Tag Archives: Socorro High School

Socorro High School students and staff recently honored assistant varsity baseball coach Mark Ortega for earning a top award in the state.

Ortega was named the 2019 Assistant Coach of the Year in Class 6A baseball by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association. He is the only assistant coach in El Paso to receive the prestigious award.

During his nine years at Socorro, Ortega has helped coach both baseball and football. In baseball, Ortega assists student-athletes in improving their pitching and is also in charge of the outfield.

“It’s been an excellent experience for me, coaching here at Socorro High School,” Ortega said. “The kids are great; the community is excellent, and this is the best school district in Texas.”

Ortega said he was surprised when he found out he earned the assistant coach of the year honor/ Soon enough he found his email inbox full of congratulations messages and students and staff came by his classroom to shake his hand.

He earned the award for his numerous contributions to his team’s and students’ success, including improvement of the team record, community involvement and making a significant impact in students’ lives.

“He’s a great coach who pushes us to work hard,” said Jacob Corral, a senior at Socorro High School. “He’s helped me not only through baseball, but also through personal battles as well.”

Baseball player and junior Mike Estrada shared the same thoughts about Ortega. He said his coach is a great person both on and off the field.

“This just shows that in our program our coaches and our players are awesome,” Estrada said.

Both Corral and Estrada said they were glad to be a part of a program with great role models like Ortega.

“It’s a humbling feeling to know that you actually touched a child’s life and for these young men to come back to say thank you, is priceless,” Ortega said.

THSBCA assistant coach of the year event photos

Socorro Independent School District high schools revved up the school spirit at 2019-2020 homecoming celebrations, which included pep rallies, parades, football games, and dances.

Students, teachers, staff and alumni celebrated a week of festivities by showing off their school spirit and many enjoying victorious homecoming games.

El Dorado High School

El Dorado High School’s festivities were Sept. 9 to 14. The Aztecs theme was “Can I Have This Dance” from Disney’s High School Musical.  Their parade was Sept. 11 followed by the Birth of the Aztec Sun ceremony in the football field.

“Everyone is so excited for today, because the parade just starts the year off on a positive note,” said Theresa Maya, El Dorado student activities director.

They celebrated the pep rally on Sept. 12, followed by the El Dorado vs. Andress homecoming game at the SAC. Their homecoming dance was Sept. 14 at the Empire.

El Dorado High School homecoming parade photos

Pebble Hills High School

The Pebble Hills Spartans also celebrated their homecoming Sept. 9 to 14 with their theme “Don’t Stop the Music,” a tribute to music festivals. Their homecoming parade was Sept. 11. The homecoming pep rally was Sept. 13 followed by the homecoming football game, which they won against Chapin High School.

“Homecoming is important because it’s the kick off to the start of the school year and it’s just a fun way to bring the community together,” said Emily Cancellare, student activities director at Pebble Hills High School.

The homecoming dance was Sept. 14 in the Pebble Hill’s courtyard.

Pebble Hills High School homecoming parade photos

Socorro High School

The theme for the Socorro High School homecoming was “Deep In the Heart of Texas,” which was celebrated Sept. 16-21. The homecoming parade and the pep rally were on Sept. 19.

“The parade is pretty important because it shows our school spirit, not only of Socorro High School, but of the district, because there are other schools involved in the parade from the elementary and middle schools,” said junior Jennifer Betancourt, who performed with the Socorro High School mariachi group.

The homecoming game was against Burges High School Sept. 20 at Socorro High School. Their homecoming dance was Sept. 21 at the Pit.

Socorro High School homecoming parade photos

Mission Early College

Mission Early College High School celebrated its homecoming week Sept. 16 to 21 with a pep rally Sept. 20 and homecoming dance Sept. 21.

“We didn’t always have homecoming, but for a lot of students it’s a coming of age thing and we didn’t want them to miss out on that,” said Ben Ortega, principal of Mission Early College High School.

Mission Early College High School homecoming parade photos

Eastlake High School

The Eastlake High School Falcons celebrated their homecoming the week of Sept. 23 to 27 with the theme “Around the World.” A parade and a community pep rally took place Sept. 25.

“We’re here today for my son, and my daughter is next in line. He’s going to be the first one graduating and then, hopefully, going off to college, so this is a big deal for us,” said Adan Martinez, a parent from Eastlake. “We try to be involved as much as we can with all his extracurricular stuff so we’re definitely excited for the parade.”

The homecoming football game was against Pebble Hills Sept. 26 at the SAC and Sept. 27 was the homecoming dance in the main foyer of Eastlake High School.

Eastlake High School homecoming parade photos

Montwood High School

Montwood High School homecoming was Sept. 23 to 28 with the theme of “Rams Take Over the World.” A parade and carnival were celebrated on Sept. 25 at the school.

