At Raymond & Tirza Martin High School, the roaring sound of Tigerland is impossible to miss. That same school pride swelled even louder as the campus community came together to celebrate earning an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency for the fourth year in a row. This achievement is a shining example of dedicated hard work and community support within one of Laredo’s most historic schools.
On the day of the celebration, boxes of chips and cheese were stacked high at the entrance as 1,000 students were recognized for their outstanding effort and achievement under the Friday Night Lights during the MHS vs Zapata varsity football game. The hallways buzzed with excitement as teachers high-fived students, #SomosFamilia posters waved through the campus, and classrooms glowed with the vibrant red and white colors of the Tigers.
That same ánimo and energy has defined Tigerland year after year when Martin High was named the 2024 statewide winner of the McDonald’s Spirit Showdown. The mighty Tigers were surprised at a pep rally by the Fry Truck, which rolled in to serve free fries to all students, along with a special donation recognizing Martin as the Flagship High School of Laredo and home of the best school spirit in Texas.
Founded in 1937, MHS is not only one of the oldest campuses in Laredo ISD but also one of the most resilient. With more than a century of history, the school has consistently shaped generations of leaders, innovators, and advocates who carry forward its traditions and spirit. Today, Martin High proudly stands as the flagship of Laredo and is the only comprehensive high school in the city to earn an “A” rating from TEA for four consecutive years, in the new accountability system, 2022 through 2025.
Adding to its strength, the Esther G. Buckley Early College High School is housed within MHS and serves 500 students who are simultaneously pursuing high school and career certifications. Together, both schools form a unified campus community where students are offered multiple pathways for academic achievement and personal growth.
“Little by little, we’ve been changing the percentages,” said Principal Mario Mireles. “I’m so proud of our students. They show up to tutorials after school, pushing themselves to meet their goals. We’ve created a culture where even when it’s difficult, we do it together, and that makes us proud.”
The latest recognition by TEA carries even greater weight as the campus humbly serves a population that is 99.9% economically disadvantaged, 11.8% special education, and 55.9% emergent bilingual/English learners. Every percentage tells a story of personal will and perseverance.
Sisters Daniela and Emily Marroquín are a testament to the kind of determination and balance that define Tigerland. Both athletes compete in cross country, basketball, and track while maintaining strong academic standing. For them, the “A” rating reflects not only the school’s success, but also the personal sacrifices students make to excel.
“It feels good knowing that all the hard work pays off,” Daniela said. Emily added, “Being part of this success motivates us to keep pushing, not just for ourselves, but for our team and our school.”
In addition to the overall “A” rating, MHS earned a 2025 distinction in Academic Achievement in Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, further proof of the school’s ongoing excellence across multiple subjects.
Mireles credited the accomplishment to a strong system of support that extends beyond the classroom. “We’ve worked hard to provide students with academic, extracurricular, and individual support. But it doesn’t stop there. We also keep constant communication with parents. From one-on-one conversations to counselor outreach to social media, every message reminds families of who we are, what we do, and what we can do to help their child excel. That partnership with parents makes all the difference.”
The rating highlights the school’s success in student achievement, college readiness, and growth, but beyond the numbers, it is a reflection of the heart of Tigerland. From advanced courses and extracurricular activities to traditions in mariachi, athletics, and community service, MHS continues to prepare students for a future filled with success while honoring its rich historical past.
“As long as we take big chances and base our decisions on what is best for our kids, it’s okay to fail sometimes,” Mireles reflected. “In fact, we’ve learned more from failure than success. What matters is that our students see setbacks as an opportunity to try harder and persevere. The mentality here is simple—we’re not stopping. Nothing will get in our way until we get there.”
As the Tigers gathered in celebration, the “A” was recognized as belonging to every student who stayed late to study, every teacher who inspired learning, and every family who supported the journey. The celebration filled the bleachers in a sea of red, echoing the pride and unity of Tigerland. “This is more than a grade. This is a collective triumph that reflects the spirit of a school community that continues to rise, year after year,” Mireles said.
The day’s festivities carried into the evening as the Tigers closed the celebration with a football game, and fittingly, they ended the night with a victory.
