[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 90 (Thursday, May 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E558-E559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESCONTRIAS STEAM ACADEMY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERONICA ESCOBAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2024

  Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 100th anniversary 
of the Escontrias STEAM Academy, a cornerstone of educational 
excellence in the Lower Valley of El Paso County.
  In 1921, faced with the urgent need for a safe educational 
environment for children of the Socorro district, Silverio Escontrias, 
a dedicated Texas Ranger and community leader, generously donated land 
at U.S. Highway 80 and Buford Road for a new school. His commitment to 
education laid the groundwork for what would become Escontrias 
Elementary

[[Page E559]]

School and later, Escontrias STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, 
art and math) Academy.
  Notably, in 1924, the academy initiated a vocational program, 
teaching practical skills like carpentry, cotton farming, and animal 
husbandry, exemplifying the academy's commitment to a holistic 
education, preparing students for both academic and practical success 
in life. Since then, the Escontrias STEAM Academy has evolved into a 
hub of innovation. From its humble beginnings in adobe structures to 
its current status as a leading institution for STEAM education, the 
academy has remained steadfast in its mission to provide innovative 
learning opportunities.
  As we commemorate its centennial milestone, we remain committed to 
ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, 
has access to the transformative power of education. The legacy of 
Escontrias STEAM Academy serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for 
generations to come.
  Today, I am honored to pay tribute to the Escontrias STEAM Academy 
for its century of educational excellence and its profound impact on 
the lives of countless students, families, and the broader community.

                          ____________________