ABC-7 Xtra investigation into Franklin High School hazing scandal receives honorable mention

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- KVIA-TV received an honorable mention for unearthing a hazing scandal involving the Franklin High School football team at the 2026 Nancy Monson Spirit of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas Awards.

The Nancy Monson Spirit of FOI Awards, presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, go to news organizations that use or highlight open government laws. KVIA-TV received its recognition Friday at the FOI Foundation's state conference in Austin.

“Congratulations to the Texas journalists who are receiving these awards. They used public records combined with other reporting to seek the truth and shine light on institutions and officials in their communities. This keeps citizens informed so they can watch over their government,” said Kelley Shannon, executive director of the FOI Foundation of Texas.

In April 2025, ABC-7 Sunday Xtra Host Andrew J. Polk and Content Manager Lesley Engle uncovered "inappropriate physical conduct linked to hazing” among teammates on the Franklin High School football team."

ABC-7 obtained documents that show the investigation looked into players’ behavior inside the team’s locker rooms. The allegations included genitalia placed on a player’s face or mouth.

The school launched an investigation after Principal Amanda Bowser received two anonymous letters alleging hazing within the football program in October 2024, according to records ABC-7 obtained.

Records show Assistant Principal Guillermo Ramirez filled out a Sexual Harassment Report Intake form nearly a month later. Investigation findings triggered changes within the football program after the season ended.

Longtime Franklin High School Football Coach and Athletic Director Daren Walker was reassigned from the program for a "personal matter." The El Paso Independent School District didn't answer ABC-7's questions about his employment status.

Read and watch the full investigative report by clicking this link.