The United South High School (USHS) Guidance and Counseling Department has earned an exceptional and historic achievement, making it the first campus in the city of Laredo to be selected for the highly coveted Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award, sponsored by the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA).

This prestigious honor, which recognizes outstanding school counseling programs across the Lone Star State, highlights the wholehearted dedication and positive impact the USHS counselors have on their students' lives.

"Our counselors went through a rigorous process and competed with schools from all over the state of Texas and were selected for this award," shared Melissa C. Ramirez, UISD Director of Guidance and Counseling. "This is a testament to the exceptional work they provide for all their students every day."

The CREST Award serves as a crucial benchmark for continuous improvement and advocacy. By earning this distinction, the United South High School counseling team has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs, supporting academic, career, and personal-social growth for all students. 

The meticulous application process and competitive selection confirm that the USHS counseling program meets the highest levels of the profession and is delivering meaningful, measurable results for the campus's student body.

"This recognition reflects the heart of our mission at UISD which is to ensure every student receives the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed," said Rebecca Coss-Morales, Associate Superintendent for District Administration and Student Services. "We are very proud of the United South High School counseling team for setting a new standard of excellence for our district and our community."

The dedicated USHS counselors will be formally recognized for this remarkable milestone at the TSCA State Conference in Fort Worth on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

This award serves as a clear validation of the transformative work carried out by the USHS Guidance and Counseling Department and their tireless efforts to prepare every student for lifelong success.

Way to go Panthers!!