The Socorro Independent School District is proud to announce that Diana Aguirre, head counselor at Socorro High School, has been named 2026 Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA) School Counselor of the Year (SCOY). She will represent Texas in the American School Counselor Association’s National School Counselor of the Year award program.

Aguirre was surprised by the announcement on May 29 at the school, surrounded by family, district leaders and school faculty, highlighting the community's support and celebration.

“It's an honor to represent the state, El Paso, the Socorro district, and most importantly, to represent my home high school, Socorro High School, this community that believed in me, who raised me,” said Aguirre, who is a graduate of Socorro High School and has 33 years of experience in education.

The award recognizes outstanding professional school counselors in Texas who dedicate their careers to advocating for students and ensuring their success.

The LSSSCA SCOY candidates complete an extensive application process similar to the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) national awards process. Nominees are judged by a panel of counseling professionals on multiple criteria, including school counseling innovations, effective school counseling programs, leadership skills and contributions to student advancement.

"We are proud of Diana Aguirre for this honor,” said SISD Superintendent James Vasquez. “Her dedication to our students, her leadership in building innovative counseling programs and her unwavering commitment to student success exemplify the best of education in Socorro ISD. Mrs. Aguirre’s impact is felt not only at Socorro High School, but across the district, and we are excited to see her represent Texas nationally.”

When Aguirre joined Socorro High School three years ago, she and her team made it their mission to engage students, advocate for their success, enhance scholarship opportunities and foster a college-going culture, which has since yielded remarkable results, especially among graduating seniors.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate on June 5, many students have expressed their gratitude to Aguirre and her colleagues, which she said was rewarding.

“They've given me letters and written about the difference that they say I've made,” Aguirre said. “To see them move forward, to see them cross the stage and come back and thank you for the work you've done is tremendously rewarding.”

Socorro High School counselor named 2026 Texas School Counselor of the Year event photos