“Homecoming is one of the events that brings the community together and that makes our community better,” said Humberto Galindo, a senior at Montwood High School.

The Rams won the homecoming football game against Eastwood Sept. 27 at the SAC and had their dance Sept. 28 in the school gym.

Montwood High School homecoming parade photos

Americas High School

The Americas High School Trailblazers celebrated their homecoming the week of Oct. 21 to 26 with the theme “New York State of Mind.” The homecoming parade was Oct. 24.

“I think homecoming is a great way of getting all the schools in the feeder pattern involved, which brings the community together,” said parent Viviana Amezcun, who attended the parade to support her Trailblazer, as well as her son and niece from the Vista Del Sol soccer team.

The Trailblazers won their homecoming football game against Pebble Hills High School Oct. 25 at the SAC. Their homecoming dance theme was “A Night in New York” Oct. 26 at Americas High School.

Americas High School homecoming parade photos

Thursday Night Lights were bright at the gem in Far East El Paso – Socorro ISD’s SAC – as intra-district rivals Americas took on Socorro.

The Trail Blazers took no time to get on the scoreboard multiple times, dominating the Bulldogs en route to a 72-12 victory.

Our very own Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta was there and we bring you his view of the contest in this ‘Game in Many Pics.’

The Socorro High School community and Team SISD celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony to officially mark the start of the reconstruction of the flagship school, one of the most anticipated projects in Bond 2017.

“It’s exciting to be part of this historic event as we witness the end of one chapter and the birth of a new home for our Bulldogs,” said Socorro High School Principal Josh Tovar. “The new and improved campus will better prepare our students for the world of work and university.”

Superintendent José Espinoza, Ed.D., SISD board members, school and district staff, along with representatives from VLK Architects, Nine Degrees Architecture, and BTC were among those who gathered for the ceremony.

“Socorro High School is our oldest high school in the district, it’s our flagship school,” said Dr. Espinoza. “The work has already begun, so we are looking forward to seeing the reconstruction of this awesome, amazing high school.”

The first phase of the Socorro High School reconstruction started in July 2019, one month ahead of schedule. Contractors have started demolishing existing areas of the school to make room for a new academic and Career and Technical Education wing. That portion of the new building is scheduled to be occupied by students and staff in 18 months.

Bond Accountability Committee members also attended the event, including chair Robert Alvarez who addressed the audience expressing that BAC members have been proud to represent the community in Bond 2017 and are eager to see the completion of Bond 2017 projects. Some BAC members have close ties to Socorro High School, such as Thomas Sigala Jr.

“I’ve been able to see the past, live in the present and I now look forward to the future of the new high school,” said Sigala, who attended Socorro High School in 1988.

The lively event featured the Socorro High School NJROTC color guard, drum line, cheerleaders and the widely recognized mascots Chato and Chata. Current students are excited about the academic excellence that the new building will inspire in the future generations of students.

“Once we get the new school, I think it will leave an aura of high standards, so I feel students will perform better academically,” said Socorro High School junior Aaron Garcia.

Another Socorro High School junior Kathryn Hernandez agreed.

“A new building will help make the students more confident about coming to school and take pride in their school,” Hernandez said.

Completion of the reconstruction will be phased over a three-and-a-half-year period to be substantially completed by spring 2023. Once construction is finalized, the 54-year-old campus will encompass a state-of-the-art building with natural lighting, an open space concept, and multiple innovative learning spaces. The campus will be equipped with high quality security features, the latest technology resources, and modern furniture for 21st century learning.

“Some of our board members attended school here at Socorro High School, they have a lot of memories from when they were here,” Dr. Espinoza said. “Now, with this new facility being built the students that are currently in elementary are going to be able to come in and build their own memories.”

The SISD Bond 2017 was approved by voters in November 2017. Team SISD is progressing steadily with projects keeping a commitment to Promises Made, Promises Kept. The first of the Bond 2017 projects was completed earlier this year with the opening of Socorro ISD’s newest elementary, Cactus Trails.

The ceremony took place on September 17, 2019. To view Socorro High School groundbreaking event photos, click here.

The Socorro Bulldogs played host to the Austin Panthers Friday night at Socorro ISD’s Student Activities Center – the SAC.

The Panthers roared into Far East El Paso and blanked their hosts 35-0.

Our very own ‘Ace’ Acosta was there and we bring you his view of the contest in this ‘Game in Many Pics’

Socorro Independent School District and VLK Architects had a community meeting to discuss the progress, timelines, and design of Socorro High School’s reconstruction.

The $135 million project is one of 26 projects in SISD’s Bond 2017 program, which voters approved to improve existing facilities and address continuing growth in the district.

“We organized this community meeting to ensure communication and accountability surrounding Bond 2017 and to continue delivering “Promises Made, Promises Kept,” said Tom Eyeington, the district’s chief operations officer.

