The high school UIL academic team brought home the Region IV championship, defeating nearly 50 other schools last Saturday at Texas State University in San Marcos. Blanco garnered 188 points while Karnes City came in second with 107.5. District rival Lago Vista finished third with 101 points. “We’ve been in the running several times, but this is our first time to bring home the regional championship,” said high school UIL academic coordinator Russell Kirkscey.

The Blanco FFA Chapter recently traveled to College Station to compete in the Texas A&M University Area Career Development Events. Blanco did extremely well winning two contests. Of the more than 100 schools Class 1A to 5A in Area VII, Blanco was the only school to win more than one event. In the livestock contest, Blanco would take home top honors with Logan Dodd winning high point individual of the contest.

The Blanco FFA Chapter qualified four teams for state career development events hosted by Tarleton State University in Stephenville this past week. FFA members from Blanco competed in Homesite Evaluation, Environmental Natural Resources, Range and Pasture Judging and Land Evaluation. Blanco was the only school to have three different teams place in the top 10 overall. In the Homesite CDE, Blanco placed 4th overall with Trey Hunter recognized as the 3rd high point individual.

AG Teacher Jason Marek has made sure that every year, the kids sign up and participate in Keeping Blanco Beautiful. Some of the students began serving their community when they were freshmen and are now seniors ready to graduate with four years of environmental contributions under their belt. The participating classmates are: Colton Childress, Logan Dodd, Kari Graham, Katherine Biggs, Devlin Moore, Dru Ramirez, Merritt Johnson, Lexee Jenkins, Carson Kipp, Dylan Bates, Kyle Gray, Abbie Culton, ...

Blanco Elementary recently recognized “Kids Who Roar” for the 5th 6 Weeks. The students selected were honored for exemplifying the trait of Trustworthiness.

The 8th Annual Blanco River Run supporting Project Graduation, a drug and alcohol-free graduation night lock in, was held Saturday, April 20. The 5k run/walk meandered through the beautiful Blanco State Park, along the Blanco River. This year's River Run attracted 90 participants, and raised $2500 dollars for Project Graduation. This was a marked increase from last year, when only 44 runners participated.

In the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut, elementary school shootings, plans are underway to make the entrances of all three campuses of the Blanco Independent School District more secure. Trustees approved a Professional Services Supplemental Authorization for architect Randy Fromberg to design new entrances, including modifications of walls and entrance doors and an automatic locking system to prevent access by dangerous persons beyond a vestibule area.

Winners of the Blanco Middle School Spelling Bee were honored during ceremonies following the competition held on Thursday, March 7.

Blanco High School hosted an open house on Monday, March 18. "The Cinderella Waltz" was performed for attendees by the One Act Play participants.

High School principal Dr. Dustin Barton leads law enforcement officers on a tour of the high school. Blanco County law enforcement officers toured BISD campuses on Monday with school administrators to coordinate safety procedures during emergency situations.

Lamar Medal recipient Brooke Kotfas flanked by Cliff Dye (L) and Terry Miller (R) of Blanco Masonic Lodge #216.

The Panther Band competed at the Region 12 University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight reading Contest at Canyon Lake High School on Wednesday, March 6. The band received a II in Concert and a I in sight reading.

The Panther Band qualified another member to state. Rebecca Dowlearn competed at Wagner High School in San Antonio last Saturday, earning a Division 1 on her memorized piano solo. She, along with fourteen other Panther Band members, will move on to the Texas State Solo and Ensemble contest in May. Congratulations to Rebecca!

Blanco Masonic Lodge #216 hosted a Take Time to Read awards ceremony on Tuesday, February 26. The event honored approximately 60 elementary students and their families. The program runs for six weeks, and involves parents reading with their children at home.

Brandon Aly leads 4th graders during the Musical Finesse concert at Blanco Elementary School.