Three exceptional students from the Socorro Independent School District have been honored with Mayor Renard Johnson’s Team of Excellence award by the City of El Paso.
Kinsley Swartz, a first-grader from Cactus Trails Elementary School, received the award in October. In February, Robin Mota, a fifth grader at Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School, and her brother, Oliver Mota, a sixth grader at Col. John O. Ensor Middle School, were also recognized.
The award celebrates outstanding El Paso students from elementary, middle, and high schools each month for their achievements in academics, leadership, community service, and other areas.
“It gives an opportunity for me to come out and recognize a kid or a child or even a high school student for just going above and beyond in their school studies,” Johnson said.
Nominations for the award are submitted by teachers, coaches and community leaders who wish to recognize students for their hard work and dedication.
Swartz was diagnosed with pulmonary valve stenosis and a ventricular septal defect, both of which are congenital heart defects, and bravely overcame the challenges of heart surgery at a young age.
Johnson wrote on X about Swartz, “Her strength, positivity, and determination shine through in everything she does!”
Robin Mota was recognized for her invention, ThermoGuard, a bracelet that changes color based on body temperature. Her invention won first place in the engineering category at the district’s elementary science fair in November, and she was also one of three individual sweepstakes winners.
In addition to being a straight-A student, Robin Mota is active on her school’s student council, participates in UIL competitions, and speaks English, Spanish and French.
Robin Mota’s advice to other students is: “Keep helping the community, keep listening to your teachers, to your parents, and like really keep being excellent.”
Oliver Mota was honored for going above and beyond to support his sister's invention. Together, they have started a business selling ThermoGuards. In addition to being on the A honor roll, Oliver excels in his school’s Gifted and Talented Program.
“I feel great that our sister also got it and that we're doing really good in school and being a good person,” Oliver Mota said.
This was the first time that Johnson recognized siblings with his award.
“It’s a really, really good feeling to know that our youth are doing what they're doing. And I mean, sky's the limit for him and his sister and a lot of the young folks that are in this room today,” Johnson said.
Mayor’s Team of Excellence Award at Cactus Trails event photos
Mayor’s Team of Excellence Award at Dr. Sue A. Shook event photos
Mayor’s Team of Excellence Award at Col. John O. Ensor event photos