(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Feb. 20, 2026) — In the auditorium at Crockett Elementary Fine Arts Academy, the lights dim and a young student steps onto the stage.
For a moment, fear flickers across their face.
Then, they take a breath and begin.
“I have seen students who were once very shy step onto the stage to perform, even though they were clearly nervous and afraid,” said Drama teacher Mayra Chavez-Lopez. “At first, you can see the fear in their eyes, but they choose to be brave and do it anyway. Afterward, many of them realize it wasn’t as scary as they imagined. That moment of courage becomes a tremendous growth experience for them.”
Those instances of bravery are happening more often at Crockett Elementary, which launched its Fine Arts Academy in 2025. The campus has transformed daily learning into a creative journey through music, drama, dance, visual arts, and digital media.
For some students, the stage has become a place of discovery.
One of them is West Arcia.
“One of the coolest experiences has been building new friendships in Drama Club while practicing for our upcoming performance of Finding Nemo,” West shared. “It made performing even more fun and meaningful.”
West says the academy helped uncover a talent he didn’t know he had.
“I discovered that I really enjoy performing,” he said. “Competing in UIL Storytelling and serving as a narrator in the Día de los Muertos performance helped me realize I enjoy public speaking and acting.”
For Chavez-Lopez, stories like West’s are exactly the point.
“Since the academy launched, I’ve watched students who struggled in traditional classroom settings truly find their voice through Drama,” she said. “They begin to build confidence, express themselves more freely, and take healthy risks. Teaching Drama at an early age gives them valuable tools to face life’s challenges.”
That growth is especially meaningful in a community as diverse as Crockett’s.
Located near Fort Bliss and the U.S.-Mexico border, the campus serves a predominantly Hispanic student population, including many English learners.
“Through performance, improvisation, and storytelling, students begin to make English their own,” Chavez-Lopez explained. “They are not just learning vocabulary — they are using the language to communicate emotions, ideas, and personal experiences.”
Students often draw from their own traditions and family stories during performances, creating a space where culture is celebrated and every voice matters.
Research supports what educators at Crockett are witnessing firsthand. Studies have shown that arts education can help improve focus, build social-emotional skills, and even boost academic achievement. National research has also found that students with high levels of arts involvement are more likely to graduate and enroll in college.
But for Crockett educators, the impact feels personal.
“As an educator, my ultimate dream is that students leave Crockett knowing they are capable of great things,” Chavez-Lopez said. “I want them to carry the confidence to face challenges, take risks, and believe in their own potential.”
For West, that confidence is already taking shape.
“I would love to be a professional athlete, actor, or singer one day,” he said. “Being part of drama and music at Crockett is helping me build the confidence, skills, and stage experience I’ll need to reach those goals.”
Crockett Elementary first opened its doors in 1920. More than a century later, the school continues to evolve to meet the needs of its community while honoring its history and embracing innovation.
To discover how Crockett Elementary Fine Arts Academy is inspiring the next generation of artists, visit Crockett Elementary Fine Arts Academy.