Socorro High School (Socorro, Texas)

Socorro High School is a public high school in Socorro, of El Paso County, Texas, United States. It was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 1994–1996.

History

In 1961, voters of Socorro held an election to determine the future of education in the area. That vote, by a tally of 63–0, resulted in the formation of the Socorro Independent School District. The district consisted of one school, Escontrias, that enrolled students through the eighth grade. It was not until March 1964 that a $500,000 bond was passed, enabling students of the area to attend high school in the Socorro area. Until then, students who wanted to attend high school went to either Clint High School or Ysleta High School. The eighth grade class of 1965 would be the first freshman class at the new high school, and one grade would be added each year until it became a four-year school.

Socorro graduated its first class in May 1968. Rafael (Ralph) Olivas was the highest ranking male student, and Mary Solis was the highest ranking female student from this first class. Both received college scholarships for their accomplishments.

Socorro High School opened in the fall of 1965, with A.D. Weir named as its first principal. Columbia blue, red, and white were chosen as the official school colors, and the bulldog was adopted as their mascot. A family who lived in the area actually donated their bulldog, "Homer", to the school to be used at special functions.

As early as 1970, population growth began to create problems for Socorro High School. In 1971, it could not accommodate the increasing enrollment, and a split session was adopted. Half of the student body attended from 7 am until noon, and the other half from noon until 5 pm. By 1972, expansion of the school tem