Five Decades of Learning: Alton Elementary honors its legacy and embraces the future with 50 Year Anniversary

MISSION, TEXAS– For 50 years, Alton Elementary has been at the heart of the community—and this week, that same community came together to celebrate its golden anniversary.

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the school marked this milestone with an evening filled with memories, performances, and pride, honoring its deep roots while looking ahead to a bright future.

The celebration brought together alumni, current families, community leaders, students, and staff to reflect on five decades of educational excellence. The program featured student performances, guest speakers, and a historical showcase that walked attendees through the school’s journey and its important role in shaping the identity of Alton.

“Alton Elementary’s story is truly the story of the teachers who shaped our lives,” shared longtime community member and guest speaker, Mr. Moises Iglesias, an Alton Elementary alumnus. “From its beginnings as a small school in the late 1970s to its growth under Mission CISD, this campus has remained dedicated to education and student success, helping to prepare future doctors, lawyers, judges, and even school board members.”

Today, Alton Elementary is a thriving campus dedicated to student success and community connection. With innovative programs, dedicated educators, and a diverse student body, the school embodies the Mission CISD vision of preparing every child to be college, career, and life ready.

“Today we celebrate more than 100 years of legacy and 50 years as part of Mission CISD,” shared Alton Elementary Principal, Dr. Canales-Garcia. “That history lives on in the heart of our campus. Today, Alton Elementary is home to 346 students. Alton Elementary is a community where students are nurtured, teachers give their hearts, and our families come together to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.”

As the district celebrated Alton Elementary’s rich history, Mission CISD Board President Dolores Reyna reflected on what the milestone means to her, noting that while the world and education continue to advance, the spark in students remains the same.

“For me, this celebration is deeply personal,” shared Reyna. “Today, when I looked into the faces of our students as they performed, it brought me great joy. I saw the same spark of excellence that I witnessed years ago in my classroom.”

The school also looks forward to the future with renewed commitment and vision. The campus is embracing the latest instructional tools, technology, and programs to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world while staying true to the traditions that have defined it for decades.

Mission CISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Cris Valdez, praised the milestone as a powerful reminder of both the district’s legacy and its bright future.

“Education is the great equalizer,” shared Mission CISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Cris Valdez. “No matter your background, education gives you the opportunity to pursue your dreams, to serve others, and to make a difference in the world. Alton Elementary has always been a place that inspires students to believe in themselves and empowers them to change the world for the better.”

The evening concluded with a community reception, where alumni, parents, and students shared stories, reconnected, and celebrated the proud tradition of Alton Elementary.