(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Mar. 5, 2026) — When El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson launched the Team of Excellence Award in October 2025, his goal was to shine a spotlight on students who go above and beyond in academics, leadership, and service. This week, that spotlight landed on Franklin High School, as senior Alejandro Esparza was officially named a recipient of this prestigious monthly honor.
The award recognizes Alejandro’s extraordinary commitment to his education and his community. Maintaining a position in the top 2% of his graduating class, Alejandro has completed a staggering 24 advanced courses, proving a level of academic drive that is rare even among the highest achievers.
“I nominated Alejandro because of his humble nature,” said School Counselor Aurora Rivera, who has mentored Alejandro throughout his high school journey. “He exemplifies outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service. Beyond his accomplishments, Alejandro is an exceptional young man who has shown maturity, responsibility, and a sincere desire to grow—meeting with me every year to ensure he stayed on a path to success.”
Alejandro’s impact extends far beyond the gradebook. As a leader in organizations such as FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), TSA (Technology Student Association), and VEX Robotics, he has become a fixture in the district’s STEM community. His technical skills in data analysis, engineering, and computer science are matched only by his ability to innovate and uplift his peers in collaborative environments.
For Mayor Johnson, students like Alejandro represent the bright future of the "915." The Team of Excellence Award serves as a reminder that the skills learned in El Paso ISD classrooms, grit, technical mastery, and a heart for service, are the same skills that will drive the city forward.
“Alejandro’s academic drive and his leadership in robotics and engineering made him an outstanding candidate for this honor,” Rivera added. “He is a true reflection of what is possible when a student remains dedicated to excellence and stays focused on their goals.”