Copperas Cove ISD is celebrating a major milestone in student support this year, as five campuses have been honored with the Texas School Counselor Association’s prestigious CREST Award—Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas—for their outstanding counseling programs during the 2024–25 school year.

This year’s recipients include several repeat honorees. House Creek Elementary earned the award for the fourth time, Martin Walker Elementary for the third, and both Copperas Cove High School and Copperas Cove Junior High received the distinction for the second time. S.C. Lee Junior High joined the list for the first time, marking a significant achievement for the campus.

Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins praised the district’s counselors for their dedication and impact.

“It takes a village of dedicated educators working together to educate the whole child and ensure their success both in school and beyond,” Hawkins said. “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.”

House Creek Earns Additional Statewide Honor

In addition to its CREST recognition, House Creek Elementary earned the CREST Advocacy Award, a higher‑level distinction reserved for campuses that have earned four consecutive CREST awards and demonstrated active involvement in statewide counseling advocacy.

To qualify, House Creek counselor Christina Valdez traveled to the Texas Capitol during the 2025 legislative session to speak with lawmakers about the essential role school counselors play in student success.

“Mrs. Valdez is a vital part of the House Creek community and deserving of this additional honor,” 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.”

About the CREST Award

Established in 2025, the CREST Award recognizes schools with exemplary counseling programs. Campuses are evaluated across five categories:

• Introduction to the school and counselor role
• Program implementation cycle
• Foundational components
• Four service delivery components
• Program curriculum

The award highlights campuses that demonstrate a comprehensive, data‑driven approach to supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally.

More information about CCISD’s counseling programs is available at www.CCISD.com.