McAllen High’s Mariachi Oro and James “Nikki” Rowe High’s Mariachi Azteca earned the highest honors at the 2026 UIL (University Interscholastic League) State Mariachi Festival in Seguin earlier this spring. This included straight Division I Superior ratings.
McAllen High’s Mariachi Oro also earned the festival’s top group distinction, receiving Full Group State UIL Outstanding Performer Gold Medals for the 8th time in program history.
It is also the 11th consecutive year that McAllen High earned straight Division 1 Superior Ratings from all the judges. In fact, McAllen High is one of only three schools in Texas to hold such a streak.
Rowe High students, Karyme Hernandez, Leann Vela and Dayami Pena, were recognized with Outstanding Performer Gold Medals, honoring exceptional individual achievement within the ensemble. The UIL event took place in late February.
The McAllen High Mariachi Oro is pictured above. The Rowe High Mariachi Azteca is shown below.
