WRITTEN BY: Alma Rock
Harlingen, TX — Magdalena (Maggie) L. Perez, has been announced as the recipient of the highly coveted National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Social Emotional Learning in The Classroom Grant for 2023. Mrs. Perez, a dedicated counselor at the Harlingen School of Health Professions (HSHP), was one of only five high school educators from across the United States and internationally to be honored with this prestigious award.
The NSHSS grant competition is designed to promote and support social emotional learning in the classroom, an endeavor deemed increasingly crucial in today’s educational landscape. The $1,500 grant will enable Mrs. Perez to establish a designated safe space within her school where students can unwind, engage in calming activities, or find moments of tranquility. This space, a Student Wellness Center, will be equipped with an array of resources and tools for student engagement, including art and recreation supplies that facilitate creative expression and stress relief. Recognizing the power of art therapy and recreational activities to channel emotions, reduce stress, and promote a sense of accomplishment and well-being, Mrs. Perez is determined to provide a nurturing environment for her students. Additionally, she plans to invest in a digital platform offering evidence-based mental health resources, thereby ensuring her students have access to valuable information and support.
Sylvia Gamboa, Director of Guidance and Counseling, praised Mrs. Perez, saying, “Mrs. Perez is a phenomenal counselor. She is passionate about ensuring our students’ mental health and wellness are at the forefront and continually puts the needs of our students first. She is a continual learner, ready and willing to go above and beyond to help our students. She is an amazing asset to Harlingen CISD.”
Mrs. Perez remarkable career spans over two decades within Harlingen CISD, encompassing a diverse range of roles. She has served as a Paraprofessional assisting Emergent Bilingual students, a 3rd-grade Teacher, an Elementary School Counselor, a District Migrant Counselor, and a High School Counselor, where she dedicated herself to the at-risk student population at an Alternative Placement Campus.
Currently, as the counselor at HSHP, Mrs. Perez guides and supports students aspiring to become healthcare professionals. Her multifaceted journey has granted her invaluable insights into the diverse needs of her students and their families, and she has consistently embraced a growth mindset to refine her practice and better serve her school community.
Tina Garza, HSHP Principal, states “Mrs. Perez provides invaluable support to so many individuals on campus, including assisting with navigating the challenges of academic life, personal struggles, and the ever-evolving journey of self-discovery. Her heart for students shines brightly in all that she does, creating a safe and welcoming space for students that makes them feel valued and heard.”
Beyond her professional life, Mrs. Perez cherishes her role as a loving wife to her husband and a proud mother of two boys and two fur babies. She enjoys spending time with her family and bonding over their shared love of baseball.
