Anaya Tonde wins El Paso ISD Regional Spelling Bee representing Maseta Elementary

During the recent El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees meeting held on March 18, 2025, several noteworthy achievements by local students and teams were recognized, highlighting the district's commitment to excellence in education and extracurricular activities.

The meeting commenced with a celebration of Anaya Tonde, a fourth grader from Maseta Elementary, who triumphed in the El Paso ISD Education Foundation Regional Spelling Bee. Competing against over 40 students from the Southwest Region, Anaya's impressive performance secured her a spot at the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., set for May 29. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the national competition, making her achievement particularly significant.

Following Anaya's recognition, the Board honored the Craigle robotics team from Navarrete Middle School, which clinched first place at the El Paso ISD Bridal School robotics competition. The team, consisting of dedicated students who met weekly since September, showcased their skills in building and programming robots to tackle the VEX robotics challenge.

The Franklin VEX robotics team also received accolades for their outstanding performance at the state championship, where they emerged as champions in multiple categories. Notably, Team 79912C earned a spot to compete at the VEX World Championship in Dallas, Texas, in May, marking a significant milestone as the only team from El Paso ISD to qualify for this prestigious event. Their teacher, Mr. Daniel Quinones, was recognized as Teacher of the Year by the Texas Region 1 Foundation, underscoring the supportive educational environment fostered within the district.

Additionally, the Chapin High School cheerleading team was celebrated for their remarkable achievements, including a third-place finish at a national competition and impressive rankings in state championships. Their success reflects the dedication and hard work of the athletes, who have consistently represented El Paso with pride.

The meeting not only highlighted individual and team accomplishments but also reinforced the importance of fostering a culture of achievement within the El Paso Independent School District. As these students prepare for their upcoming competitions, the community eagerly anticipates their continued success and the positive impact they will have on the district's reputation for excellence in education and extracurricular activities.