The Socorro Independent School District honored volunteers for contributing more than 121,000 service hours to schools during the 2023-24 school year at the annual spring SISD Volunteer Recognition and Awards luncheon at the Region 19 Education Services Center.
The district recognized the Volunteer of the Year for each school and Parent Group Award Winners as well as the Military Volunteer of the Year, the District Elementary Volunteer of the Year, and the District Secondary Volunteer of the Year winners.
During the April 19 event, SISD Acting Superintendent James Vasquez thanked volunteers for donating their time and talents and for their essential role in helping students and teachers succeed.
“You are the heart of our PTAs and PTOs, booster clubs, fundraising groups, and special committees,” Vasquez said. “You are essential to field trips, holiday events, after school sports, vision and hearing screenings, testing days, and competitions. You are integral to keeping our schools safe and making the campuses warm, inviting environments with decorations.”
The district had 10,590 registered volunteers who contributed 121,397 service hours during the 2023-24 school year, totaling $3.8 million worth of service.
“They come in very early in the morning and leave when that last bell rings or even stay later if there are activities going on after school,” said Rachel Tarango, SISD’s Parent Volunteer Program coordinator. “It is important for us to recognize volunteers for their efforts and their contributions to our schools.”
US Army Specialist Hailey Tognocchi was named Military Volunteer of the Year. Hurshel Antwine Middle School Principal Patricia Fernandez said that Tognocchi, who volunteered at the school, has helped military-connected students feel welcomed.
Tognocchi said spending time at the school was a great opportunity to represent Fort Bliss soldiers, especially since a lot of the students look up to them.
“It feels awesome to help, to volunteer and help these kids, you know, grow,” Tognocchi said. “It’s just an overall great feeling.”
Other winners included Claudia Flores from Vista del sol Environmental Science Academy who received the 2024 Elementary Volunteer of the Year award and Flor Veronica Torres from Ernesto Serna Fine Arts Academy, who was recognized with 2024 Secondary Volunteer of the Year award.
2024 Parent Group Award Winners
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Theta Theta Sigma Alumni Chapter
Socorro High School Football Boosters
Montwood Middle School Herd Dads
Ernesto Serna Fine Arts Academy Wolfpack
Cactus Trails Elementary School CTE Volunteers