MISSION — IDEA Mission senior Ximena Villarreal’s advocacy for immigrant students, based on her own personal life, has elevated her to be named the 2025-26 National Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a national award that recognizes a student’s leadership, community service and advocacy for youth issues.

Students brought the energy Tuesday at a pep rally to celebrate Villarreal, a member of the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, and packed the gym at IDEA Mission. Villarreal gave a heartfelt speech about her journey as an immigrant student, which is the focus of her research and advocacy that won her the award.

“I feel so happy,” she said. “I feel like my community has really uplifted me and them celebrating me today was amazing. It shows just how much a community can help ch

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