ANTHONY, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Anthony Middle School has been recognized as the top-ranked Gold Ribbon School among El Paso area middle schools by the nonprofit organization CHILDREN AT RISK.
This accolade highlights schools excelling in student achievement, growth, and college readiness, particularly those serving predominantly low-income populations.
To qualify as a Gold Ribbon School, a public school must serve a student population that is more than 75% economically disadvantaged and achieve an A or B rating from the Texas Education Agency.
Dr. Oscar A. Troncoso, Anthony ISD superintendent, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “This is an amazing achievement because it shows our middle school is the best in the El Paso area at getting results from a population with high numbers of economically disadvantaged students.”
West Texas schools, including Anthony Middle School, were noted for having the highest average overall scores in the 2025 CHILDREN AT RISK rankings and the highest percentage of Gold Ribbon schools statewide at 34%. They also reported the lowest percentage of D and F schools in Texas.
“Our staff were very small and mighty, and we’re a family, so we genuinely like each other,” said Veronica Ordoñez, principal of Anthony Middle School.
Ordoñez added that receiving the recognition goes beyond the classroom, and students are part of the success.
She explained, “So in the classrooms, the teachers have set both high expectations and goals, but the students set goals for themselves as well. So not only are they looking at data, but they’re actually tracking their growth. They’re able to see where they need help, and then the teachers are able to try to identify, how will I get them there?”
Anthony Middle School earns top Gold Ribbon honor in El Paso area
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