The San Marcos ACCess coalition officially kicks off a petition drive this week seeking signatures from San Marcos CISD registered voters to call an election to join the Austin Community College District.

San Marcos High School seniors Connor Wilson, Irene Morse, and Henry Finch are among 15,000 finalists in the U.S. for National Merit Scholarships.

San Marcos High School will compete in District 25-5A starting next school year under University Interscholastic League reclassification announced Monday morning.

A solemn bell rang on top of a hill as mourners gathered inside San Marcos Baptist Academy’s theater Thursday night. After graduating almost 10 years ago, Capt. Paul Peña had returned to his alma mater. This time in a U.S. flag draped casket.

Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division stand at parade rest next to the U.S. flag draped casket of Capt. Paul Peña, a San Marcos native who was killed in Afghanistan on Jan. 19. A memorial service was held Thursday inside the San Marcos Baptist Academy’s theater. PHOTO by SEAN KIMMONS

Henry Finch is nominated to attend the U.S. Naval Academy while Aidan Dietz is nominated to attend the U.S. Military Academy. Both are San Marcos High School seniors.

Seven new Hays Central Appraisal District directors — elected by the county, cities and school districts — will be sworn in Jan. 21.

Austin Community College President Stephen Kinslow and Seton Medical Center Hays executive Herb Dyer will headline the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon.

San Marcos High School students Katy Whitbeck and Dwaylan Applewhite have been named to the All-State Choir, making second and third chair, respectively.

San Marcos Academy has retained the services of J. Ronald Oswalt as Special Assistant for Athletic Development.