(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Sept. 25, 2025) — Franklin High School students roared with pride Thursday night after being named the winners of El Paso ISD’s first-ever Attendance Battle, edging out rival Coronado High School in a spirited contest that highlighted the importance of showing up every day.
From Sept. 22–24, both campuses went head-to-head to see which school could post the highest attendance percentage. The results were revealed during the Franklin vs. Coronado football game, where Franklin was awarded the campaign’s first-ever Attendance Championship Belt.
“This friendly competition lit a spark on our campus,” said Franklin Principal Amanda Bowser. “Our students and staff rallied together to make attendance a priority, and we are so proud of their effort. Winning the belt is exciting, but what matters most is showing our Cougars that being in school every day helps them succeed.”
The Attendance Battle is part of El Paso ISD’s Right Here. Right Now. Because… campaign, a districtwide initiative designed to build a stronger culture of attendance.
The competition between Franklin and Coronado is just one of many efforts underway. Earlier this month, El Paso ISD launched its attendance campaign with a telethon and Operation Search, where staff visited homes across the city to re-engage families. Future phases will feature more friendly competitions, recognition for students and classrooms with top attendance, and community partnerships to reward students for showing up.
The belt will remain at Franklin until the next Attendance Battle, where another campus will have the chance to challenge for bragging rights, and continue driving home the message that attendance is the foundation of student success.