Donna High School hosted an Indian Sweetheart Reunion Celebration on August 30th in honor of its 90th anniversary. The event welcomed 40 past and current Indian Sweethearts, including the 27th Indian Sweetheart, Andy Ennis Mannering, who held the title when the Donna Redskins won the 1961 State Championship. Joining the celebration were members of the Board of Trustees, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Angela Dominguez, Donna High School Principal Deborah Medrano and other guests from the community.

Donna ISD and Donna High School proudly celebrate a tradition that has been the heart and soul of the school for the past 90 years. The Indian Sweetheart honor not only recognizes a remarkable individual but also reflects the spirit, values, and history of the Donna High School community. Often called the "Face of Donna" for the year, the Indian Sweetheart title is one of the school's most enduring and esteemed honors for a female student. The role requires serving as a role model for younger students and representing the school and community with pride.

This beloved tradition began in 1934, just a year after Hurricane No. 11 devastated Donna High School, leaving no funds for extracurricular activities. Despite these hardships, the students' spirit remained strong. The Junior Class of 1934-35 launched the first Indian Sweetheart Contest to raise money for their junior-senior banquet (prom). Candidates were nominated by each class, and a penny-vote campaign was held—each penny donated counted as one vote. The class whose candidate raised the most money would see their nominee crowned Indian Sweetheart.

During World War II, the contest shifted focus to support the war effort. From 1942 to 1945, students raised funds through the sale of war bonds and stamps, with the Indian Sweetheart being the candidate whose class contributed the most to the cause.

After the war, the election process evolved. The Student Council began nominating two junior and two senior girls, and the entire student body would vote for the Indian Sweetheart. Today, any junior girl who meets the criteria outlined in the Indian Sweetheart Constitution and Bylaws can run for this prestigious title.

If elected, the Indian Sweetheart is presented in a grand halftime ceremony during the first home football game of her senior year, accompanied by a performance from the Redskin Band. She wears an elaborate costume, often funded through donations from friends, family, and local businesses. These costumes sometimes feature custom-made headdresses by Native American artisans or hand-beaded overlays designed by the Sweetheart herself, with each color and symbol holding special meaning for the wearer.

After the game, a school dance is held in her honor by the Cheerleaders. She also becomes an honorary member of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad and an honorary Homecoming Duchess. Throughout the year, the Indian Sweetheart serves as a ceremonial role model and figurehead for both the student body and the Donna community.

Little did the students of 1934 know that they were creating Donna High School’s longest-standing and most revered tradition—a tradition that continues to inspire and unite the school community today.