Four outstanding administrators from the Socorro Independent School District have been recognized by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) for their exceptional campus leadership and commitment to student success.
Americas High School Principal Nancy Torres and Montwood Middle School Principal Dr. Melissa Saenz were named Region 19 Outstanding Principals of the Year.
In addition, Ileana Castillo, assistant principal of Sun Ridge Middle School, and Edith Ortiz, assistant principal of Americas High School, were selected as Region 19 Outstanding Assistant Principals of the Year.
The TASSP Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Program recognizes exemplary campus leaders across Texas who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication and service to their schools and communities. Recipients are nominated and selected by their peers from the state's 20 Education Service Center regions. Nominations are based upon exemplary performance and outstanding leadership.
Nancy Torres has been an educator for 23 years and has served as principal of Americas High School for the past five years. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including lead counselor at Montwood High School, middle school principal and assistant principal at Americas High School.
Torres said she views the award as a celebration of the school team's collective efforts and shared commitment to serving students and pursuing excellence.
“As a principal, my greatest reward is seeing students grow, receive their graduation diploma, and discover their potential. Being selected for this honor reinforces the importance of servant leadership,” Torres said. “It motivates me to continue advocating for public education and supporting the outstanding work happening in our schools.”
Dr. Melissa Saenz began her career as a high school science and intervention teacher in 2007 before serving as an instructional coach and joining SISD's administrative team in 2016. She has spent the past 10 years supporting school communities as an assistant principal and principal.
“Receiving the honor of being named TASSP Region 19 Principal of the Year is truly humbling. I am appreciative of TASSP for acknowledging the expertise, hard work, and direct role principals play in shaping our society's future. While my name may be attached to this recognition, it reflects the collective work of our students, educators, families, district, and community,” Saenz said.
Ileana Castillo joined SISD in 2004 and has been an educator for 22 years. She said the award highlights the collaborative efforts of students, staff and families.
“Receiving this honor is truly humbling. It means so much because it reflects the impact we make together as a school community. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, support our teachers, and work alongside such dedicated colleagues. This recognition inspires me to continue leading with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to helping every student and educator succeed,” Castillo said.
An educator for 19 years, Edith Ortiz joined SISD in 2008 and has served as an assistant principal at Americas High School for the past nine years. She currently also serves as the Trailblazers Early College director and Blazers P-TECH director.
She said the award reflects the collective efforts of the students, teachers, staff, families and administrators she has worked alongside throughout her career.
“I am especially grateful to be part of the Americas High School and Socorro ISD communities, where collaboration, innovation, and commitment to student success drive everything we do. This honor inspires me to continue serving our students and supporting opportunities that help them reach their full potential,” Ortiz said.
Regional winners were recognized during the Jostens Night of the Stars Awards Dinner presented in conjunction with the TASSP Summer Workshop in June. Each was presented with an award and recognized in a commemorative Summer Workshop yearbook.