(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – July 15, 2026) — El Paso ISD students are earning national recognition for their research, creativity, leadership, and academic achievements while representing their schools and community across the country.

Throughout the summer, students from across the district participated in national competitions and programs that challenged them to showcase their skills, explore their interests, and compete alongside some of the nation’s top student leaders. 

Chapin High School sophomore Wesley Vo represented El Paso ISD at the Technology Student Association (TSA) National Conference in Washington, D.C., earning second place in the nation in Promotional Design. A student in the Chapin Pre-Engineering Magnet program, Vo competed against students from across the United States and internationally, including participants from Germany, South Korea, and Turkey. 

“Being able to see Wesley’s hard work not only be showcased on the national stage, but also being awarded second place in the nation is incredible,” said Cody Logsdon, instructor at Chapin High School. “We are very proud of the hard work he has dedicated to this event, and also the leadership he exhibits for our chapter.”

Students from Andress High School and Hornedo Middle School also represented El Paso ISD at the National History Day National Contest at the University of Maryland, College Park, where more than 3,000 students from across the country presented original research projects.

Andress High School students Abel Castañon, Matthew Rodriguez, and Giuliana Williams earned the distinction of representing Texas with their project, Sanitation and Sovereignty: Reaction, Revolution, and Reform in the 1917 El Paso Bath Riots, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. 

Hornedo Middle School students Wanqing Cao, Angel Tosh, and Ethan Po also competed at the national event with projects focused on global history topics. The students were guided by their campus educators throughout their research and preparation. 

Burges High School seniors Adan Mena and Ezra Vega were accepted into the National History Academy, a selective four-week residential program that brings students together from across the country to study American history through classroom learning, research, and visits to significant historical locations. 

Franklin High School also represented El Paso ISD at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Richmond, Virginia. Seven students qualified for the national competition, the most representatives from an El Paso school. Sophomore Isabella Shiel advanced to the quarterfinals and was the only student from West Texas to reach that level.