A decade after embarking on their educational journey through the "College Begins in Kindergarten" initiative, graduating seniors from the Socorro Independent School District returned to Campestre Elementary School on April 30 to celebrate a significant milestone.

As the first school adopted by El Paso Community College through the program, Campestre welcomed back members of its 2014 kindergarten class, who were honored by SISD and EPCC for their academic achievements, with many students earning their associate degrees before graduating from high school.

“It was honestly really important,” said Andrea Caballero about pursuing a college education. She graduated from Socorro Early College High School with an associate degree from EPCC and planned to pursue a career in law enforcement in college.

“… My parents, none of them went to college. They both have their diplomas. That's about it. And like I said in my speech, it means the world to me,” Caballero added, reflecting on the importance of earning her college degree.

EPCC adopted and proclaimed Campestre Elementary School as a College Bound School during a flag-raising ceremony at the campus on Oct. 21, 2013. The event marked the launch of EPCC’s Elementary School Adoption Program, created to increase college-readiness awareness among elementary students and parents and to foster a college-going culture through the “College Begins in Kindergarten” initiative.

Sixty students were recognized at a special ceremony at the school, where they received commemorative certificates.

EPCC President William Serrata highlighted the importance of the seniors serving as role models for current Campestre students.

“It's really important for them, not only for the college and the district to see their success, but for them to be role models for the elementary school students here at Campestre,” Serrata said. “You go back to where you came from so they can see your success, and they can see you as role models and try to emulate what you have done.”

During the ceremony, SISD Superintendent James Vasquez told the students that by being motivated to pursue higher education as kindergarteners, they were now writing their next chapter of success as they graduated from high school.

“Whether your path leads you to EPCC, another college or university, the workforce, or service to your community, you are prepared because you were encouraged early, challenged often and supported always,” Vasquez said.

Following the ceremony, students participated in a “Walk the Halls” event, where they toured their elementary school and reflected on their educational journey from kindergarten to graduation.

They were greeted by current kindergarteners who lined the halls, cheering for the graduates.

“I remember doing the exact same thing when I was in kindergarten, watching all the other graduates walk the halls, and now it's weird to be the one walking the halls,” said Ashley Miranda, who graduated from Socorro Early College High School in June and planned to continue her education at The University of Texas at El Paso in the fall.

She carried her gown from her kindergarten graduation ceremony. Looking back, she never imagined she would be pursuing a career as a police officer.

“As far as I knew, when I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be a princess,” Miranda said.

Caballero said the event brought back memories of the flag-raising ceremony and the cheerleaders who performed that day.

She also remembered going on a field trip to EPCC’s Valle Verde Campus later that year.

“I remember going to Valle Verde, seeing like all the schools and the classrooms there and how things work and how they have so many resources for you,” Caballero said.

Kindergarten teacher Josefina Ramirez became emotional as she looked at many of her former students. She remembered encouraging them to believe in themselves so they could attend college one day.

“It's just fantastic to know that they've pursued that goal that once started as a conversation, and now they’re back again at the campus, and it’s just amazing,” Ramirez said.

Click here to watch a video of this story on SISD-TV News.

Campestre Elementary School’s first College Begins in Kindergarten class event photos