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Veterans Middle School Makes History with Regional Battle of the Books Victory
Donna ISD is celebrating a historic achievement by the Veterans Middle School Battle of the Books team. On February 26th, the team secured first place at the Regional Battle of the Books competition, marking the first time a Donna ISD school has ever claimed this prestigious title at the middle school level.
Competing against 18 other middle schools from across the region, the team—comprised of 8th graders Zac Ramirez (Captain), Valerie Maldonado, Maite Pina, and 7th grader Iannely Mateos—showcased their literary knowledge and teamwork in an intense competition. Having read four fiction books spanning genres such as realistic fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, they worked together using a Chromebook to answer 70 challenging questions, each within a strict 30-second time limit.
In an extraordinary feat, the team answered every single question correctly, a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and exceptional collaboration.
“This competition was tough, but we worked really hard, and it paid off,” said Zac Ramirez, team captain. “It feels amazing to make history for our school and our district.”
“I was so nervous, but when we kept getting the answers right, I knew we had a chance to win,” added Valerie Maldonado. “It was such an exciting moment!”
“We spent so much time reading and practicing, so seeing our work pay off like this is incredible,” said Maite Pina. “We couldn’t have done it without our librarian and coach, Ms. Isela Gonzalez.”
“I’m just so proud of our team. We worked together and trusted each other, and that’s what made the difference,” said 7th grader Iannely Mateos.
Veterans Middle School Principal Alenn Garza, known for his competitive spirit, expressed his immense pride in the team’s accomplishment. “This is a huge win—not just for our school, but for Donna ISD as a whole. These students put in the work, and their determination and teamwork led them to make history. They didn’t just compete; they dominated!”
“This victory proves that our students can compete at the highest levels and come out on top,” Garza added. “I couldn’t be prouder of them and their coach, Ms. Gonzalez, for this outstanding achievement.”
The students are already looking forward to next year's competition, eager to build on their achievements and continue their success.