Rockwall-Heath High School Counselor named Top 5 Counselor in Texas

Rockwall, TX (December 12, 2025) – Rockwall-Heath High School Counselor Mynda Rivera has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Counselors in Texas and named a Texas School Counselor of the Year finalist by the Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA). Mrs. Rivera was honored during the association’s gala in November.

This statewide recognition highlights Mrs. Rivera’s exceptional commitment to supporting student success, fostering positive relationships, and advocating for the well-being of every student she serves.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as a Top 5 Texas School Counselor and a Texas School Counselor of the Year finalist,” Mrs. Rivera said. “This recognition shines a light on the essential work school counselors do every day to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share the importance of our role and to highlight how impactful comprehensive counseling programs can be for students, families, and campuses.”

Mrs. Rivera brings 21 years of experience in education, including nine years as a school counselor. She joined Rockwall ISD in 2014 as a bilingual kindergarten teacher at Jones Elementary, where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2016. She later transitioned into counseling, serving as an elementary counselor at Jones Elementary, a middle school counselor at Utley Middle School, and helping open H9 during the previous school year. She now serves students at Rockwall-Heath High School.

The path to being named a finalist was highly competitive. Counselors from across Texas, representing all grade levels, were nominated for the honor. From those nominations, 36 counselors advanced to an interview round that required an extensive showcase of each candidate’s comprehensive counseling program. This included letters of recommendation, data demonstrating program success and student impact, and evidence of leadership, advocacy, and direct services.

From the 36 candidates, 16 were selected for further evaluation based on the American School Counselor Association National Model. Ultimately, five finalists, including Mrs. Rivera, were chosen. Finalists then participated in a panel interview with superintendents, principals, LSSSCA members, and other school counseling leaders.

The Texas School Counselor of the Year Finalist distinction is one of the highest professional recognitions for school counselors in the state, celebrating educators who demonstrate excellence in leadership, advocacy, and student-centered service.

Press release submitted by Luci Mouton, Rockwall ISD, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Photo provided by Rockwall ISD.

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