“We received great input from our students, parents, and staff, when we were planning the design, and we were very excited show them what the new school is going to look like.”

Socorro High School was built in 1965 and is the oldest high school in the district. The reconstruction will upgrade the educational appropriateness of the 54-year old campus and turn it into a state-of-the-art facility for its community of learners.

The first phase of Socorro’s reconstruction started in the summer, and includes installation of temporary walls around areas of the school that will be demolished, and fencing around the softball fields, tennis courts and vocational buildings.

“We are extremely excited that the renovations of our new home have begun,” said Josh Tovar, the school principal. “Our Team SISD students, teachers and community members who value the area, our tradition, and our history deserve this project. We look forward to seeing the renderings come to life.”

Once construction is finalized, Socorro High School will be a tri-level building with an open space concept and multiple learning spaces for large-group instruction, small-group collaboration, and individual study. The campus will be equipped with high quality security features, latest technology advancements, as well as furniture and installations designed for 21st century learning.

The project will be phased over a three-and-a-half-year period, but students already are eager for the reconstruction.

“My younger brother and sister have been talking about coming to this school for years and I’m really excited that they will get to experience high school in the new building,” said Stephanie Fierro, a senior at Socorro High School.

“It’s sad to see our school go away, but I know that in the long run it’s better for the students coming in.”

During the meeting, SISD Board Member Gary Gandara acknowledged that demolishing the school was bittersweet, but ensured students and staff that the modernization will be a positive thing for the community.

“This school is beautiful and it carries a lot of memories,” Gandara said. “It’s sad to think it will be torn down but I promise that when you see the new building you will be very proud of it.”

To learn more about Bond 2017 projects, visit the bond’s website; to view photos of the meeting, click here.

In a Thursday Night matchup between the first and second schools ever opened in the Socorro district, the namesake Socorro Bulldogs traveled north to take on the Montwood Rams.

The Rams defended their home turf, defeating the Bulldogs 69-38.

As part of a very special series, Montwood High School football supporter and honorary team member Kieran Johnson scored in the second quarter.  (video below gallery)

Our very own Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta was there and we bring you his view of the game in this ‘Story in Many Pics.’

The Coronado Thunderbirds flew across town to take on the Socorro Bulldogs Friday Night at the Student Activities Center.

The home-standing Bulldogs put up a fight, but the T-Birds would top the ‘Dawgs, 48-20.

Our very own Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta was there and we bring you his view of the game in this ‘Story in Many Pics.’

The Horizon Scorpions left the High Desert and headed into the Mission Valley to take on the Bulldogs at their historic home field behind Socorro High.

It was Homecoming Night for the Bulldogs, and while the Scorpions ended up beating Socorro 21-14; the Bulldog faithful still celebrated the magical night.

Our very own Kevin Venegas were there – and we bring you his view of the game in this Story in Many Pics.

Diane Duncan, a Socorro High School administrator, has been named the Region 19 High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals.

Duncan was recognized for her exemplary performance among campus level administrators in the region.

“I am honored and humbled to have been named the high school assistant principal of the year,” Duncan said. “I am blessed to be part of this great district that offers students endless opportunities.”

Duncan has more than 28 years of experience in education. She spent 21 years teaching English at the secondary and college level. In 2010, she became an assistant principal at Escontrias Elementary School where she helped the campus obtain its National Blue Ribbon School Award for its academic excellence. Prior to joining the Socorro High School leadership team, she was an assistant principal at Montwood High School.

“The best part about being an educator is working with the students and seeing them graduate,” she said. “Our job is to support our students, teachers, and our staff so they can be successful.”

Her focus on college readiness made her a great fit as the director of the Socorro Early College program, said Socorro High School principal Josh Tovar.

“She is a dedicated servant leader who works in the best interest of our students as they are getting ready for academia, and the world of work,” Tovar said.

Duncan was nominated for the award by her peers and a TASSP selection committee. She will be recognized at the annual TASSP conference next June in Austin.

Socorro High School is preparing the next generation of electricians through its electrical trades program, which offers students real-world experiences and opportunities.

Two students in the program, Bryan Macias-Ovalles and Alexis Limantour, had the opportunity to intern with Beltran Electrical this summer. The young electricians, who will be juniors at Socorro High School this year, have sharpened their skills learning the latest electrical system instruction while earning a paycheck.

“I’m very proud to have been accepted to this program because this is something I want to do when I graduate,” Limantour said. “We do something new every day, and everything I’ve learned in school has helped me a lot.”

To intern, students had to write an essay explaining why they wanted to become electricians. The student electricians are now working at construction sites performing tasks such as wiring, bending pipe, putting up lights, and fixtures. Once they complete their internship, the hours they’ve invested will be applied to the four-year apprenticeship program.

