Three San Angelo ISD Students Selected for Honors by Three Rivers Counseling Association

Three San Angelo ISD students were selected for honors by the Three Rivers Counseling Association (TRCA) at the 35th Annual Three Rivers Counseling Association Appreciation Luncheon. Two students received Student Tribute Awards and one student received a Scholarship. We would like to recognize and congratulate:

• Bryson Gonzales of Lincoln Middle School – Elementary School Student Tribute Award
• Danielle Castro of Lone Star Middle School – Middle School Student Tribute Award
• Angelina Galvan of Lake View High School – Three Rivers Counseling Association Scholarship Recipient

“Our students have shown perseverance and resiliency to earn the tribute award,” said Rebecca Cline, SAISD Director of Assessment and Counseling. “As counselors, we are proud that they have grown and utilized tools and skills to move forward. We also wish the best for Angelina in her future endeavors!”

Excerpts from the nominations for the three Tribute Awards include: 

One of Bryson’s previous teachers at Goliad Elementary nominated him for the Elementary School Student Tribute Award for his ability to stay positive and kind while navigating through the grief of losing a loved one: “He is tender-hearted and kind … I was able to witness Bryson being gentle with his little brother when they both attended my school. He was nurturing and kind. I was also able to see Bryson make positive choices when faced with peer pressures. This year, at middle school, I hear he is doing well playing in the mariachi band and soon to start baseball. I want Bryson to know that we are so proud of him!”

Danielle’s counselor nominated her for the Middle School Student Tribute Award for her strength and resilience, and being proactive in seeking help: “This nomination is not about what she endured; it is about what came after. She had every reason to shut down and quit trying. People would have understood had she done this, but that is not the person Danielle is … sixth-grade year was a difficult one for her, but Danielle never gave up … Danielle continued to cry out for help and advocated for herself with teachers and staff, sharing parts of her story with others … Danielle is now in the 8th grade, and she is thriving. She has built supportive relationships with her peers and staff.”  

Angelina has been accepted to the University of Texas where she plans to study biology and wrote this in her essay submission for the TRCA High School Scholarship: “Throughout my life, I was raised by a single mom who would work tirelessly to provide for me … My mom has always been one of the greatest role models in my life and is the reason I have moved very far in high school … My mom influenced me to better myself for my family now and my family in the future. As I watch my mom’s highs and lows, I can say now as an adult that I want to put in just as much effort as my mom put in every day.”

TRCA sponsors the annual luncheon to honor those who chose the profession of counseling to assist those who are in need of service. To qualify for the awards, nominations were made based on letters of support from a colleague, student or community leader or the nominee’s supervisor or administrator. The TRCA student awards are intended to highlight students who have overcome obstacles and shown courage, resilience and determination as well as affirm their hard work and share their inspiring story to others as they realize their goals. This year’s luncheon, which took place Tuesday, February 13, included keynote speaker Drew Darby and award presentations in six categories. Also honored at the luncheon were five of San Angelo ISD’s counseling departments for receiving the annual Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) award for excellence in counseling. The counseling departments at Austin Elementary, Lincoln Middle School, Lone Star Middle School, Lake View High School and Carver Learning Center were all recognized for receiving CREST awards earlier this month. Five San Angelo ISD Difference Makers were also honored at the TRCA luncheon. The following San Angelo ISD counselors received the George Pliler Counselor of the Year Awards: Diana Taylor of Goliad Elementary – Elementary School Counselor of the Year; Amber Garza of Lone Star Middle School – Middle School Counselor of the Year; Crystal Chapman of Central High School – High School Counselor of the Year; and Yvonne Busenlehner of Carver Learning Center – Multilevel School Counselor of the year. Finally, Raelynn Cajas, SAISD Administrative Assistant to the Director of Assessment and Counselors received the Friend of Counseling award.

 Please join us in congratulating our San Angelo ISD student award winners and scholarship recipient. To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org  and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

About Three Rivers Counseling Association

TRCA is the local chapter of the Texas Counseling Association (TRCA).  TRCA leads, educates and advocates to advance the counseling profession, to increase access to professional counselors, and to promote wellness. TRCA serves 10 area counties including Coke, Coleman, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Runnels, Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton and Tom Green County. For more information, visit www.trca.txca.org.