John Drugan School eighth grader Amelia Martinez was recognized with the Mayor’s Team of Excellence Award, becoming the fourth student from Socorro Independent School District to receive the honor.
El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson surprised Martinez on April 23 with the recognition for her achievements in academics, community service and athletics.
“She's just a stellar student here at John Drugan School, and I wanted to come out and recognize her and bring her to the Mayor's Team of Excellence,” Johnson said.
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.
“I think it’s important that these kids are recognized, they’re seen,” Johnson said. “We let them know that the City of El Paso recognizes all the hard work that they put in to be straight-A students, to do so good in school and to be good role models.”
Martinez said she was overwhelmed by the surprise presentation, which included her family and friends.
“It was such an overwhelming experience,” Martinez said. “I never thought something like this, this amount of recognition, would happen. It means so much to me.”
Martinez said she has worked hard to do her best in school and give back to her community.
The straight-A student was in the National Junior Honor Society and Student Council and played several sports, including volleyball, basketball, soccer and track. She will start her freshman year at Americas High School this fall.
She hopes the recognition shines a light on other students who work hard in their schools and communities.
“I feel so recognized, and there's so many more students like me out there who are hardworking and dedicated to doing what they love,” Martinez said.
Johnson said he plans to continue recognizing outstanding students from school districts across El Paso during his tenure in office.
“As long as I’m in office, I will go out and recognize kids from across all the districts that are going above and beyond to help the community and do good in school,” Johnson said.