(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Jan. 30, 2026) — A Canyon Hills Middle School student is being recognized for his creativity and artistic talent after earning first place in an art competition that was hosted by the El Paso Fire Department.
Matthew Perez, a student at Canyon Hills Middle School, took top honors among participating schools in Northeast El Paso. He earned a trophy and other items from EPFD. The Fire Fest competition invited students to create original artwork centered on one of three provided themes and to submit a short-written summary explaining their artistic vision.
“I am really happy about getting this recognition,” said Perez. “Receiving this honor has really motivated me to continue pushing myself and try my best anytime I am faced with a challenge. That’s what I am going to take away from this assignment.”
Perez completed the award-winning piece in his art class under the guidance of Martha Samaniego Calderon, art teacher at Canyon Hills Middle School. Students used a burnishing technique with colored pencils, a method that involves layering and polishing colors to create depth, vibrancy, and a smooth finish.
“We are just the vehicle to showcase the talents of our students,” said Samaniego Calderon. “El Paso needs to know about this because we really have talented students here in our district.”
The art competition highlights student creativity while promoting community engagement and fire safety awareness. Projects from schools across the Northeast region were evaluated based on creativity, technique, and how well the artwork reflected the selected theme.
El Paso ISD congratulates Matthew Perez and Canyon Hills Middle School on this achievement and celebrates the dedication of its educators who continue to inspire student excellence through the arts.