The cooperative awarded a total of $100,000 to 25 graduating high school students across its service area. The students were selected from more than 460 applicants and awards ranged from $2,000 to $7,500. Recipients may use their scholarship for tuition at the college, university, technical or trade school of their choice. 

Since 1999, PEC has awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarships to more than 900 students. PEC services members and students in 23 school districts and approximately 34 public high schools. PEC scholarships are made possible through unclaimed funds returned from the state.

“We are committed to providing opportunities and education that help our communities thrive,” said Community Outreach Specialist Mikayla Herron. “PEC is proud to award these scholarships and play a role in shaping these students’ futures to help them reach their goals and dreams.”  

In addition to providing scholarships, PEC offers free youth education programs, including school visits and career exploration, PEC’s Youth Tour to learn about government in action, and online learning materials to help students access career information and learn how to build resumes.

Named at Wimberley High School were Cheyenne Gold as Teacher of the Year and Shiloh Gold as Support Staff of the Year.

At Danforth Junior High, Kasey Tatum received Teacher of the Year and Abby Nusbaum received Support Staff of the Year honors.

At Jacob's Well Elementary, Leslie Campbell was named Teacher of the Year and Sarah Mantsch was named Support Staff of the Year. 

Kari Mars at Blue Hole Primary was honored as Teacher of the Year and Walker Overturf was designated as Support Staff of the Year. 

The honorees were nominated and chosen by the votes of their peers at their respective schools. 

Sadie has a GPA of 4.985 and has completed a challenging course load of Honors and Advanced Placement courses, earning the College Board National Recognition Program Award. She has served the WHS school community within the National Honor Society, National Speech and Debate Honors Society, Texans in Business Club, Yearbook Club, and TEXAN Roots Council, Student Council, and was Junior Class President last year.

She has participated and excelled in University Interscholastic League Academics, Speech and Debate, and Cheerleading, where she earned Varsity Cheerleader of the Year in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. In her spare time, she volunteers through the National Honor Society, Navidad en el Barrio, various other student organizations and at food banks. After graduation she plans to attend Baylor University.

Myles has an impressive GPA of 5.344 and has undertaken a rigorous course load of Honors and Advanced Placement classes throughout his high school years. He has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar Finalist and College Board AP Scholar. Additionally, he has participated on the Swim team and excelled in UIL Academics, where he was a District Champion in Computer Science and a Regional Qualifier.

In his spare time, he volunteers as a member of the National Honor Society, WHS Student Council, and through Cypress Creek Church, Amigos de Jesus, the Village Library, and the Feeding Wimberley program. Myles plans to attend Texas A&M University.

Participants were given one month and a blank patch template to bring their ideas to life. Along with their designs, students submitted written explanations detailing the meaning and inspiration behind their concepts. Submissions were reviewed by Sheriff’s Office personnel, who selected the top ten entries. Those finalists were then forwarded through the chain of command, where the top three winners were selected.

The final winners, each representing a different school, were 1st Place, Walker Williams, Wimberley High School; 2nd Place, Layla Rivera, Jack C. Hays High School; and 3rd Place, Lilli Johnson, San Marcos Academy. 

Sheriff Anthony Hipolito presented each student with a certificate, gift card, and HCSO swag bag in recognition of their achievement. “When creating my version of the badge, I wanted to highlight our community’s strength and growth,” said Walker Williams, 1st Place winner. “I incorporated a water wheel — one of humanity’s earliest forms of mechanical power — as a symbol of progress and the vital role water plays in Hays County. At the top, I included a sheriff’s star and badge elements to represent the strength, courage and unity of the Sheriff’s Office.”

The contest was designed to strengthen connections with the next generation of Hays County, build trust between youth and local law enforcement, and provide insight into how students view their community and the agency that serves it. “I am incredibly proud of the students who participated in this countywide competition. Their designs captured the spirit of service, commitment, and community that defines the Hays Sheriff’s Office. Opportunities like this strengthen the relationship between our agency and the young people we serve,” said Sheriff Hipolito.

