(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – December 11, 2024) — The Jefferson Silva High School community has embraced a heartwarming tradition that shines light—literally—on their support for the patients at the El Paso Children’s Hospital. Dubbed the Wave of Love, the tradition began with a simple but profound gesture during football games and has since grown into a symbol of unity and care, exemplifying El Paso ISD's commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and enhancing community engagement.
It all started when Ricardo Rubio, a community member, invited Fred Borrego, a business owner, to experience the unique tradition at a football game. After the first quarter, Rubio and other spectators walked to the end zone, where they waved towards the hospital, letting patients know they were being thought of. The patients, in turn, responded by shining flashlights back from their windows, creating a touching moment of connection.
Inspired by what he saw, Borrego decided to take the tradition a step further. Noticing the hospital’s logo featured a heart, Borrego crafted a heart-shaped sculpture to represent the community’s support. Using donated stainless steel, Borrego modified the piece and, with Rubio’s suggestion, added lights to the sculpture to make it even more special.
“Every home game, everybody runs to the end of the endzone, and we turn on the heart for the hospital,” said Rubio. “Then they light their flashlights back to us, and we do a wave of love. Last year, we decided to put the heart on the third floor of the school during the Christmas holidays and face it toward the hospital.”
The illuminated heart now shines brightly from Jefferson High School during the holidays, visible to the hospital patients every night.
“Every day when it gets dark, the children will be able to go to the windows and they’ll be able to see the heart,” Rubio said. “When they go to sleep, the heart will still be shining a light for them.”
For Rubio and Borrego, the tradition is about more than just a gesture; it’s about ensuring that no one feels forgotten.
“We want to make sure that the parents, the community, and the children are not forgotten,” said Borrego. Principal Edgar Rincon added, “This tradition is a testament to the strong bonds between our school and the surrounding community. It reflects the spirit of compassion and collaboration that we strive to instill in our students every day.”
The connection between Jefferson Silva High School and the nearby hospitals is deeply rooted in the community, showcasing El Paso ISD's focus on fostering collaborative partnerships and whole-child development as part of its Five Levers for strategic success. Many students from Jefferson Silva go on to pursue careers in healthcare, often returning to work in the very hospitals they grew up nearby.
“We have a strong connection with this community,” Rubio explained. “The hospitals are across the street, and a lot of students from Jefferson-Silva become nurses or doctors at those hospitals, so we are all connected.”
As the heart continues to shine this holiday season, the Wave of Love reminds every one of the power of compassion and the importance of letting others know they are cared for, especially during challenging times.
“We just want the patients to know that they’re not forgotten, especially during the holidays,” Rubio said.
MORE PHOTOS: https://episdphotos.smugmug.com/Wave-of-Love-Lighting-of-the-Heart-at-Jefferson-Silva-High