On a night dedicated to love, military families in the Socorro Independent School District were celebrated during SISD’s inaugural Military Ball on Feb. 14. This event honored the sacrifices and contributions of service members and their families, highlighting their dedication and resilience.
Couples wore their finest attire and danced the night away to the lively music of DJ Rios in El Paso Community College’s auditorium, creating lasting memories on the most romantic evening of the year.
“It looks like, I would say this was like the 10th annual (military ball),” said Jamecia Lewis, whose husband, Antonio Lewis, is an aviation senior sergeant in the US Army. Three of their four children attend SISD schools.
“I'm sure you know this is exactly what our military balls look like, so you guys did a great job,” Jamecia Lewis added.
Dr. Carmen Olivas-Graham, SISD director of Administrative Services, said the ball was just one of many ways the district shows its love for the nearly 7,000 military-connected students and their families. Forty-nine out of 50 SISD schools have been designated as Purple Star campuses by the Texas Education Agency, recognizing the district's commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
“The military community don’t really have families many times here in the El Paso area. So, when there are special days like today, we thought it would be nice to bring them together because they really are each other's family,” Olivas-Graham said.
The event was also an opportunity for community partners with Socorro ISD to show their support for military families on this special occasion. Several organizations donated their services, including EPCC, BSN, DJ Rios, Coach K's Photography, Aloha and Coca-Cola.
Various SISD programs helped organize the event, including the El Dorado NJROTC, Montwood High School, military liaisons, Little Scholars Academy, Career and Technology Education, the SISD Public Relations Department and the Volunteer Sports Program. Super Chef catered the evening's dinner.
First Sergeant Alex Mediano said the ball was one way for him to strengthen his connection to the district. His three children attend Bill Sybert School, Montwood Middle School and Montwood High School.
“I came with my spouse, and then I got my kids' two aunts here. So, basically, we're just here to spend some time together (and) get to know others around the community within the school district,” Mediano said.
Jamecia Lewis and her family moved to El Paso in August 2025. Her children attend El Dorado High School, Hurshel Antwine Middle School and Chester E. Jordan Elementary School. Lewis is grateful to the staff for making their transition to new schools smooth. She especially appreciates how the schools take the time to celebrate her children’s accomplishments, particularly her son at Hurshel Antwine, who has been recognized for earning good grades.
“I think Socorro does a great job. I think they never miss an opportunity to celebrate my children,” Jamecia Lewis said.