(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Sept. 11, 2025) — The El Paso Independent School District honored the heroes and victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks with its annual commemoration ceremony, marking the 24th anniversary of the tragic day that changed the course of U.S. history.
This year’s ceremony held special significance with the participation of Garrison Commander Colonel Michael V. Soyka of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Bliss. He is also an ex-officio member of the El Paso ISD Board of Trustees. Colonel Soyka, who assumed command in August, addressed students, staff and community members gathered outside the El Paso ISD Administrative Office.
Earlier in the morning, Colonel Soyka joined Fort Bliss firefighters and participated in a 110-flight stair climb to honor the first responders, service members and civilians lost on 9/11 and in the subsequent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Other Fort Bliss soldiers participated in a similar event at the University of Texas at El Paso.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS: El Paso ISD 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
“Colonel Soyka’s presence reminds us of the close bond between Fort Bliss and our El Paso community,” said Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre. “His words inspired those in attendance to understand not only the sacrifices made on 9/11, but also the importance of service, resilience and unity as values that guide us forward.”
The ceremony began at 9 a.m. and featured student participation. El Paso High School JROTC cadet, Antonio Medrano, helped narrate the ceremony, with classmate Shalom Sosa singing the National Anthem. Other members of the El Paso High School JROTC presented the colors. Student musicians Giovanni Luevano, and Samuel Mendez of Franklin High School performed a moving rendition of “Taps,” and Emma Ruz of Burges High School played the drums.
Staff members also participated in the event with EPISD Fine Arts Facilitator, Erin Evans, singing her rendition of “God Bless America.”
El Paso ISD’s annual 9/11 ceremony serves as both a tribute to the lives lost and a living lesson for students. The event reinforces the importance of remembering history while empowering the next generation to uphold the values of courage, unity and service.