(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Feb. 6, 2026) — As National School Counseling Week comes to a close, El Paso ISD is proud to recognize and celebrate the 163 dedicated school counselors serving students on every campus and who play a vital role in supporting student success across the district.
“Our counselors really mean a lot to us on campus. They’re always there to help with anything, whether it’s with schoolwork, stress, or just needing someone to talk to,” said Ciara Flores, Austin High School Student Council President. “No matter the situation, they’re super supportive and understanding and it makes a big difference knowing we have people we can count on.”
Across El Paso ISD, professional school counselors serve as advocates, mentors, and trusted resources for students and families. As certified educators trained specifically in school counseling, counselors support students’ academic achievement, personal and social development, and college and career readiness from elementary through graduation.
“School counselors are often the first adults students turn to when they need guidance, reassurance, or someone to help them see a way forward,” said Dr. Emily Stuessy, Director of Counseling and Advising for El Paso ISD. “Our counselors work every day to ensure students feel supported, understood, and empowered to make informed decisions about their education and their future. Their relationships with students are built on trust, compassion, and a belief in every student’s potential.”
Through their guidance and advocacy, counselors play a key role in helping students access scholarships and financial aid opportunities that make higher education more attainable. Each year, students earn hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, opening doors to universities, community colleges, and trade programs across the country. Graduating seniors in 2025 earned a total of $178,101,573.
Counselors also regularly assist students with:
Reviewing transcripts and graduation plans
Resolving scheduling or course placement concerns
Navigating social-emotional challenges
Exploring college, career, and military pathways
Connecting families to community resources
Lead Counselors Claudia Avila, Patricia Macias, and Maria Pizana all agree on a reminder that they carry with them every day—"School counseling is not for the faint‑hearted. It asks us to show up with courage, compassion, and unwavering belief in every student’s potential. The work is challenging, but it’s also profoundly meaningful, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.”