On March 9, Milam Elementary students proudly represented their school at the McAllen ISD district UIL competition, showcasing their talents in a variety of disciplines. For many of these students, the experience was about much more than just earning awards—it was about personal growth and the lessons learned along the way. Jude, who placed 2nd in Oral Reading, shared that his life was forever changed that day. Though he was nervous at first, he had so much fun and now dreams of being on Broadway. This newfound passion for performance has inspired him to join theatre in middle school. Ethan, who won first place in Ready Writing for the second year in a row, attributed his success to the unwavering support and guidance of his teacher, Mrs. Braden, and his dedication to practice. Deacon, though he didn’t place in Number Sense, found joy in his training and encouraged other students who love math to challenge themselves next year.
Lucia, who proudly took home first place in Spanish Oral Reading, felt immense joy and pride in her achievement, especially after meeting so many other talented students during the competition. Jose, who earned fourth place in the same category, was overjoyed to make it to the finals, even though nerves tried to get the best of him. Joaquin, who placed second in Mathematics, advised future Milam Mustangs to practice diligently and stay calm during the competition to achieve their best results. Allie, who participated in Oral Reading last year, recalled her experience with fondness, inviting others to explore the art of poetry and the power of voice and body expression. With each story shared and every achievement celebrated, Milam’s Principal, Ms. Hernandez, and the UIL coaches couldn’t be prouder of their students’ hard work and heart. They encourage all future Milam Mustangs to join the teams next year, knowing that the true rewards of UIL go beyond just winning—they lie in the growth, friendships, and experiences along the way.