“They have a great (electrical trades) program at Socorro,” said Julian Beltran, head of recruitment and marketing for the company. “The students are learning important things and they came in knowing quite a bit so they are able to do more advanced things.”

Many students in Socorro’s electrical trades program join the workforce as electricians after they graduate from high school, said Robert Facio, the electrical trades instructor.

“It has been a pleasure to see students graduate and be successful in their careers as electricians,” he said. “The electrical skills that students learn in class range from residential, commercial, and industrial areas. They are able to apply their skills in real-world situations with confidence to do the best job out there.”

Electrical trades is one of many career and technical education programs SISD offers its students. The programs provide students unmatched opportunities for them to graduate from high school prepared for the workforce with industry recognized certifications and licenses.

To learn more about SISD’s CTE program, click here.

About 100 Socorro High School students received their stethoscope and white coats as part of the Health Professions Academy (HPA) White Coat and Freshmen Induction ceremony.

“This is a great tradition,” said Fabiola Armendariz, the academy’s coordinator. “Students are so excited and the parents, too. This is their first step into the program.”

The event at the high school’s theater was a formal recognition of the students as chosen HPA members and as future health-care providers. During the ceremony, a parent, family member or special friend assisted the student with the stethoscope and donning the white coat on stage.

HPA, now in its 26th year, was the first of its kind in the district and the region. As part of the program, students do clinical rotations at University Medical Center, Highlands Rehab Hospital, Del Sol/Las Palmas Medical Centers, The Hospitals of Providence – East Campus, Adobe Animal Hospital, Americas HS medically fragile unit, Socorro HS fundamental skills unit and various SISD elementary schools with school nurses.

Amanda Canales, a freshman, wants to become an anesthesiologist. She feels proud to have been accepted into the four-year program.

“It’s such a big accomplishment,” Canales said. “This ceremony means I am a permanent part of the program. I am so happy and my parents are happy, too.”

Yvette Melendez, whose daughter Melanie Melendez also received her white coat, said the ceremony opens a new chapter in her daughter’s life.

“She is now learning about the medical field because she wants to be a pharmacist,” Melendez said. “This is going to be a new edition to her learning experience. We are all very excited for what the future holds.”

To view the entire gallery, click here.

The Socorro Independent School District recently recognized more than 125 parents who participated in the Latino Family Literacy Project during the 2016-2017 school year.

The family reading program, offered in 11 SISD schools, is designed to engage and establish reading routines between parents and their children.

It also offers parents of middle and high school students information regarding high school and college courses their children can take, and assists them with the college application process.

“This is a great program for parents to be involved at the campus level,” said Karina Schulte, SISD’s bilingual director. “We are helping parents to come in and learn how to better support their kids through literacy.”

The goal for the 2017-2018 school year is for the literacy program to be included at all SISD schools, Schulte said.

At the recognition, SISD Superintendent Dr. José Espinoza spoke to families, congratulating parents for being involved in their children’s education and the importance of families reading together.

Annette Roa, a mother of two students at Bill Sybert School, joined the program because her family was looking for something they could do together. She loved getting to know the other parents.

“The most important thing was it opened the doors for us to read together as a family,” Roa said. “We would go home, sit down and start reading. We were really amazed. My son also picked up the Spanish language in the process, which was another reason we got involved. The atmosphere was awesome. It was just something cool and fun to do with my kids.”

In addition to a catered dinner, families were entertained by Socorro High School’s mariachi group and the Mission Ridge Elementary School ballet and folklorico team.

In an effort to raise awareness and increase the number of organ donors within the state of Texas, student council organizations in the Socorro Independent School District partnered with Donate Life Texas to participate in “Dare to Dream. Dare to Do,” the annual Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) campaign to help the cause.

The statewide project will allow Team SISD student council groups to educate the community about the need for organ/tissue donations, and encourage them to register as donors. The goal is to make a difference by saving lives.

According to Donate Life America, 125,000 men, women and children await lifesaving organ transplants, and every 10 minutes another person is added to the list.

“A few weeks ago I met a lady who shared her story of battling cancer for more than ten years and how grateful she was for her lung and kidney transplant,” said Flor Dominguez, senior student at Socorro High School and the student council community service chair. “It wasn’t until I looked into her eyes that I fully understood the impact a donor can have.”

Each campus will strive to meet its goal of 200 registrations to have a collective total of more than 1,000 registrations. The schools will promote registrations at basketball games, school assemblies, parent nights and on their school websites.

“This is a unique project,” said Lorraine Varela, student activities director at Americas High School. “It’s teaching students the importance of giving back and true service, helping one another. We are extremely excited to be a part of such a large project that will essentially help save lives.”

To learn more about the “Dare to Dream. Dare to Do” initiative click HERE. Below are the links for the SISD school campaigns.

Americas High School

Eastlake High School

El Dorado High School

Montwood High School

Socorro High School

Pebble Hills High School