Youth Leadership Laredo

05/14/2026

More moments from our Youth Leadership Laredo End-of-Year Ceremony as we continue celebrating 20 years of empowering the next generation of leaders 🎓✨

These additional photos capture the energy, friendships, accomplishments, and memorable moments shared by our students from 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades throughout this milestone celebration.

We are incredibly proud of every participant and graduating senior who dedicated their time to developing leadership skills, serving the community, and growing through the Youth Leadership Laredo Program.

🏆 Congratulations once again to our Senior of the Year, Alberto Vargas, along with all of our graduating seniors and student participants.

A special thank you to the PNC Foundation, the Laredo Gateway Rotary Club, our sponsors, guest speakers, mentors, families, and the Youth Leadership Laredo Health Committee for making this 20th anniversary celebration possible.

Here’s to continuing the legacy of leadership and inspiring future generations for many years to come 💙

05/14/2026

Celebrating 20 years of empowering the next generation of leaders through the Youth Leadership Laredo Program 🎓✨

At our End-of-Year Ceremony, we proudly recognized the incredible students from 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades who dedicated their time, energy, and passion to developing their leadership skills and making a positive impact in our community. Your commitment, growth, and enthusiasm throughout the program have truly been inspiring.

👏 Congratulations to our graduating seniors:

• Caleb Benavides – Hector J. Garcia Early College High School
• Danika Brewster – J.B. Alexander High School
• Sarah Collins – J.B. Alexander High School
• Olivia Costabella – United High School
• Orlando Garza – United High School
• Audrina Hernandez – J.B. Alexander High School
• Daniel Llera – United South High School
• Christopher Luna – J.B. Alexander High School
• Jorge Madrigal – Julieta & Frank Staggs Academy
• Genesis Martinez – United South High School
• Isabella Mendoza – Hector J. Garcia Early College High School
• Alberto Vargas – Hector J. Garcia Early College High School

As well congrats to the Senior of the Year: Alberto Vargas

We are proud of every participant from each grade level and grateful to the families, educators, and community leaders who continue to encourage and support these future leaders.

A special thank you to the PNC Foundation and the Laredo Gateway Rotary Club for their continued support of this impactful program. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all of our sponsors, guest speakers, mentors, and the Youth Leadership Laredo Health Committee for helping make this milestone year possible.

For 20 years, Youth Leadership Laredo has inspired and prepared young leaders to serve and strengthen our community, and we look forward to many more years of empowering future generations. 🌟

05/07/2026

Congratulations to all of the champions and finalists from Smash for Scholars 2026! 🎾🏆

Thank you to the 240 participants, families, spectators, volunteers, and sponsors who helped make this year’s tournament an incredible success while supporting scholarships for the students of Youth Leadership Laredo.

🏅 Women’s Doubles Beginners UTR 1-2
1st Place: Mia Cavazos & Emily Molina
2nd Place: Melissa Ahumada & Raquel Gomez

🏅 Women’s Doubles Intermediate UTR 3-4
1st Place: Jacqueline Segura & Emily Alcantar
2nd Place: Andrea Beavers & Irma Deutsch

🏅 Women’s Doubles Advanced UTR 5+
1st Place: Cynthia Pope & Sofia Santos
2nd Place: Brenda Cozar & Claudette Soto

🏅 Men’s Doubles Beginners UTR 1-2
1st Place: Kevin Sanchez & Jesus Juarez
2nd Place: Stefan Flores & Anthony Guerra

🏅 Men’s Doubles Intermediate UTR 3-4
1st Place: Roberto Villarreal & Cesar Tijerina
2nd Place: Elian Rodriguez & Sergio Montante

🏅 Men’s Doubles Advanced UTR 5+
1st Place: Dario Fraga & Diego Sanchez
2nd Place: Alex Arrezola & Gabriel Serna

🏅 Mixed Doubles Beginners UTR 1-2
1st Place: Mia Cavazos & Anthony Guerra
2nd Place: Sergio Montante & Ana Benavides

🏅 Mixed Doubles Intermediate UTR 3-4
1st Place: Jacqueline Segura & Juan Gonzalez
2nd Place: Aissa Barberena & Tomas Izaguirre

🏅 Mixed Doubles Advanced UTR 5+
1st Place: Sarah Meek & Alex Arrezola
2nd Place: Edna Mendoza & Rene Molina

Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Clear Choice Physicians Group, along with all of our incredible sponsors and community partners for making this event possible.

