Ruben Escajeda, a senior at Socorro Early College (SEC) High School, is set to take the stage at the Don Haskins Center for the second time in less than a year. The first time was in December 2025 when he proudly earned an associate degree in multidisciplinary studies from El Paso Community College. In June, this college graduate will return to the stage to accept his high school diploma.
Ruben’s remarkable achievement also marks a historic milestone for the district. He is officially the 3,000th student in the Socorro Independent School District to earn an associate degree through the district’s successful early college partnership with El Paso Community College. His accomplishment highlights SISD's commitment to providing exceptional opportunities and preparing students for higher education and future careers.
“It was definitely a really great experience,” Ruben said about crossing the stage at his college graduation. For a moment, he forgot that he was still in high school.
“I was definitely nervous. I just remember having to take a little bit to take everything in. And then it was really nice at the Don Haskins Center, seeing everything. But it took me a while to see my parents. I couldn't find them,” Ruben added with a laugh.
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments, Ruben was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Socorro ISD Board of Trustees regular meeting in February 2026.
Socorro ISD’s early college high school program allows students to earn a high school diploma and up to 60 college credit hours or an associate degree through EPCC at the same time. SISD has the most early college high schools in the region, with programs at all six of its comprehensive high schools, as well as at Mission Early College High School. Tuition, fees, and textbooks are provided at no cost, saving families significant money on higher education.
The early college program at Socorro High School started 10 years ago, and since then, 266 students have graduated.
“I think it's definitely convenient because it saved me those two years of getting my associate's degree,” Ruben said. “I think it just opens the door to new opportunities that will allow me to pursue my career. Not only faster, but I'd say at a better pace.”
Although Ruben admits that balancing high school and college courses was challenging and often required personal sacrifices, he still managed to excel academically, ranking in the top 5% of his class and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Outside the classroom, Ruben played left tackle for the Bulldogs football team since his freshman year. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and participates in Socorro Early College’s Espirit De Corps leadership program.
He credits his early college experience not only with helping him academically but also with helping him discover his future career path. His interest in nursing began after taking a biology class, where he found a passion for science and helping others. Additionally, listening to his mother, a nurse, share stories about caring for her patients further influenced his decision.
His parents were thrilled when he graduated from college. They have been strong supporters of his college journey from the beginning.
“We didn't have a doubt in our mind that he would be able to do it,” said Graciela Escajeda, Ruben’s mom, who works as a nurse at H.D. Hilley Elementary School.
“The whole reason why we've pushed him so hard to work on his grades is that we know that if he reaches high academic success, then he'll be rewarded with scholarships and acceptance to whatever colleges he wants. If you aim as high as you can, then doors open for you.”
Ruben’s success is already inspiring his other family members. His younger brother is currently enrolled in the early college program, and Ruben says he would encourage his other two siblings to join as well.
“I think that's really great for them too, because it allows them to discover new things that they want to do, that they didn't previously think about before,” Ruben said. “Like my freshman year, I wanted to be in law enforcement, but then after I was a little more in early college, I changed my endorsement to be a nurse.”
In addition to advising his siblings, he mentors freshmen through the STEP-UP program, helping ninth graders adjust to the expectations and challenges of early‑college coursework.
“He’s definitely a model student that we want here at our campus to represent us,” said Erica O. Monarrez, SEC director and assistant principal at Socorro High School. “It’s exciting to see that his hard work has been paying off and that people are going to recognize him for that.”
Ruben admits it feels “a little weird” to already have a college degree, but he is proud of what he has accomplished through the Early College High School program. He has received a scholarship to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he will begin his studies as a junior this fall, enabling him to complete his bachelor’s degree faster than traditional students.
“It's a great program. It'll let you get ahead, but it also opens the door to a lot of opportunities,” Ruben said.