(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Dec. 18, 2025) — Students and staff from Franklin and Coronado High Schools came together on December 11 to bring holiday joy to the Aoy Elementary School community as part of their annual Holiday Blessings initiative.
The longstanding tradition, now more than 15 years strong, brings together the two high school communities to “adopt” an elementary campus and provide students with personalized holiday gifts. This year, Franklin and Coronado selected Aoy Elementary, distributing more than 300 gifts to students.
Gifts included pajamas, blankets, backpacks, socks, toys, and other essentials tailored to each student’s needs and wishes.
“Sometimes the students ask for a new backpack or even things like a bike and we try to make their holiday wish come true,” said Natalie Mendoza, Student Activities Manager at Coronado High School. “Every year it is a challenge to collect these gifts, but we are always thankful to everyone who helps us make the holiday season special for the kids in our community.”
Students from both high schools played a hands-on role in organizing, wrapping, and delivering the gifts.
“We wrapped all the gifts, and it took us all night, but we got it done and we’re here to distribute them to all the students,” said Abigail Alaniz, a senior at Franklin High School. “We don’t let them open the gifts until Christmas Day. We get them excited by asking what they think is inside, so they have something special to look forward to.”
Alaniz said the event highlights the power of collaboration, even between friendly rivals.
“We do this every year because even though Franklin and Coronado are rivals, we come together during the holiday season,” she said. “This is one of the best times of the year, and we want everyone to experience a joyful holiday break.”
The Holiday Blessings initiative reflects El Paso ISD’s commitment to community engagement, collaboration, and whole-child development. In addition to supporting families during the holiday season, the event provides high school students with meaningful leadership opportunities and reinforces the importance of service.
Through initiatives like Holiday Blessings, EPISD continues to foster connections between campuses and build a stronger, more compassionate school community—one gift at a time.