AT A GLANCE
- APRIL 23, 2026: YMLA hosted regional academic competition in San Antonio
- Nearly 100 students from 10 Central Texas schools competed
- 7 students qualified for national championships in Orlando
- 6 students advanced to international competition
Young Men’s Leadership Academy Scholars Advance to National and International Competitions After Standout Performances
For the first time in school history, students from the Young Men’s Leadership Academy (YMLA) at Phillis Wheatley not only competed in the Regional Round of the National Science, History, and Geography Bees, they hosted it.
The San Antonio campus welcomed nearly 100 students from 10 schools across Central Texas, turning YMLA into a hub for academic competition and excellence. Support from partners like St. Philip’s College and the Alamo BioCenter added to the moment, reinforcing the importance of investing in student achievement.
Standing Out Among the Region’s Best
Competing against top scholars, YMLA students delivered a strong showing, earning medals, trophies, and multiple advancement spots.
Seven students qualified for the National Championships, set for May 21–25 in Orlando, Florida, while six earned spots in international-level competition, a major milestone for the campus.
“These accomplishments demonstrate what is possible when students are challenged, supported, and given opportunities to excel,” said Cord Carter, UIL A+ Academics Coordinator at YMLA. “We are incredibly proud of our students.”
National Championship Qualifiers
- Temiloluwa Joshua “TJ” Ojo (6th Grade)
- Moses Villarreal (6th Grade)
- David Sotelo (6th Grade)
- Grayson Brooks (6th Grade)
- Jeremiah Contreras (8th Grade)
- Abel Fuentes (8th Grade)
- Wilson Marascio (8th Grade)
International Championship Qualifiers
- Temiloluwa Joshua “TJ” Ojo – International History & Science Bee; Environmental Science Olympiad
- Moses Villarreal – International History & Science Bee; Environmental Science Olympiad
- Grayson Brooks – International Science Bee; Environmental Science Olympiad
- Jeremiah Contreras – International Science Bee; Environmental Science Olympiad
- Abel Fuentes – International History Bee
- Wilson Marascio – International Geography Bee
Top Finishers Bring Home Honors
Several students placed at the top of their divisions:
- Temiloluwa Joshua “TJ” Ojo – Regional Champion in Science and History (6th Grade)
- Moses Villarreal – 2nd Place in Science and History (6th Grade)
- Jeremiah Contreras – 2nd Place, Science (8th Grade)
- Wilson Marascio – 2nd Place, Geography; 3rd Place, History (8th Grade)
- Abel Fuentes – 2nd Place, History (8th Grade)
- David Sotelo – 3rd Place, History; 6th Place, Science (6th Grade)
- Grayson Brooks – 3rd Place, Science (6th Grade)
- Jalen Kerley – 4th Place, Science (6th Grade)
- Noel Ramirez-Duran – 5th Place, Science (6th Grade)
More Than a Competition
The event marked a turning point for YMLA — not just participating, but hosting and excelling on its own campus. It signals growing academic momentum within San Antonio ISD and highlights what happens when students are pushed to compete at higher levels.
Now, the focus shifts to Orlando, where YMLA students will represent San Antonio on a national stage — with international competition already within reach.
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