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Fabens ISD board honors teachers, students and staff; mariachi boosters raise $7,454
Summary
At its April 15 meeting, the Fabens ISD Board of Trustees recognized teachers, staff and students across campuses — including UTEP award winners, employees of the year, band and mariachi achievements — and announced a $7,454 parent-led fundraising total for the district mariachi program.
The Fabens ISD Board of Trustees opened its April 15, 2026, meeting with a series of recognitions for teachers, staff and students across the district.
Sofia Maciel, the district media specialist, led the recognitions and praised award recipients and volunteers. "Your dedication keeps our district strong," Maciel said as she introduced employees and student honorees districtwide.
Maciel announced Martha Betis as a recipient of the 2026 UTEP College of Education Evelyn Schwartz Endowed Award for first-year teachers and recognized several employees of the year: Frank Alvarez (Fabens Middle School), Moraima Avalos (O'Donnell Intermediate), Norma Franco (transportation), Nancy Gonzalez (administration), Rosa Licon (child nutrition services), Cindy Martinez (Fabens High School), Frank Ramirez (technology and security), Melissa Rodriguez (special education), Lupita Romero (Fabens Elementary) and Rebecca Rubio (maintenance). She also named the 2026–2027 teachers of the year by campus: Maria Becerra (Fabens Elementary), Francis Chavira (O'Donnell Intermediate), Alexis Pacheco (Fabens Middle School) and Juanita Sotelo (Fabens High School).
The board recognized parent-led Mariachi boosters and named sponsors Complete Office Technologies, Hardy Hole Drilling and EP Concrete Pumping. Maciel announced that the parent-led fundraising effort had raised $7,454 for the Mariachi activities account, and the board invited families and booster representatives to be acknowledged publicly.
Maciel, speaking on behalf of band director Mr. Soto, highlighted the Fabens High School band's recent accomplishments: third place at the Socorro ISD Marchfest, a division-one sweepstakes at the UIL marching competition, nine students selected to the All-Region band with advancement to area auditions, and 20 students qualifying for the UIL State Solo and Ensemble contest. She introduced a clarinet trio — Azul Retamosa, Alina Armendariz and Ariana Hernandez — who performed a qualifying piece, after which Maciel invited the public to the Fabens High School Band Concert on Thursday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the O'Donnell Intermediate Auditorium.
Athletic Director Manny Estrada recognized the Fabens Middle School 8th Grade Softball team as district champions, thanked coaches Ruben Triste and Ivan Garcias, and presented the championship trophy. The board called players forward individually to receive certificates and a team photograph followed.
Other recognitions included Briana Ramos and teacher Imelda Hernandez for awards at the El Paso Community College K–12 Art Exhibition and Norma Franco, who was presented with a 2025–26 PCAT Driver of the Year commendation on behalf of the district transportation department.
The board kept these recognitions ceremonial and did not take formal action tied to funding changes at the meeting. The meeting proceeded to business items after the recognitions; the board adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
