Denton Independent School District is proud to announce that the school counseling programs at Hodge Elementary School and Rodriguez Middle School have been recognized with the prestigious Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award for the 2024–25 school year. This statewide distinction honors the exceptional work of Denton ISD counselors in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth.

Sponsored by the Texas School Counselor Association, a division of the Texas Counseling Association, the CREST Award recognizes school counseling programs across Texas that demonstrate excellence in areas including curriculum scope and sequence, stakeholder collaboration, program planning and delivery, and responsive support services.

"This recognition is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our counselors, who work tirelessly to support the whole child," said Amy Lawrence, Director of Counseling & Social Work for Denton ISD. "The teams at Hodge Elementary and Rodriguez Middle School exemplify best practices in school counseling and make a lasting impact on their campus communities every day."

Superintendent Dr. Susannah O'Bara emphasized the critical role counselors play in student success. "Our counselors are essential partners in ensuring students feel supported, connected, and prepared to succeed," Dr. O'Bara said. "We are incredibly proud of these campuses and the outstanding counseling professionals whose work has earned this statewide recognition."

2024–25 CREST Award Recipients

Hodge Elementary School

• Armandina Austin
• Nuzmerida Landa

Rodriguez Middle School

• Misty Bennett
• Page Darragh
• Michael Rooney

Denton ISD congratulates these counselors on this well-deserved achievement and thanks them for their continued commitment to serving students and families with excellence.