-26 at the UCA Nationals in Orlando! JV won their FOURTH national championship in the Large JV Game Day Division while Varsity finished sixth in the Varsity Game Day category.
They also earned 3rd place (out of 76 teams!) at the UIL State Spirit Championships and earned Best in Category for Fight Song.
Spurs Dance Team
The AHHS Spurs returned home from Nationals this spring with plenty of hardware in hand, including a national championship in the Officer Contemporary category. The squad also finished as first runners-up in Officer Novelty, Team Jazz, Team Pom and Team Hip Hop.
At the State competition, the Spurs also earned numerous awards including National Champion Officers and 2nd place team, judges and sweepstakes honors, and recognition for choreography, showmanship, technique and precision.
New AHISD Athletic Director Appointed
Sean Reno has been appointed Alamo Heights ISD Athletic Director.
He currently serves as Principal of Woodridge Elementary. Reno joined AHISD in 2020 and served as an assistant principal at Alamo Heights High School for four years. In addition to teaching and administrative positions, he served as a high school tennis coach for 16 years in both North East and Judson ISDs. After his collegiate playing career at Texas Lutheran University, Reno spent one year as an assistant tennis coach with the program.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for AHISD,” says Dr. Dana Bashara, AHISD Superintendent. “Sean brings a big picture leadership approach to athletic administration that will benefit every student, from our youngest learners to our varsity seniors. His commitment to the ‘student’ in studentathlete ensures our programs will continue to excel both on the field and in the classroom.”
Reno earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Lutheran University and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from UTSA.
“I am incredibly excited to step into the role of AHISD Athletic Director at a time when our overall athletics program is in such a great position,” says Reno. “I have seen the work that our athletes and coaches have put in over the last several years, and our responsibility is to now take our success and continue to build on that foundation, maximizing every programs’ potential each season, and ensuring that our athletes are
State Swim and Dive
Two athletes represented the Mules at the UIL State Swimming and Diving Championships in February. Henry Tucker placed fourth in the state in 1 m diving.
Cameron Percival earned personal bests and finished 11th in the 100 and 200 freestyle.
better students and people for having participated in our AHISD athletic program.”
Reno and his wife Kelley, a professor at UTSA, have been married for 23 years and their three daughters Haley, Emily, and Kenley all attend AHISD schools and are involved in athletic programs.
“We will continue to build a championship culture for every one of our AHISD programs, and ensure that our teams at Alamo Heights High School and Alamo Heights Junior School are a source of pride for our district and our entire community.”
Reno will assume his new role this summer and will be involved in the selection of the new Head Football Coach at AHHS. The district will also begin a search for a new Principal at Woodridge Elementary.
ALAMO HEIGHTS ISD
7101 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
HOW TO REACH US
WRITE: Alamo Heights Independent School District 7101 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209
CALL: 210-824-2483
EMAIL: ahisdcommunications@ahisd.net
SURF: www.ahisd.net
WATCH: YouTube: Alamo Heights Mules
FOLLOW: Instagram: @alamoheightsisd
PLAY BALL
The Alamo Heights High School softball program now officially calls Mule Diamond home.
The district’s new softball facility, located at the AHISD Athletics Complex at Robbins, opened to the public in early March.
The facility includes the field, practice/storage areas, and a new building housing a concessions area, restrooms, locker rooms, coaches offices, and meeting spaces. The new building is also utilized by the tennis program.
The varsity softball team beat Navarro 15-0 in the first game at Mule Diamond.
During pregame festivities, Superintendent Dr. Dana Bashara and former Board President Brian Hamilton threw ceremonial first pitches.
“The first game was a special day for our players, coaches, families, alumni, and community as we celebrated a facility that represents the continued growth and support of our athletic programs,” said Jennifer Fox, Assistant Athletic Director and Softball Coach. “This field is more than just a place to play softball. It is a place where our student-athletes will learn lessons about teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and pride in representing Alamo Heights.”
The new facility was made possible by the overwhelming community support for School Bond 2023.