The Socorro Independent School District Board of Trustees confirmed the appointment of David Pena as principal of Americas High School during its regular meeting on July 15th.  Pena has served as the principal of Socorro Middle School since 2002.  Prior to that, he was an assistant principal at Socorro Middle School from 1996-1998.  Pena began his career in the SISD in 1989 as a teacher at Socorro High School, a position he held until being promoted in 1996.  A graduate of Socorro High School, he received both master's and bachelor's degrees in education from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Pena is the school's fourth principal, replacing Mary Ross who retired after six years as principal of Americas High School and 34 years in the SISD.  They are preceded by James Kelch, 2000-2003, and Antonio Baca, 1996-2000.  The school opened in September 1996.