A powerful message against gang violence was brought to life through the eyes and creativity of United Independent School District students at the 20th Annual Anti-Gang Poster Contest, held at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center.
Hosted by United ISD’s Discipline Management Department, the event brought together middle and high school students who expressed anti-gang messages through artwork using traditional and digital media. Their posters were reviewed by a panel of judges that included law enforcement officials, district staff, and community leaders.
Director of Discipline Management Annette Perez emphasized the event’s deeper mission. “This is another avenue to showcase students at UISD and the wonderful talents they show in and out of the classroom,” she said. “Most importantly, we want the anti-gang messages within the artwork to reach other children — how joining or associating with a gang can take you down the wrong path.”
The contest has grown significantly since its inception, and Perez credited community involvement as a key element. “It takes a village,” she said. “We’ve been collaborating with individuals from the Webb County Youth Village, local courts, the Sheriff's and District Attorney's offices, Child Protective Services, the Border Region program, and many more.”
This year’s event featured more than 150 student entries. Categories included hand-drawn art in black and white or color and a division for computer-generated graphics. There will also be upcoming judging for photography, video, and essay contests.
Jose Jasso, Gang Intervention Facilitator, noted the program’s impact on students. “Usually we go out and make presentations to students to let them know about the contests. We ask them, ‘Can you all help us come up with some anti-gang messages through your artwork?’ They develop these posters to help us show the consequences and dangers of gang activity,” he explained.
The initiative also helps students stay engaged in positive outlets. “It's a proven fact that some students get into trouble after school when they have a lot of time on their hands,” Jasso said. “When they’re busy drawing or working on an essay or video project, they are less likely to get into trouble.”
Prizes awarded to the winners include popular electronic devices, while the video contest offers cash prizes of up to $250.
The winners of the 2024-2025 Anti-Gang Poster Contest are:
Middle School – Color or Black and White
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Earl Taziyamanai, 8th Grade, Raul Perales Middle School (Teacher: Milton Contreras)
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James Ruben Sepesi, 8th Grade, Elias Herrera Middle School (Teacher: Grace De La Garza)
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Flor Paullette Carlin Pineda, 8th Grade, George Washington Middle School (Teacher: Norma Quinones)
High School – Color or Black and White
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Michelle Alexa Nunez Robledo, 12th Grade, United High School Main Campus (Teacher: Elizabeth Annette Davila)
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Guadalupe De Lara Montelongo, 9th Grade, John B. Alexander High School 9th Grade Campus
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Gabrielle Grace Del Angel, 11th Grade, John B. Alexander High School Main Campus (Teacher: Erika Buentello)
High School – Computer Generated
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Norma Acosta, 12th Grade, Lyndon B. Johnson High School Main Campus (Teacher: Brandon Raymond)
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Eva Longoria, 11th Grade, United High School (Teacher: Cristina Flores)
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Ismael Mendez, 12th Grade, Lyndon B. Johnson High School Main Campus
The awards ceremony for the winners will be held at the SAC - Room 1 on Friday, May 2nd at 2:30 p.m.
“Keep yourself busy doing positive things,” Jasso reminded students. “That’s one reason we came up with these contests. A team supports you and helps you become a better person — a gang will not.”
For more information and to view past contest winners, visit the UISD Discipline Management webpage.
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