The Socorro Independent School District celebrated the outstanding individuals and businesses whose dedication and support bring the spirit of Team SISD to life at the 2026 SISD Partners in Education Recognition event.
More than a dozen Partners in Education were honored at the annual luncheon on April 24 at the Student Activities Complex (SAC) II. The top two awards were given to the 2 BEB 3ABCT Bravo/Echo Company at El Dorado High School, named the Business Partner of the Year, and Karla Meraz from Vista Del Sol Environmental Science Academy, who received the School Partnership of the Year award.
Meraz, a parent liaison, was recognized for her successful collaboration with the El Paso Directory. Although she had been in this role for only a year, her efforts had already made a significant impact.
“I really love my job. It feels amazing. I'm very excited,” Meraz said after receiving the award.
SISD is proud to collaborate with over 200 businesses, nonprofits, agencies and organizations through its Partners in Education Program.
Capt. Casey Vreeland, Company Commander of HHC 2nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, accepted the Business Partner award on behalf of the 2 BEB 3ABCT Bravo/Echo Company.
Vreeland said he was honored to receive the award recognizing his unit's work with students at El Dorado High School, either by engaging with them in the classroom or by playing games on Warrior Wednesdays.
“I was pretty honored because I didn't expect to get this award because I'm not able to make it out here as much as I want to, but the ability for me to make sure that people show up to these things and put in the hours to interact with these kids, it’s a great feeling,” Vreeland said.
2026 Team SISD Honor Roll winners
Abundant Church
EP Dentistry 4 Kids
Theta Delta Lambda Chapter Of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
America’s Best Karate
Chick-Fil-A
Texas Kids Dental
The El Paso Elks Lodge #187
Peter Piper Pizza
Smoothie King
West Texas Driving Academy
The Fort Bliss Division Sustainment Troops Battalion
Education Empowerment Award winners
Grand Canyon University
Aloha Foods LLC
Five Below
Business Partner of the Year
2 BEB 3ABCT Bravo/Echo Company, El Dorado High School
School Partnership of the Year
Karla Meraz, Vista Del Sol Environmental Science Academy