Shorthorns gear up for Homecoming

2025 Marfa ISD Homecoming Court candidates.

MARFA—The MARFA ISD Shorthorns will hold Homecoming this weekend, with a football game against Sanderson set for Friday night at Martin Field. The Homecoming king and queen will be announced, and the dukes and duchesses have already been elected as shown below.

The Homecoming Parade is today, Thursday. Participants will line up at the high school parking lot at 6 p.m.. The Homecoming court will be going first, so line up near the cafeteria and along Gonzales Street if that’s more convenient.

Homecoming King and Queen candidates

Ismael Davila
Ismael “Joangel” Davila is the son of Cassie Dominguez and stepson of Jesse Dominguez.

He competed at the Regional Science Fair his sophomore and junior years, advancing both times to the State competition. This year he was inducted into the National Honor Society. He received first place in Chemistry in regional Academic UIL. He also attended the Regional Visual Art Scholastic Event in Odessa in 2024.

Joangel has worked at the Get Go for the last year. After graduation, Joangel plans to attend college or join the workforce.

He would like to thank his mom and stepdad for keeping him alive for the last 17 years and providing him with support, knowledge and love.

Manuel Dominguez
Manny Dominguez is the son of Chris Dominguez and grandson of Aurora Dominguez. Throughout high school, Manny has done football and track. Alongside his time in school and sports, he has worked at Dairy Queen and with the City Park. After high school, Manny plans to earn his CDL and crane operating license so he can pursue a career in the oil fields or in truck driving. Manny would like to sincerely thank his family and coaches for always being there for him and supporting him every step of the way.

Piper Donaldson
Piper Donaldson is the daughter of Cory and Lizzy Donaldson. She has been a dedicated member of the National Honor Society and has participated in One Act Play, Science Fair, and History Fair. Piper also played basketball her freshman year and enjoyed being part of Marfa Blooms, the school’s agriculture program. Outside of school, she works at Ballroom Marfa as an intern.

Piper is thankful for the love and support of her family throughout high school. After graduation, she plans to pursue psychiatric studies with the goal of becoming a criminal profiler. She is proud to represent her class on the 2025 Homecoming Court.

Ava Flores
Ava Lola Flores is the daughter of Luis and Lori Flores, and sister of Kaci Lee Flores and Timothy Paul Flores. Ava proudly serves as President of the National Honor Society, President of Student Council, and Class President. She is also an active member of One Act Play and has competed in multiple sports throughout high school, including volleyball, softball, track, cross country, basketball, and golf.

In athletics, Ava has earned numerous honors. In volleyball, she was recognized as Newcomer of the Year, Setter of the Year, and Most Valuable Player. In basketball, she earned First Team All-District honors. She advanced to the State Cross-Country Meet her freshman year, qualified for regionals in track, and advanced to Regional Golf for three consecutive years. In softball, she was named Offensive MVP and Newcomer of the Year.

Beyond athletics, Ava has also excelled in academics. She participated in Science Fair, where she advanced to the state competition two years in a row.

Ava is most thankful for her family, whose constant support and encouragement have guided her throughout her high school journey. After graduation, she plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall of 2026 to pursue a career in the medical field or psychology.

Amaya Gomez
Amaya is the daughter of David and Rachel Gomez.

Amaya is a member of the National Honor Society and has also served as Class Treasurer her junior and senior years. Amaya has participated in volleyball, cheer, basketball, and softball all four years of high school, as well as track for three years. She has also participated in golf and advanced to Regionals her junior year.

Amaya has also participated in the science fair where she advanced to the state competition her sophomore and junior year. Amaya has enjoyed her time representing her school in both academics and athletics, and values the opportunities and friendships she has gained throughout high school.

She is most thankful for her family who have encouraged and supported her during her high school career. After graduation, Amaya will attend college in the fall of 2026 to pursue a career in Social Media Management.

Messiah Licon
Messiah Licon is the daughter of Denise Valerio and Jesus Licon Jr. Messiah is proud to be the Vice President of the Student Council, a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of Marfa Blooms.

