San Diego Unified School District News Releases: SD UNIFIED’S 301 COUNSELORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN LIVES OF STUDENTS, DISTRICT HONORS 4 COUNSELORS AS 2026 SCHOOL COUNSELORS OF THE YEAR

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

SD UNIFIED’S 301 COUNSELORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN LIVES OF STUDENTS, DISTRICT HONORS 4 COUNSELORS AS 2026 SCHOOL COUNSELORS OF THE YEAR

Good morning, if you are interested in conducting any interview with our director of counseling, or any of the winners of our Counselor of the Year, please let me know and we'd be happy to help arrange. Thanks, James

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DOWNLOAD VIDEO ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE COUNSELORS AS TOLD BY STUDENTS & PRINCIPALS

Media Contact:
James Canning, 313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED'S 301 COUNSELORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN LIVES OF STUDENTS, DISTRICT HONORS 4 COUNSELORS AS 2026 SCHOOL COUNSELORS OF THE YEAR

District recognizes counselors' impact on student wellness, academic success, and college and career readiness

SAN DIEGO (February 3 , 2026) – In recognition of National School Counseling Week, San Diego Unified School District is proud to honor its 2026 School Counselors of the Year, celebrating the dedicated professionals who support students' academic success, social-emotional well-being, and future readiness across the district.

This year's honorees were selected from a distinguished group of 21 nominees representing elementary, middle, and high schools throughout San Diego Unified:

Elementary School Counselor of the Year
Nick Zambrano, Ericson Elementary

Middle School Counselor of the Year
Paulette Blankenbeckle, Marshall Middle School

High School Counselor of the Year
Anna Vasquez, Crawford High School

San Diego Unified employs 301 school counselors serving students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. Every school site has access to a counselor, with staffing allocated based on student enrollment to ensure supports are responsive to each school community's needs.

"School counselors are essential to achieving our Student Achievement Goals, particularly our commitment to student wellness," said Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D., San Diego Unified School District. "They are trusted adults who ensure students feel supported, connected, and prepared—not just academically, but emotionally and socially. Their work helps students thrive in school and graduate with real options for the future."

School counselors provide comprehensive, preventive, and developmental supports focused on academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and college and career readiness. At the elementary level, counselors support foundational social-emotional skills and early career awareness. Middle school counselors help students navigate key transitions and decision-making, while high school counselors guide students toward graduation, A–G completion, and postsecondary pathways, while also supporting mental health needs.

"School counseling is essential to advancing our Student Achievement Goal of increasing college and career readiness and ensuring every student graduates with options," said Mariana Gomez, Ph.D., Director of Counseling & Student Support Services. "Through intentional course planning, A–G and CTE guidance, credit monitoring, and targeted supports, counselors help students move from 'not prepared' to 'prepared,' creating pathways to college, career, and future success."

San Diego Unified has recognized National School Counseling Week for more than 25 years, underscoring the district's longstanding commitment to student wellness and success. As students continue to navigate academic and personal challenges, counselors remain a critical part of the district's efforts to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and equipped to succeed.

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