EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) – Students, teachers and community members gathered to celebrate Zavala Elementary School’s 100th anniversary on Friday, May 9, but for many it was an event filled with mixed emotions.
The celebration featured music, laughter and memories, as many participated in a parade to commemorate the milestone.
“I did grow up in this school, starting from kindergarten. Then, I graduated here from sixth grade,” said Laura Pena, a fourth-grade teacher at Zavala. “My dad was a custodian. My parents, we’ve lived here for almost 20 years. So I am very excited, very blessed to be part of this community.”
However, the celebration was bittersweet. Zavala is one of eight elementary schools that the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) voted to close due to budget shortfalls and declining enrollment…