Because of your support, we continue investing in scholarships and leadership opportunities for the students of Youth Leadership Laredo. 🎉

05/06/2026

Championship energy. 🎾🔥

From intense match points to incredible fan support, the championship rounds of Smash for Scholars brought out the very best competition, sportsmanship, and community spirit all weekend long.

Thank you to the 240 participants, spectators, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who made this year’s tournament such a success. Because of your support, we are able to continue investing in scholarships for the students of Youth Leadership Laredo.

Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Clear Choice Physicians Group

Thank you to our Finalist Sponsors:
Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, City of Laredo - Government, Capital Farm Credit, and IBC Bank We Do More

Thank you to our Match Sponsors:
Cresta Advisors, Quantum Construction, and Killam Development.

And thank you to our Supporter Sponsors:
VIMA Development, Chase Welding Services, LLC, Terracon, Whitworth Cigarroa, Elite Wellness, Dr. Tyler King, City Council Member for District 6, Karen Ling Chen, Laredo Padel Club, Josh Soto, KM&P, Gallegos Paving, Barnett Garcia, Cynthia Cardenas Insurance Agency, and Mario Lorenzo Lopez.

We are also grateful to our partners at the City of Laredo - Parks & Recreation Department for helping make this event possible.

More championship photos coming soon!

05/04/2026

Smash for Scholars just keeps getting bigger! 🎾

240 players. Multiple courts. One incredible community showing up for our students.

From the action at City of Laredo - Parks & Recreation Department George Pappas Tennis Courts to Laredo College, this weekend was about more than competition; it was about opportunity, scholarships, and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Clear Choice Physicians Group, and to every sponsor who made this possible. Your support is what turns a tournament into impact.

Championship photos coming soon 👀

05/01/2026

04/27/2026

Our YLL students from 10th and 12th grade had an incredible learning experience during their visit to the Laredo Fire Department. 🚒

We extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated team who took the time to educate, guide, and inspire our students through their service and commitment to the community.

Special thanks to:
District Chief Ismael Cisneros
Captain Jesus Tapia
Captain Charles Edwards
Driver Isaac Castillo
Firefighter/Paramedic Jose Gaona
Firefighter Chris Vaello

Your professionalism, leadership, and service made a lasting impact on our students. We are grateful for your continued support and for opening your doors to the next generation of leaders.

04/26/2026

Golden hour hits different on the court ☀️🎾

Where every rally shines a little brighter and every point plays for a purpose 💛

Be part of the 2026 Smash for Scholars Tennis Tournament presented by Clear Choice Physicians Group — a FREE doubles tournament bringing the community together for something bigger than the game.

📅 April 30 – May 3
📍 George Pappas Tennis Courts
👥 Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Doubles
🎯 Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced
🙌 Ages 14+

Step onto the court, feel the energy, and make every shot count.

👉 Register now: https://app.utrsports.net/events/358700

04/18/2026

Game face on 🎾🔥

Join us for 2026 Smash for Scholars Tennis Tournament presented by Clear Choice Physicians Group!

Join us for an exciting FREE doubles tennis tournament supporting a great cause!

📅 April 30 – May 3
📍 George Pappas Tennis Courts
📌 1300 Market St, Laredo, TX 78040

👥 Divisions: Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Doubles
🎯 Levels: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced
🙌 Ages 14+ welcome

Whether you’re playing for fun or competition, this is your chance to hit the court and make an impact! 💛

👉 Register here: https://app.utrsports.net/events/358700

Join us for an exciting FREE doubles tennis tournament supporting a great cause!

📅 April 30 – May 3
📍 George Pappas Tennis Courts
📌 1300 Market St, Laredo, TX 78040

👥 Divisions: Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Doubles
🎯 Levels: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced
🙌 Ages 14+ welcome

Whether you’re playing for fun or competition, this is your chance to hit the court and make an impact! 💛

👉 Register here: https://app.utrsports.net/events/358700

04/14/2026

Our 11th grade class had the incredible opportunity to visit JAMCO, a trusted leader in cross-border logistics solutions and a key player at the heart of international commerce. Students explored how JAMCO’s commitment to value, performance, streamlined processes, and industry expertise drives efficient and reliable supply chain operations across borders.

From warehouse operations to innovative logistics strategies, this visit gave our students real-world insight into the fast-moving world of international trade and the opportunities it holds.

A special thank you to Rick Gonzalez, LCB, Sr. Vice President of Operations, and Ana Tena, Marketing and Sales Specialist, for sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of professionals. Your leadership and dedication made this experience truly impactful!