Texas History Day Competition

(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — June 30, 2025) — El Paso ISD is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of students who competed in the 2025 Texas History Day competition, a prestigious academic event held earlier this spring at the University of Texas at Austin. Though some time has passed since the event in April, the accomplishments of these students are timeless and well worth recognizing.

MORE PHOTOS: El Paso ISD Students at UT Austin for Texas History Day

Texas History Day CompetitionThis year, 52 talented El Paso ISD students participated in Texas History Day, showcasing their research, creativity, and academic excellence in a variety of categories. The event is the state-level affiliate of National History Day (NHD), one of the nation’s most respected academic competitions for students in grades 6–12. More than 65,000 students across Texas join over half a million nationwide each year to present original projects that bring history to life.

El Paso ISD Students Who Earned Statewide Recognition:

Fourth Place – Junior Division Group Performance

“The Story of Manzanar, Bounded by Barbed Wire, Drowned in Injustice”

Students: Ifeomachi Ezewuiro, Luciana Rosales, Abigail DeVora, Paulina Torres, & Yuli Tomita

School: Hornedo Middle School

Teacher: Kristen Shaver

Fourth Place – Junior Division Individual Exhibit

“Downwinders”

Student: Ellie Smith

School: Hornedo Middle School

Teacher: Austin Menchaca

Best in Region Award – Paper Entry

Student: Temi Aduroja

School: Hornedo Middle School

Teacher: Kristen Shaver

Outstanding Regional Entry Award for West Texas – Documentaries

Students: Lynda Lou Valerio, Penelope Feldman, and Natalie Clancy

School: Burges High School

Teacher: Adalberto Guerrero

Special Prize for Maritime Projects – Junior Division Paper

“Sunk: The Hidden History of the RMS Titanic”

Student: Zenia Martinez

School: Wiggs Middle School

Teacher: Jeanaline Celis

Mary Austin Holley Women’s History Award – Senior Division (Websites and Performances)

“Road to Reproductive Rights: How Roe v. Wade Shaped the Rights of Women and Challenged National Responsibility”

Students: Gonzague Saldana-Ceberio, Indira Johnson, Jack Nance, and Zuzeth Gonzalez

School: El Paso High School

Teacher: Greg Cannon

Congratulations to all the participants, teachers, and families who made this journey possible. Your work honors the power of history and the bright future ahead.