(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — April 9, 2026) — High in the foothills of the Franklin Mountains, the iconic "Star on the Mountain" shines as a symbol of El Paso pride. Now, two El Paso High School juniors are helping that star shine even brighter through the pages of a new bilingual children’s book that celebrates the heart and soul of the borderland.
The book, titled Reaching for the Star, is a collaboration that spans generations and classrooms. Written by veteran educator and Bowie High School alumnus Jaime Sanchez Gallegos, the story found its visual life thanks in part to El Paso High School students.
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When Sanchez Gallegos discovered an old story file on his computer, he initially considered using Artificial Intelligence to illustrate the book and bring it to life. However, his daughter, Mariel Sanchez, and her best friend, Sophia Cervantes, both juniors at El Paso High, had a different vision.
“They were like, ‘No!’” Sanchez Gallegos laughed. The students insisted that a story about El Paso deserved the authentic touch of El Paso artists.
Mariel, who served as the book’s editor and cover designer, utilized her passion for grammar and writing to polish her father’s prose. Meanwhile, Sophia took on the role of lead illustrator, creating a world where two local protagonists navigate the streets of El Paso, using their bilingual skills to solve problems and explore landmarks like Scenic Drive.
For the young creators, the book is about more than just pretty pictures; it’s about cultural reclamation.
“I think it’s really important, especially right now,” Sophia Cervantes said. “A lot of people nowadays are afraid of embracing their culture. There’s a lot of generational shame that comes with learning both languages, and people saying you’re not enough. I think it’s good to embrace your culture and the languages that you know; don’t be ashamed of it.”
The book, written in both English and Spanish, mirrors the real-world experience of two children growing up in El Paso who navigate a dual-language world every day. It’s a narrative Sanchez Gallegos was determined to keep authentic to the border experience he has known throughout his life.
The journey of Reaching for the Star is a testament to the K-12 pipeline of success within El Paso ISD. Mariel began her academic journey at Crockett Elementary, while Sophia started at Paul Moreno Elementary.
Earlier this year, the duo returned to their elementary roots by reading the book to students at Lamar Elementary.
“One day we were those kids getting read to, and now we’re doing the same thing,” Mariel Sanchez said. “It’s a full circle moment. The kids really paid attention and were so engaged. It helped our confidence to know that we can really do this.”
Whether it’s Mariel’s goal of entering Marketing and Advertising or Sophia’s dreams of becoming a professional painter and graphic designer, El Paso ISD provides the platform for students to test-drive their careers today.