Laredo Students with Special Needs Celebrate Valentine's Day

Annual county-wide event brings together hundreds of students for dancing and fun

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Hundreds of middle and high school students with special needs from Laredo ISD and United ISD campuses gathered at Royal Receptions in Laredo, Texas for the annual Valentine's Day celebration hosted by Webb County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez. The event featured dancing, entertainment, and a special appearance by local favorite Clown Bolitas. Due to growing participation, the event was split into two separate time slots to accommodate all the schools involved.

Why it matters

The Valentine's celebration has become a staple event for many families and educators of students with special needs in the Laredo area. It provides an opportunity for these students to socialize with peers from other campuses in a setting designed just for them, which school officials have emphasized is important to resume after being paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The details

The annual Valentine's Day celebration for students with special needs in Laredo has been hosted by Webb County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez for around 9 years. This year's event at Royal Receptions featured dancing, entertainment, and a special appearance by local favorite Clown Bolitas. Due to growing participation from Laredo ISD and United ISD campuses, the event was split into two separate time slots to accommodate all the schools involved.

  • The Valentine's Day celebration has been an annual event for around 9 years.
  • The event was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed as soon as in-person events were able to start back up.

The players

Jesse Gonzalez

Webb County Precinct 1 Commissioner who has hosted the annual Valentine's Day celebration for students with special needs in Laredo for around 9 years.

Laredo ISD

School district that participated in the Valentine's Day celebration, sending middle and high school students with special needs.

United ISD

School district that participated in the Valentine's Day celebration, sending middle and high school students with special needs.

Clown Bolitas

Local favorite who made a special appearance at the Valentine's Day celebration.

Royal Receptions

Venue that hosted the annual Valentine's Day celebration for students with special needs in Laredo.

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What they’re saying

“So it's always fun. I mean, as soon as we walk in the doors, it's going to be fun-filled. We're going to see the children laughing, dancing, getting along. They get to have fun with other students from other schools.”

— Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Precinct 1 Commissioner

“Obviously through the pandemic we stopped. But as soon as we started the events back up, we got calls from both school districts and they said, when are we going to start this one again?”

— Jesse Gonzalez, Webb County Precinct 1 Commissioner

What’s next

With attendance continuing to grow, Gonzalez said the county may look for a larger venue next year to ensure the tradition can continue expanding for students across Laredo and Webb County.

The takeaway

This annual Valentine's Day celebration provides an important opportunity for students with special needs in the Laredo area to come together, socialize, and have fun in an inclusive environment designed just for them. The event's growing popularity highlights the value the community places on supporting and celebrating these students.