(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Mar. 11, 2026) — In the high-stakes world of competitive science and mathematics, one El Paso ISD campus is proving that excellence isn't just a goal, it’s a tradition. For the third consecutive year, the "Mavericks" of Transmountain Early College High School (TMECHS) have been crowned Regional Champions in the National Science Bowl.
The victory, secured during a grueling regional tournament in February, clears the way for a TMECHS team to advance to the National Science Bowl Finals in Washington, D.C., this spring. Managed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the competition is one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious STEM academic events, involving more than 10,000 students annually.
The Science Bowl follows a fast-paced, "jeopardy-style" Q&A format that challenges students in biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math. TMECHS entered the regional field with ten dedicated students, all of whom faced off against the top teams from across the Doña Ana region.
"The regional competition was exceptionally competitive," said teacher and coach Frankie Reyes. "After several intense rounds of academic challenge, our team emerged as Regional Champions. I am incredibly proud of all ten students who represented our school with academic excellence, determination, and Maverick pride."
While ten students competed regionally, a select group of five Mavericks has earned the honor of representing El Paso on the national stage. Trager Simpson, David Flores, Adan Garcia, Dominic Hufft, and Helena Pham will travel to the nation’s capital from April 30 to May 4, 2026.
The all-expenses-paid trip, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, provides these students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete against the brightest young minds in the country. Since the competition's inception in 1991, only a fraction of the 340,000 participants have reached the National Finals.
The National Science Bowl was created to encourage students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these critical fields. As TMECHS prepares for the finals, their success serves as a powerful reminder of the high-level research and academic talent brewing within El Paso ISD.
"These students are addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time through their dedication to science," Reyes added. "This is a tremendous achievement and opportunity."