COPPERAS COVE – A fifth campus has won a prestigious award for counseling work this year.
The Texas School Counselor Association has awarded five CCISD campuses its prestigious CREST awards, which stands for Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas, for their efforts in the 2024-25 school year.
House Creek Elementary won the award for the fourth time, Martin Walker Elementary for the third time and Copperas Cove High School and Copperas Cove Jr. High each won the award for the second time. S.C. Lee Jr. High received the CREST award for the first time this year.
“It takes a village of dedicated educators working together to educate the whole child and ensure their success both in school and beyond,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “The CREST award places these counselors among the best in Texas and is incredibly well-deserved. I am incredibly proud of the work each of these counselors has put into making sure our schools are safe, welcoming environments for every Bulldawg and I look forward to adding more campuses to this list in CCISD.”
In addition to the CREST awards, House Creek earned the CREST Advocacy Award, which requires the campus earn that year’s CREST award in addition to the three previous years and that the counseling team participate in school counseling advocacy work.
To earn this higher-level CREST award, House Creek counselor Christina Valdez went to the capitol during the 2025 legislative session to speak with lawmakers regarding the importance of school counselors and the work they do for students daily.
“Mrs. Valdez is a vital part of the House Creek community and deserving of this additional honor,” Dr. Hawkins said. “In addition to serving her students, she has helped speak up on behalf of our calling and has made a difference in Texas public schools as a whole, extending beyond the halls at House Creek.”
The CREST award was established in 2025 to recognize schools with outstanding counseling programs, reviewing five categories: the introduction to the school and role of the professional school counselor, program implementation cycle, foundational components, four service delivery components and program curriculum.
More information on CCISD’s counseling program can be found on the district website..