The Alternative Education Center (AEC) has consistently provided top-notch counseling services to its students, earning the prestigious CREST Award two years in a row. This recognition highlights the team’s dedication to supporting students’ academic and mental health needs despite the challenges of fluctuating student numbers from kindergarten through grade 12.
What is the CREST Award?
CREST stands for Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas. It is an award sponsored by the Texas School Counselor Association that recognizes school counseling programs demonstrating outstanding communication, continuous improvement, and commitment to student success.
Meet the Counseling Team
The AEC’s award-winning counseling team consists of:
- Brenda Creear – Mental Health Counselor
- Reynaldo Duran – Academic Counselor
- Teena Castillo – Support from Communities in Schools
- Amanda Warber – Principal
- Steve Parker – Assistant Principal
This dedicated team received the CREST Award in Galveston, Texas, for their exceptional work.
A Strong Focus on Student Well-Being
The AEC currently serves 81 students, providing comprehensive support to ensure their success. Duran, who also volunteers as a mental health counselor, expressed pride in their achievements, while Principal Warber praised the counselors for their hard work and commitment to students’ individual needs.
“We’re very blessed to provide wraparound services to support families in need,” Warber said.
Teamwork and Trust: The Secret to Success
Teena Castillo emphasized that their success comes from working as a united team, saying, “There’s no ‘I’ in team. We all work together.” Warber added that trust within the team is crucial, ensuring that everyone supports each other without ego or personal agendas.
New Initiatives for Student Support
To better serve students, AEC has introduced:
- Pasha Cornish as a Behavior Interventionist – She conducts peer mediation sessions to resolve conflicts among students.
- Saturday School Programs – Offering students extra time to earn credit hours and inviting guest speakers from various fields to inspire students.
Community Involvement and Support
The AEC actively collaborates with multiple organizations, including:
- Crossroads Fellowship – Providing services to students.
- Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center – Offering yearly programs.
- Medical Students from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Educating students about drug prevention.
- Local Businessmen and Suicide Prevention Organizations – Engaging with students to offer guidance and encouragement.
Duran highlighted that AEC’s extensive network of community support plays a vital role in their success.
Encouraging Other Schools to Follow Suit
Duran mentioned that any school can achieve similar recognition by documenting their counseling activities, which many schools already do without formal documentation. The AEC has started discussions with the district counseling department to implement the Texas counseling model across all schools in the district.
The Alternative Education Center’s CREST Award win showcases their unwavering commitment to student well-being through exceptional counseling services. Their teamwork, community involvement, and innovative programs set a standard for excellence in education. As they continue to support not only their students but the broader community, AEC stands as a model for other schools aiming to provide holistic support to students and families.
