About 200 Socorro Independent School District students presented the digital content they created, showcasing how they incorporated technology in the classroom during the 8th Annual Academic Technology Showcase on Feb. 13.
In celebration of National Digital Learning Day, this year’s theme, "Tech Palooza - The Future is Now," highlighted the convergence of imagination and technology through student-led projects. Additionally, the event honored Crystal Candelaria from Salvador H. Sanchez Middle School as the first Ed Tech Educator in recognition of her outstanding commitment to enhancing student learning through the integration of technology.
“Students get an opportunity to come and showcase their work, their projects, their interests that have been driven by the technology that we make available,” said Miguel Moreno, SISD Coordinator for Instructional Technology. “Our students and teachers get an opportunity to also showcase how they’re tying in the technology to the learning that's happening every day.”
The showcase welcomed students from all grade levels to participate in app and digital video challenges. The competitions not only highlighted their technology skills but also emphasized the importance of creativity, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork—skills essential for success in today's digital world.
Pebble Hills High School senior Kandice Gutierrez and her partner Maritza Castro-Perales won first place in the video challenge high school division.
Their video focused on the evolution of home movies, tracing their development from film reels to their modern use in cell phones.
“It feels amazing!” Gutierrez said about participating in the showcase for the first time. “I love it so much. I think that it gives me one foot in the door when it comes to going to college and stuff like that.”
Jazly Dominguez’s daughter, Kaylani Alvarez, and her teammate, Luka Montanez, from Col. Ben Narbuth Elementary School, developed an app to ease traffic congestion around school and streamline the pickup process. The first graders won first place in the 1st-2nd grade division of the app challenge.
“We thought about it in our brain, and it just popped up to us,” Alvarez said. “I’m just excited for people to see my app.”
Dominguez said she fully supports her daughter’s interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She helped Alvarez prepare for her presentation to the judges.
“She's actually very interested,” Dominguez said. “If we have to practice, she knows what she has to say, and I just role play, and it’s not hard at all. I guess her interest in it makes it smooth. And it's interesting for me as well seeing her, so I guess we're both learning.”
The event also featured a Tech Palooza Playground, a Drone Maze and the BUZZinga playground, further highlighting the innovative ways the district is leveraging technology in education.
2024-25 Academic Technology Showcase Winners
Video Challenge Winners
1st Place
Elementary School Division – Campestre Elementary School
Middle School Division – Hurshel Antwine Middle School
High School Division – Pebble Hills High School
2nd Place
Elementary School Division – Lujan-Chavez Elementary School
Middle School Division – Spec. Rafael Hernando III Middle School
High School Division – Socorro High School
3rd Place
Elementary School Division – Paso del Norte Fine Arts Academy
Middle School Division – John Drugan School
High School Division – Montwood High School
App Challenge Winners
1st Place
Elementary School Division
1st-2nd grade- Col. Ben Narbuth Elementary School
3rd- 5th grade- Sierra Vista STEAM Academy
Middle School Division – Salvador H. Sanchez Middle School
High School Division – Montwood High School
2nd Place
Elementary School Division
1st-2nd grade-Ernesto Serna Fine Arts Academy
3rd- 5th grade- Escontrias STEAM Academy
Middle School Division – Ernesto Serna Fine Arts Academy
3rd Place
Elementary School Division
1st-2nd grade-Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy
3rd- 5th grade- Sgt. Jose F. Carrasco Elementary School
Middle School –SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle School
SISD Ed Tech Educator Award
Crystal Candelaria, CTE teacher, Salvador H. Sanchez Middle School