GISD counselors earn statewide CREST Award for excellence

GAINESVILLE, Texas — Two Gainesville ISD campuses have earned the CREST Award for Counseling Excellence from the Texas School Counselor Association, placing them among an elite group of schools recognized across the state. W.E. Chalmers Elementary and Gainesville High School both received the 2024 award, which honors schools with outstanding comprehensive counseling programs. The Texas School Counselor Association established the recognition in 2005. The Chalmers Elementary counseling team includes Tori Jekel, Mary Newman, Kelly Beyer and Lynsey Hartman. The Gainesville High School team consists of Nicole Rich, Jill Brown, Jennifer Medlin, Clark Bawcom and Lynsey Hartman, who serves both campuses. Schools earn the CREST Award by submitting digital portfolios that demonstrate effective counseling programs. Evaluators across Texas review submissions against established standards in five areas: the school counselor's role, program implementation, foundational components, service delivery and program curriculum. The award recognizes schools that use the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs to advance student outcomes in academic achievement, career development and personal-social growth. Submissions must show measurable results and effective communication with students, families and staff. Earning the award at both an elementary campus and a high school reflects the breadth of GISD's counseling program, demonstrating that students receive consistent support from early grades through graduation. For more information about counseling services at Gainesville ISD, visit gainesvilleisd.org.