Albuquerque Public Schools
School Counselors Shine at Annual Awards Ceremony
School Counselor of the Year award ceremony honored counselors, administrator for outstanding support.
The Albuquerque Public Schools Counseling Office recently recognized some of the district's most dedicated student advocates during the annual School Counselor of the Year Award Ceremony, held as part of the district’s All Counselor Professional Development event.
In a moment filled with excitement and emotion, winners were surprised on stage by the APS Counseling Office leadership team, joined by their colleagues, friends and family members. The celebration highlighted the powerful impact school counselors have on student success, wellbeing and belonging.
This year’s awards drew an impressive level of participation from across the district. A total of 71 nominations were submitted by administrators, teachers, nurses, counselors and staff, recognizing 44 individual counselors. Many nominees were recognized multiple times, reflecting the strong relationships they’ve built within their school communities.
In addition to honoring school counselors, the APS Counseling Office also recognized a School Counseling Advocate of the Year—an administrator who demonstrates exceptional support for school counseling programs and student services.
A new category was introduced this year: Behavioral Health Counselor of the Year, recognizing the growing importance of mental and behavioral health support in schools.
Additional categories also saw strong engagement, with 12 nominations submitted for School Counseling Advocate of the Year and 15 nominations for the new behavioral health category. To ensure fairness, all identifying information was removed from applications, and winners were selected solely on the strength of their work and impact.
The 2026 School Counselor of the Year honorees are:
- Elementary School Counselor of the Year: Samantha Moss, Lowell Elementary
- Middle School Counselor of the Year: Jillian Evans, Eisenhower Middle
- High School Counselor of the Year: Sarah Hadfield, Manzano High
- Behavioral Health Counselor of the Year: Jennifer Topley, Hayes Middle and Garfield Middle
- Newcomer Counselor of the Year: Yessenia Torrez, Inez Elementary
- School Counseling Advocate of the Year: Principal Amanda St. John, Montezuma Elementary
These staff members represent the very best of APS—professionals who go above and beyond to support students academically, socially and emotionally. Their work helps shape safe, supportive school environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.