Harlingen Collegiate High School

WRITTEN BY: Alma Rock

Harlingen, TX — Harlingen CISD is proud to announce that Dr. Valerie Paredes, Head Counselor at Harlingen Collegiate High, has been awarded a $1,500 grant from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). This prestigious award was given to only five high school educators nationwide who are committed to advancing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in their classrooms. This recognition marks the second consecutive year a Harlingen CISD counselor has received this distinguished honor.

With 15 years of counseling experience, including 11 years at Harlingen High School South, where she led the counseling department for 7 years, and currently serving the past 4 years at Harlingen Collegiate High, Dr. Paredes has been a passionate advocate for student well-being. Her dedication to supporting students’ mental health has been instrumental in creating a learning environment where emotional resilience and wellness are a priority. This grant will allow her to expand SEL resources at her campus, strengthening the mental health support available to students.

Dr. Pamela Flores, Principal at Harlingen Collegiate High, praised Dr. Paredes for her dedication, “Dr. Paredes has been a remarkable champion for her students, consistently exceeding expectations to address their emotional and social needs. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and the exceptional support she offers to our students. Her commitment to fostering social and emotional well-being is truly inspiring, and this grant will enable her to expand these invaluable resources even further, positively impacting the lives of many students here at Harlingen Collegiate.”

SEL is a vital component of student success, empowering students to effectively manage their emotions, navigate stress, and build positive relationships. It not only contributes to academic achievement but also equips students with the skills necessary for long-term personal and professional success. Dr. Paredes’ ongoing efforts to prioritize mental health will ensure that students continue to thrive, both emotionally and academically.

Mrs. Sylvia Gamboa, Director of Guidance and Counseling, shared her excitement for Dr. Paredes’ achievement, “Dr. Paredes has been an incredible advocate for her students, consistently going above and beyond to ensure their emotional and psychological needs are met. This grant will provide valuable resources to further support her SEL initiatives, reinforcing the foundation for students’ long-term well-being and success.”

Harlingen CISD congratulates Dr. Paredes on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates her commitment to enhancing mental health and Social Emotional Learning for all students.