The Arlington City Council recognized eight outstanding students during its Nov. 10 meeting as part of Arlington’s yearlong sesquicentennial celebration, honoring this year’s Mayor for the Day participants from Arlington ISD and Mansfield ISD.
The students were selected based on their academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership and character, continuing a longstanding Arlington tradition that introduces young people to civic life and local government. Throughout the program, participants spent a day alongside Mayor Jim Ross, learning firsthand about the responsibilities of municipal leadership, meeting with City departments and gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how Arlington serves its residents.
“By experiencing city government firsthand, these amazing students gain a greater understanding of public service and the importance of community involvement,” Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said.
During the meeting, each student received a special Mayor for the Day certificate and a commemorative Arlington 150th anniversary challenge coin. The students also received other 150th anniversary commemorative gifts during their individual Mayor for the Day experiences throughout the 2026 fall semester.
The 2026 Mayor for the Day honorees are:
Arlington ISD
- Aivah Adams, Bowie High School
- Aaron Diaz, Martin High School
- Liliana Lozano, Arlington Collegiate High School
- Kennedy Sims, Martin High School
Mansfield ISD
- Gabriel Acosta, Timberview Early College High School
- Kevin Martinez, Summit High School
- Inara Ruff, Summit High School
- Logan Valdez, Timberview High School
As part of Arlington’s 150th anniversary celebration, the City expanded the program to shine a special spotlight on student leaders in high school from both school districts. Four students were selected from Arlington ISD and four from Mansfield ISD to serve as the city’s sesquicentennial Mayor for the Day ambassadors.
“Mayor often says we know what our past 150 years has been,” said Jay Warren, City of Arlington’s Director of Communication and Legislative Affairs. “We know the history, but we don’t know what the next 150 years are going to be. But I think as we look down the row here, we’ve got a pretty bright future.”