Dr. Armando Martinez, fine arts director, and Candace Printz, assistant fine arts director, in the Socorro Independent School District, have been recognized for advancing fine arts programs and opportunities for students across the district.

The Texas Fine Arts Administrators (TFAA) named Martinez the 2026-2027 Outstanding Fine Arts Administrator of the Year.

This award recognizes Texas fine arts administrators for their support and advocacy of all four strands of fine arts: music, art, dance, and theater. It also honors administrators for ensuring students have equitable access to the arts and for providing teachers with the support and resources to achieve high levels of student achievement.

Martinez will be honored by the Texas Fine Arts Administrators at the Texas Music Educators Association annual convention Feb. 10, 2027, in San Antonio.

“This honor is a reflection of all the great teachers and students of Socorro ISD. I am humbled to be recognized by TFAA and honored to serve our community, teachers, and students of SISD,” Martinez said.

Printz was named the recipient of the 2026 Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Supervision/Administration Award, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to art education through years of service and leadership at the local, state and national levels. The award recognizes recipients for their continued efforts and significant achievements in art education.

Printz will be honored at the annual TAEA Conference Nov. 13 in Galveston.

“We believe that supporting our teachers is the single best way to help our students thrive. Being recognized for this commitment is a true honor, and it fuels our passion to keep championing the arts in our schools,” Printz said.

The recognitions reflect SISD's commitment to providing high-quality fine arts programs and ensuring students have exceptional opportunities to grow and excel through the arts.