2026 Outstanding Exes
James "Jay" Carl Duncan III
Class of 1965
Internationally recognized film historian, archivist, and collector James “Jay” Carl Duncan III passed away in El Paso on March 23 at the age of 78. Jay was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 16, 1947, the only child of Lucille and James Carl Duncan, Jr.
The family moved to El Paso when Jay was 7 years old. He attended Mesita Elementary School, El Paso High School, and graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in Mass Communications. Jay was also a lifetime member of Alpha Epsilon Rho, the National Honorary Radio-Television Fraternity, and Kappa Kappa Phi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity.
In 1974, Jay began teaching "Introduction to Film Theory and Criticism", an accredited university Junior level film history course at UTEP, and later through the Department of Continuing Education at UTEP. It was also in 1974 that Jay successfully led the effort to save the Plaza Theater from demolition. The magnificent 1930 movie palace is one of only a handful remaining. His efforts have helped provide the opportunity for the El Paso Community Foundation to instill new life into the historic Grande Dame for future generations. He has been Film Program Chairman, guest speaker and panelist to over a dozen Science Fiction film conventions, and originated and served as co-editor and publisher of SPEX (Special Effects) Magazine in 1977. Jay had over twenty years experience in the television industry, serving as Program manager, film producer/director, station announcer and writer-producer host of "Jay's Pix", a popular weekly television program providing on-screen commentary and historical background to film classics.
In 2004, Duncan was the originator of the Memorial Day weekend film festival in El Paso called "It Came from the 50's" which, in effect, evolved into the Plaza Classic Film Festival. He has been on the Program Advisory Committee at the El Paso Community Foundation since 2008, which celebrates the return of films to the Plaza Theatre in an eleven-day festival each summer. An eternal child when it came to the magic of motion pictures, Jay loved nothing more than sharing his knowledge and love of cinema with his fellow El Pasoans. He will be missed by his many friends who will celebrate his life at a later date.
Emma Acosta
Class of 1971
Emma Acosta is a proud graduate of El Paso High School whose career reflects more than four decades of public service, civic leadership, education, and community advocacy.
Emma earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. She is also the founder and owner of Emma Costa Consulting Services, established in 2004.
Emma began her career with the City of El Paso, serving in several administrative and management positions before becoming Director of the Environmental Services Department. In that role, she managed approximately 400 employees and oversaw two landfills, a transfer station, seven citizen collection sites, recycling operations, code enforcement, and other essential municipal services.
In 2008, Emma was elected to represent District 3 on the El Paso City Council, where she served for nine years. Her colleagues selected her to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore and Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore. She also represented the city on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Texas Municipal League Board, the Financial Oversight and Audit Committee, and numerous regional and statewide organizations.
Since 2019, Emma has served as Executive Director of Books Are Gems, a nonprofit bookstore dedicated to changing children’s lives one book at a time. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its literacy programs, teacher resources, weekly Storytimes, and outreach throughout El Paso County, Southern New Mexico, and Fort Bliss. Books Are Gems distributes thousands of free new and gently used books each year to children, educators, and families.
Emma created Legal Literacy for Kids, a program that introduces children to the law, individual rights, civic responsibility, and the judicial system through readings and discussions led by judges, attorneys, elected officials, and other community leaders. She is also developing Health Literacy for Families, a bilingual program that will help children and parents better understand health information, prescription labels, preventive care, nutrition, and other matters affecting family well-being.
Through her work with LULAC, Emma developed the Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, which recognizes a student’s determination, goals, abilities, and desire to succeed rather than focusing solely on a high grade-point average. She hopes to expand the scholarship citywide so more students with disabilities can pursue higher education, vocational training, and meaningful careers.
Emma continues to serve the community as a member of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature; President of LULAC Council 22269; Chair of the Eastside Democrats of El Paso; a board member of the League of Women Voters of El Paso; and a Deputy Voter Registrar. She is also a member of the Cielo Vista Neighborhood Association, Women’s Executive Forum, Kiwanis, and Community en Acción (CEA). In addition, she serves on the City of El Paso Housing Finance Corporation Board and chairs the City’s Bond Oversight Advisory Committee.
