Schools throughout the Socorro Independent School District honored veterans and active military with Veterans Day celebrations in November.
The district is committed to supporting military-connected students and families and celebrating the active duty military and veterans in the SISD community. Forty-five campuses in SISD have earned the Texas Education Agency Purple Star Designation, which is awarded to campuses that demonstrate they provide various resources and assistance for military-connected families.
SISD schools provide various programs and support systems for military parents and students many have celebrations to give recognition and thanks. Here is a sampling of what some SISD schools did to celebrate Veterans Day.
Benito Martinez Elementary hosted its annual Veterans Day Parade Nov. 10 at the school.
“Today was very heartfelt seeing all the kids, the community, and the school show support,” said Ryan Morales, first class private and mechanic crew member in the United States Army. “It’s important that the students understand what we do and why when duty calls.”
Michael Ryan, the grandparent of a Benito Martinez Elementary student and veteran of the U.S. Army, carried on his family tradition to serve the country.
“Today was very nice and I was impressed with the parade,” Ryan said. “It’s awesome that the students are learning about our history as a country and what it means to serve. It makes me proud that they recognize the service and sacrifice.
Benito Martinez Elementary principal Kertrenia Wright said it is important to teach students about the significance of Veteran’s Day and for them to know that the national holiday is not just a day off from school.
“It’s important for the students to know their freedoms and why they have them,” Wright said. “It comes from our veterans and those who serve, so today we honor them.”
Benito Martinez Elementary Veterans Day Parade event photos
The El Dorado feeder area hosted its second annual Military Family Night Mixer Nov. 9 at El Dorado High School.
Attendees got to meet campus administration from the El Dorado feeder area schools, see various performances by students at the schools, mingle with other service members, and were able to hear from a special guest speaker.
“Today is for our active-duty military and our veterans to show them our appreciation and our support for them,” said Miguel Angel Chapa, El Dorado High School family military liaison. “It’s important to build relationships with the community for the success of our scholars, and this is just part of that.”
Guests were also able to visit with vendors, support services and with school military liaisons at booths to gain valuable information and form instrumental connections.
“This is an outstanding event, bringing the community together,” said Derick Oliver, staff sergeant in the U.S. Army and a parent of a student at Chester E. Jordan Elementary and another at Hurshel Antwine Middle. “To be able to interact with other military families means a lot because there is a lot of things that go on in our lives, so to put on an event that brings everyone together is amazing.”
El Dorado High School Military Mixer event photos
Purple Heart Elementary hosted a Veterans Day celebration Nov. 10 at their campus where veterans and active military walked the hallways of the school. The special guests in the school parade were honored by students, faculty and staff and a special ceremony followed.
“This school has been so awesome because it’s great with military families, especially with those transitioning from overseas,” said Landsworth Lafayette, a master sergeant in the U.S. Army and parent of a fourth-grade student at Purple Heart Elementary. “The team here was instrumental in getting us situated in the community and my son integrated into the school. So, I give my time back to Purple Heart to show my love and appreciation to them by volunteering here in many ways, like today's event which shows their connection with military families.”
Purple Heart Elementary Veterans Day event photos
Robert R. Rojas Elementary military families were invited to attend a special Veterans Day event Nov. 10 at the school.
“It’s an honor for the school to take some of their time to have us serving or those who are retired here at the school,” said Jose Sifuentes, currently a reserve member in the U.S. Army and a parent of a third-grade student at Robert R. Rojas Elementary. “The event made me feel at home and I made strong connections, which is essential in the military community.”
Claudia Jimenez, a representative from the El Paso Center for Children, was there to facilitate interactive activities for the military parents and veterans.
“It was great to see the families connecting and sharing their real-life experiences with each other,” Jimenez said. “Military families tend to move a lot so having those social connections and a support system is essential.”
Robert Rojas Elementary Veterans Day event photos
Published February 2, 2023
Strategic Direction: Home, School, Community Partnerships