The Socorro Independent School District had a ribbon-cutting ceremony in August to celebrate the opening of its 50th school, Ben Narbuth Elementary School.
Ben Narbuth Elementary students, faculty, and staff; SISD principals from the Eastlake feeder area; community members; and other special guests, including Ben Narbuth whom the school his named after, and his family attended the festive event.
Narbuth is a retired Army colonel and was a longtime partner in education in Socorro ISD.
“I’m proud to be a part of this historic moment in Team SISD with all of you, especially Ben Narbuth and his family,” said SISD Superintendent Dr. Nate Carman, Ed.D. “Celebrating 50 schools in SISD is certainly a big deal as it marks the start of another great school community and endless opportunities for many future generations to come.”
Narbuth led the Terrific Kids program, which positively rewarded thousands of students for their exemplary character traits in SISD schools for many years. He, his wife, and their children graciously attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and expressed appreciation for the new campus that bears his name.
“It’s a great honor to be here being recognized by having a school named after me,” Narbuth said.
Ben Narbuth Elementary has a capacity for 800 students and is one part of the Eastlake area combo school, which has been constructed through the Bond 2017 program. Eastlake Middle School is the other portion of the combo school which is scheduled to open in July 2023.
“It was an honor to be here for the ribbon cutting and to meet Col. Ben Narbuth,” said Eduardo Mena, SISD board president. “This area needed the addition of an elementary and middle school immensely to help alleviate the population growth in the area, which has brought an abundance of new students to SISD.”
Mijares-Mora Architects designed the new campus and Banes General Contractors constructed the facility. The new combo school facility will cover more than 294,400 square feet.
Ben Narbuth Elementary School, home of the Jackrabbits, has a modern design with collaborative learning spaces to encourage engaging, cooperative lessons among classes.
The school also has included an outdoor amphitheater, specially designed special education classrooms, and a spacious library with a computer area and makerspace.
Victor O’Hara, a fifth-grade student at Ben Narbuth Elementary, said he was honored to be selected to recite the pledge of allegiance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“When I found out we were celebrating the 50th school I thought that was amazing,” O’Hara said. “It was really exciting to experience being one of the first students at this school.”
The Eastlake High School drumline and cheerleaders provided entertainment for the lively celebration and helped with a countdown for the ribbon cutting.
Ben Narbuth Elementary School ribbon cutting event photos
Published September 28, 2022
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