![Counselors of the Year News Thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770064655/esc12net/hiow56l8kgvqaw8evylp/FP_CS_CounselorAppreciationLuncheon_2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770064655/esc12net/hiow56l8kgvqaw8evylp/FP_CS_CounselorAppreciationLuncheon_2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770064655/esc12net/hiow56l8kgvqaw8evylp/FP_CS_CounselorAppreciationLuncheon_2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770064655/esc12net/hiow56l8kgvqaw8evylp/FP_CS_CounselorAppreciationLuncheon_2026.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770064655/esc12net/hiow56l8kgvqaw8evylp/FP_CS_CounselorAppreciationLuncheon_2026.png","width":1600}])
ESC Region 12 announced the 2026 Regional Counselors of the Year at the 13th Annual Counselor Appreciation Luncheon on January 30. A total of 19 counselors were nominated by their principals, campus leaders, or superintendents. Of those nominated, one was selected as Elementary Counselor of the Year, one was selected as Secondary Counselor of the Year, and one was selected as Lone Ranger Counselor of the Year.
“The spirit of service present was palpable and inspiring,” said Jeni Janek, Coordinator of Counseling Services at ESC Region 12. “This gathering is the heartbeat of our annual calendar. Our school counselors bridge gaps for our schools and community and support our mission in countless selfless ways. It was a genuine privilege to host them and to express our deepest gratitude for the impact they create every single day.”
The 2026 Region 12 Elementary Counselor of the Year is Lindsey Ostrom of Chapel Park Elementary School in Midway ISD. Ostrom has served as a school counselor for nine years, seven of which have been with Midway ISD.
“Ms. Ostrom is the heart of Chapel Park Elementary and a driving force behind our campus culture,” said Kim Hawkins, principal of Chapel Park Elementary School. “She is a fierce advocate for the whole child, ensuring students’ academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs are addressed with compassion, expertise and intentionality.”
The 2026 Region 12 Secondary Counselor of the Year is Jennifer Young of Waco High School in Waco ISD. Young has served as a school counselor for three years, all with Waco ISD.
“Ms. Young’s positive impact is felt campus-wide, and she is a bright light for everyone at Waco High School,” said Sara Miller, coordinator of counseling and social-emotional learning for Waco ISD. “She understands that the best way to truly make an impact is to make yourself an integral part of a larger team with larger goals.”
The 2026 Region 12 Lone Ranger Counselor of the Year is Sharon Hlavenka of Axtell ISD. The Lone Ranger Counselor of the Year award recognizes a school counselor who supports an entire K-12 district. Hlavenka has served as a school counselor for 10 years, two of which have been with Axtell ISD
“Ms. Hlavenka’s presence on our campus is a beacon of positivity, driving both student and campus-wide success,” said Brandon Dieterich, principal of Axtell Junior High and High School. “Her transformative work has turned the counselor's office into a vital hub for student support and guidance.”
Platinum sponsor HelpTxTeachers, along with gold sponsor Cedar Crest Residential Treatment Center, partner Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network and other event sponsors, supported the Service Center in honoring the Counselors of the Year and other regional counselors at the luncheon. Additional recognitions included School Crisis Response, Counselor Advisory Board Members, New Counselors, Retirees and Elite School Counselors.