Messiah has competed in the Science Fair during her sophomore and junior years, advancing to state both times, and also competed in UIL during her freshman year, where she advanced to regionals in Journalism. She was also a member of the basketball team during her freshman year.

Messiah plans to pursue a career as a Medical Assistant after high school. She is most thankful for her family and friends who have been there for her and supported her throughout her high school years.

Raven Martinez
Raven Mia Martinez is the daughter of Rosemary and Ruben Martinez. She has been a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Advisory Committee her sophomore, junior, and senior year. Raven is active on the volleyball team and in cheer.

Throughout her high school career, Raven has been a multi-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball, softball, cross country, track, and golf, as well as participating in UlL Accounting and the Science Fair. She has earned numerous athletic honors, including Second Team All-District her freshman year in volleyball, basketball Newcomer of the Year, track regional qualifier, golf regional qualifier, softball Offensive Player of the Year. Her sophomore year she was volleyball Utility Player of the Year, a cross-country regional qualifier, First Team All-District in basketball, golf regional qualifier, and softball District Co-MVP. Her junior year she was volleyball Co-MVP, cross-country regional qualifier, First Team All-District in basketball, and softball Defensive MVP.

In addition to her athletic success, Raven advanced to state in the Science Fair both her sophomore and junior years and to academic UlL regionals.

After graduation, Raven plans to attend college while continuing to pursue her academic and athletic goals.

She would like to thank her family, coaches, teammates and friends for always supporting her.

Ayven Pippen
Ayven Pippen, son of Luis Pippen and Felicia Irvin, is honored to be part of this year’s Homecoming Court. Ayven has been a dedicated member of the football team during both his junior and senior years. Beyond athletics, he has excelled in academics, competing at both the regional and state levels in the science fair, where he has proudly earned a total of $3,000 in awards. After graduation, Ayven plans to attend Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in science and continue chasing his academic and personal goals.

Ricardo Ramos
Ricardo Isaiah Ramos is the son of Rosa Melendez. Isaiah is proud to be the Vice President of the National Honor Society.

Isaiah competed at the Regional Science Fair his sophomore and junior years, advancing both times to the state competition. He also competed in powerlifting during his freshman and sophomore years. He is thankful for his family’s constant support during his high school career. To his brothers and sisters he thanks them for always being there for him as he’s grown up and being supportive of him and showing up in what he does and gives special thanks to his mom for always encouraging him to work hard—both academically and in his job at Angel’s Restaurant where he has worked for the past two and a half years as a dishwasher.

After high school, Isaiah is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement as a Correctional Officer or with the Border Patrol.

Alejandro Rodriguez
Alejandro Rodriguez is the son of Claudia Rodriguez.

He has participated in basketball, football, track, cross-country and golf all four years of high school. He advanced to regionals in golf and track his sophomore and junior years. His junior year he was MVP of the basketball team.

After graduating, Alex plans to attend UTRGV and major in kinesiology with hopes of becoming a high school coach.

He would like to thank Coaches Luna and Ojeda for their dedication to helping him graduate and reach his athletic goals.

Sara Salgado Martínez
Sara Salgado Martínez is the daughter of Jose Raul Salgado and Norma Alicia Salgado Martínez. She is proud to be a member of the National Honor Society. During her freshman year, Sara participated in One Act Play, volleyball, basketball, softball, and track. She has also been a dedicated member of Marfa Ballet Folklórico throughout her entire high school career. Since her sophomore year, Sara has enjoyed working at Marfa Dairy Queen, balancing academics, activities, and work. She is most thankful for her friends and family who have supported her throughout her high school journey.

After graduation, Sara plans to attend the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in the fall of 2026 to pursue a career in business.

Asael Zubia
Asael is the son of Florcita and Ernesto Zubia.

He has been a member of the National Honor Society since his sophomore year. Asael has participated in football, basketball and golf throughout high school. In golf he has advanced with his team to the regional competition. He has also made it to the playoffs with his basketball team.

Asael is grateful for his parents who have encouraged him throughout high school and have helped him become the person he is today. After graduation, Asael plans to attend a trade school and pursue a career in welding.