Once an Eagle or Griffin, Always an Eagle or Griffin

Dear Canutillo Community,

Graduation season is one of the most meaningful times of the year in Canutillo ISD.

For members of the Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees, there are few moments more rewarding than watching our students walk across the stage to receive the diploma they have worked so hard to earn. Those few seconds represent years of effort, sacrifice, perseverance and growth. They represent dreams becoming reality.

Earlier this week, the Board of Trustees had the privilege of attending the commencement ceremony for Northwest Early College High School at the beautiful Plaza Theatre in downtown El Paso. It was an unforgettable evening celebrating 89 remarkable graduates who earned their high school diplomas and, with only a handful of exceptions, also earned associate degrees from El Paso Community College.

That achievement is extraordinary.

These students leave high school already well on their way toward earning bachelor’s degrees and entering successful careers. Many of them have earned scholarships, academic honors and opportunities that will change the course of their lives and the lives of their families for generations to come.

As board members, one of the greatest joys of the evening was standing on stage and personally shaking the hand of every graduate. It gave us an opportunity not only to congratulate them and wish them success, but also to remind them that they will always remain part of the Canutillo ISD alumni family.

Once an Eagle or Griffin, always an Eagle or Griffin.

And now we look forward to another special evening as we prepare to celebrate the Canutillo High School Class of 2026 at the Don Haskins Center. We expect approximately 340 seniors to cross the stage in front of proud parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, friends and an entire community that has supported them throughout their educational journey.

We cannot wait to celebrate with them.

Graduation ceremonies are exciting because of the cheers, the music, the caps and gowns and the emotion that fills the room. But graduations represent something much bigger than a ceremony.

They represent the culmination of the work every adult in Canutillo ISD dedicates themselves to each and every day.

From our bus drivers and cafeteria workers to our teachers and administrators, from our police officers and custodians to our clerical staff and counselors — every employee in this district plays a role in helping students reach graduation day.

And yes, that includes your Board of Trustees.

Every decision we make ultimately centers on one goal: preparing students to walk across that graduation stage ready to succeed in whatever path they choose next.

Some graduates will head directly to universities. Others will enter the workforce, join the military or pursue technical certifications and career training. No matter where their journey takes them, our responsibility is to ensure they leave Canutillo ISD prepared academically, socially and emotionally for the future ahead.

That is why graduation season means so much to all of us.

It is proof that the work matters.

It is proof that public education changes lives.

Most importantly, it is proof of what can happen when students, families, educators and communities work together toward a common purpose.

On behalf of the entire Canutillo ISD Board of Trustees, I want to congratulate the Class of 2026.

You have worked hard to reach this milestone, and your community could not be more proud of you.

Now it is your turn to go out into the world and make your mark. Create opportunities. Build careers. Grow families. Serve others. Chase your dreams and never stop believing in your potential.

And wherever life takes you, always remember that Canutillo will be here cheering you on.

This community will always be your home, and we look forward to welcoming you back and celebrating your success for years to come.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

Sincerely,
Sergio Martinez
Board President
Canutillo Independent School District