Her numerous honors include being named Texas LULAC Woman of the Year and National LULAC Woman of the Year. She has also been recognized as Texas Legislator of the Year by the Texas Vietnam Veterans of America and has received the El Paso Pride Award, the State of Texas Governor’s Award, the Fort Bliss Environmental Award, and the Downtown Management District Professionalism Award.
Emma credits her El Paso upbringing and education at El Paso High with shaping her strong work ethic, determination, and lifelong commitment to service. She remains dedicated to strengthening her community and creating opportunities for children, families, and future generations.
Gloria Mejia Nicholson
Class of 1981
Gloria Mejia Nicholson, Class of 1981, is a proud graduate of El Paso High School whose life reflects resilience, gratitude, and unwavering dedication to her community. During her high school years, she ran track and cross country under the guidance of the late, great Coach Danny McKillip. In 1978 and 1979, Gloria was an essential member of the Cross-Country State Championship Teams. In 1979, she accomplished All-District, Regional, and State teams. After graduating, Gloria continued her academic and athletic journey at UTEP, where she studied and competed in track and cross-country. In 1983, she earned a place on the All-Conference Cross Country Team, marking another milestone in her running career.
Gloria participates annually in the Bataan Memorial Death March and runs in numerous local 5Ks supporting causes close to her heart. Her commitment to service extends deeply into the El Paso community. Gloria volunteers with the Official EPHS Alumni Association as a Board Member, the American Cancer Society, and Flags Across America at the Old Glory Memorial in Northeast El Paso. She also leads a small but dedicated groundskeeping team at the El Paso High School Alumni Museum, tending to trees, plants, cacti, flowers, and grounds upkeep to ensure the historic campus remains beautiful for generations to come.
One of Gloria’s most meaningful accomplishments has been her four-year effort to establish a memorial honoring Coach Danny McKillip’s 41 years of service. Through her persistence and determination, the County of El Paso passed a resolution on September 23, 2024, “to honor the memory of Danny McKillip and celebrate his exceptional contributions to the sport of track and field and cross country, as well as his profound impact on the lives of countless young students and athletes.” On November 18, 2024, the Mayor and El Paso City Council officially proclaimed, “Coach Danny McKillip Day,” recognizing his lasting contributions to youth and education. The unveiling of Coach Danny McKillip signs took place on September 10, 2025.
She initiated the coordination efforts of the C.D. Jarvis 50th Anniversary Basketball Tournament. On November 10, 2025, El Paso County proclaimed a resolution for the C. D. Jarvis Tournament. and on November 18, 2025, City of El Paso had a proclamation for the C. D. Jarvis Tournament. She is also leading the museum tiles at El Paso High for the last five years.
Gloria has been married to Richard Nicholson for 28 + years. She is a proud mother of Aaron Montes, he is now married to his loving husband, Kevin. Gloria is also a devoted “Glama” to her cherished grandchildren, Aria and Abraham.
Andrea Gates-Ingle
Class of 1993
Andrea Gates-Ingle is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Creative Kids, a nationally recognized creative youth development organization celebrating 27 years of community impact. Driven by a shared vision to transform the El Paso and Southern New Mexico border region through the arts, Andrea co-founded the non-profit alongside her husband, Stephen Ingle. Under her leadership which earned national recognition from the Obama Administration, Creative Kids provides a vital sanctuary for creativity, healing, and empowerment.
The organization serves a diverse demographic of under-resourced youth, including pediatric oncology patients, at-risk youth in rural areas, and justice-involved youth, while continuing to offer crucial support for families impacted by the August 3rd tragedy. Andrea ensures that all programs remain completely free of charge, fostering resilience, self-expression, and a profound sense of belonging.
Andrea’s lifelong dedication to her community has earned her widespread acclaim. Most recently, she was honored with the 2026 Changemaker Award from Progress 321 and received the prestigious Open Hearts Award from Jane Seymour and the Open Hearts Foundation. A proud 1993 graduate of El Paso High School, Andrea holds a degree in Special Education with a minor in Fine Arts from the University of Texas at El Paso - a unique background that perfectly marries her passion for youth advocacy and the arts.