As this was the inaugural year, outreach was focused on art classes and, where available, law enforcement programs within participating schools. Following its success, the Sheriff’s Office plans to expand the contest next year, opening it to all high school students across the county.

Building on the positive response, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office has also introduced a “Design a Patch” contest within the Hays County Jail. This initiative aims to foster a positive, growth-focused environment while promoting creativity, personal development and positive engagement among incarcerated individuals.

Valentine has worked with the students, families, and community in Wimberley ISD since 2002. During his 24-year tenure with WISD, he has served the district across several key campus and district leadership positions. Since 2022, he has worked as the district’s Assistant Superintendent. Previously he has served as the campus Principal for Wimberley High School and Danforth Junior High. 

“It is hard to imagine WISD without Jason Valentine,” said Dr. Greg Bonewald, WISD’s Superintendent. “He has positively impacted thousands across our Texan Family in his time here in Wimberley. We will undoubtedly miss the authentic spirit of servant leadership that he brings to our school community every day. At the same time, I am thrilled for him and his family and know that he will thrive in his next chapter as a leader in Texas public education.”

“Serving the students, teachers, parents and community in Wimberley ISD has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Valentine. “My family has grown in this community and Wimberley will always hold a very special place in the hearts of all the Valentines. My heart is full of gratitude and Texan Pride.” 

In Texas, there is a mandatory 21-day waiting period following the naming of a district’s Superintendent lone finalist. Mr. Valentine will continue to serve in his current role with WISD until the transition to his new role with Palacios ISD. 

Countywide races 

*Signifies incumbent

Sheriff 

Republican: Anthony Hipolito (52.69%)

Democrat: Alex Villalobos (47.31%)

Judge, County Court-at-Law Number 3

Republican: Robert E. Updegrove (47.98%)

Democrat: Elaine S. Brown* (52.02%)

District Clerk

Republican: Philip Muzzy (47.52%)

Democrat: Amanda K. Calvert (52.48%)

Commissioner, Precinct 3

Republican: Morgan Hammer (52.82%)

Democrat: Rebecca Minnick (47.18%)

Constable, Precinct 2

Republican: David L. Saenz (44.68%)

Democrat: Michael Torres* (55.32%)

School Districts

Wimberley ISD

Board of Trustees, Place 1

Benjamin Kiowski (46.84%)

Andrea Justus (53.16%)

Board of Trustees, Place 2

Nathan Cross (46.19%)

Lindsey Deringer (53.81%)

San Marcos CISD 

Proposition A 

For (57.41%)

Against (42.59%)

City Races

Kyle

City Council, District 5

Courtney Goza (27.05%)

Marc McKinney (36.32%)

Melisa Medina (36.62%)

San Marcos

Mayor

Jane Hughson* (58.98%)

Juan Miguel Arredondo (41.02%)

City Council, Place 5

Roland Saucedo (26.28%)

Atom Von Arndt (17.04%)

Griffin Spell (24.26%)

Lorenzo Gonzalez (32.42%)

City Council, Place 6

Amanda Rodriguez (64.16%)

Maraya Dunn (35.84%)

Hays County uncontested races

Tax Assessor-Collector - Jennifer M. Escobar (D)

Commissioner, Precinct 1 - Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe* (D)

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 1 - Jo Anne Prado* (D)

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2 - J.R. Mendoza (D)

Constable, Precinct 1 - David L. Peterson (D)

Constable, Precinct 3 - Don Montague (R)

Constable, Precinct 4 - Dave Graham (R)

Constable, Precinct 5 - John Ellen (R)

Kyle City Council, District 6 - Michael Tobias* (D)

A runoff election happens when no candidate gets a majority (50% plus one) of the vote. In a few races, it's likely the two candidates with the most votes will head into a runoff.