Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that three campuses—Wilson Elementary, Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy, and Harlingen Collegiate High—have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award. Presented by the Texas School Counselor Association, this statewide honor recognizes exemplary counseling programs that go above and beyond to support students’ academic growth, emotional well-being, and long-term success.
This year’s recognition reflects the continued strength of HCISD’s guidance and counseling efforts, marking the second consecutive year that HCISD counselors have earned this accomplishment.
The CREST award recognizes schools that meet high standards in five areas, including how counseling programs are planned, implemented, and contribute to student success. Schools earning the CREST distinction must demonstrate excellence across multiple areas, including program design, implementation, student outcomes, and collaboration with families and the community. Each winning campus submitted a comprehensive digital report capturing the meaningful impact their counseling teams have made throughout the school year.
“Our counselors are deeply committed to supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic growth,” said Sylvia Gamboa, Director of Guidance and Counseling. “I am incredibly proud of their dedication and the heart they bring to this work every day. This recognition reflects the meaningful impact they have on helping students succeed.”
The selected campuses will be honored during the annual TSCA Professional School Counselor Conference on February 1–3 at the Fort Worth Convention Center!
Congratulations to the counseling teams at each campus for earning this distinguished state recognition!
Wilson Elementary (recognized for the second year in a row)
Grecia Zavala
Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy (recognized for the second year in a row)
Carlos Castañeda
Ismael Garcia
Brittany Johnson
Rosalinda Leal
Dr. Eugenia Moreno
Oneida Saldaña
UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High
Dr. Valerie Paredes
