Three schools in the Socorro Independent School District were honored with the 2023-2024 Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) Student Leadership Award to honor their outstanding student leadership teams for positive contributions and impact on their school communities.
Jane A. Hambric School, Sgt. Roberto Ituarte Elementary School and Mission Ridge Elementary School earned the recognition from TEPSA, which has been presenting the accolade to deserving student leadership teams since 2018. The SISD campuses were among 105 schools in the state that received the award.
“We are so proud of our student leaders for going above and beyond to serve their community. Leadership matters no matter the age,” said Jonathan Flores, principal of Sgt. Roberto Ituarte Elementary School. “These students worked hard to plan community service projects and still maintain a high academic standing. The future is bright with scholars leading the way in our region!”
TEPSA provides avenues of guidance and enrichment for student council groups in PK-8 schools in Texas. The Student Leadership Award recognizes student leadership teams who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, dedication to their school, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities.
Jane A. Hambric School Principal Ruth Taylor said her school’s student council comprises more than 30 students who strive for fun, engaging and memorable activities, such as spirited and themed STAAR pep rallies, their annual Forever Young senior community service project, and fun-filled dance projects. The Hambric student leaders focus on enhancing school spirit, academic success and community outreach.
“We are honored and grateful to be a recipient of the TEPSA award. Our middle school students worked diligently and rigorously to provide our students and communities with projects that reflect the tenacity and determination of our school,” Taylor said. “Hambric is home to a diverse community of students, and it is an honor to include this wonderful Hawk diversity in all of our projects and endeavors and we graciously accept this award for every single one of our students, not just student council.”
The students on these exceptional student leadership teams serve as role models, inspiring their peers and contributing to the betterment of their schools and beyond.
Mission Ridge Elementary Student Council sponsor Erica Peralta said the Owl community is proud to have earned the student leadership recognition.
“Throughout the school year, our campus student leaders found student council as the perfect opportunity to put their ideas into action. There is heart, compassion, and commitment in our students. These three vital components are what led our hard-working council to want to make a difference in our community,” Peralta said. “We will continue to mentor our young Owls to become catalysts for positive change not only in our school, but also in our community.”