Students at Zavala Elementary School held a bittersweet celebration this week.
Carrying balloons and banners, the students led a parade through the Central El Paso neighborhood surrounding the school to celebrate its 100th birthday on Friday, May 9. It will be the school’s last, however, after the El Paso Independent School District voted to shutter it at the end of this year.
The EPISD board of trustees voted earlier this year to close eight elementary schools — Zavala, along with Carlos Rivera, Lamar, Newman, Putnam and Rusk elementary schools, will close at the end of this school year. Stanton and Travis elementary schools will close at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Jefferson High School students joined in the celebration, with the school’s mariachi band, JROTC program, cheerleaders and marching band leading the way along Pera Street, while residents took to the sidewalks to watch the passing festivities.
El Paso Independent School District trustee Jack Loveridge takes part in a parade at Zavala Elementary School on Friday, May 9, 2025, to celebrate the school’s 100th birthday.
EPISD trustee Jack Loveridge, who waved to the crowd from the back of a truck, said he is committed to seeing Zavala’s legacy continue.
“It was a bittersweet morning for the Zavala Elementary School family, but amazing to see so much pride and history on display,” he said in a text message following the parade. “I know that EPISD remains committed to relocating this school to a new site and is exploring options in conversation with the community.”
Named for Gen. Lorenzo de Zavala, the first vice president of the Republic of Texas and a signatory of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Zavala Elementary School opened its doors in 1925.
A crowd watches as Zavala Elementary School students take part in a parade on Friday, May 9, 2025, to celebrate the school’s 100th birthday. Zavala Elementary is one of six schools that will be closed at the start of next school year.
The school is located near the Bridge of the Americas land port of entry and has historically served a bilingual and bicultural student body.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso’s Zavala Elementary turns 100, set to close this year