Comal ISD Counselor Kristen Guerra Wins Prestigious 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award
A longtime advocate for students at Pieper High School is receiving statewide recognition for the work many families say happens quietly behind the scenes every day — helping students navigate challenges, build confidence and feel supported during some of the most important years of their lives.
Pieper High School Lead Counselor Kristen Guerra has been named the recipient of the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Secondary Counselor Award, earning $10,000 personally along with a $15,000 grant for the campus. The honor places both Guerra and Comal ISD among the most celebrated educators in Texas public education this year.
For families in the growing Comal ISD community, the award represents more than an individual achievement. It highlights the increasing role school counselors play in student success, mental health support, academic guidance and campus culture across fast-growing districts like those serving the Texas Hill Country.
“This is such a humbling experience, but it validates the impact that school counselors have on students and communities,” Guerra said after receiving the award during a statewide ceremony in Houston.
First-Ever H-E-B Excellence in Education Award for Comal ISD
The recognition marks a milestone for Comal ISD. According to the district, Guerra is the first employee in district history to receive an H-E-B Excellence in Education Award.
The statewide awards program, widely considered one of Texas’ highest honors in public education, recognized educators, counselors, principals, school boards and districts during a ceremony Sunday in Houston. This year, H-E-B distributed $480,000 in cash and grants to education recipients across Texas.
For Guerra, the recognition also reflects years of commitment to students and families. She has worked in education for 18 years, served as a counselor for 13 years and has spent the last seven years with Comal ISD. While this marks her first H-E-B Excellence in Education win, she previously earned finalist status in the Rising Star category in 2013.
Supporting Students Beyond Academics
As school districts across Texas continue focusing on student wellness and mental health resources, counselors increasingly serve as a critical connection point between students, teachers, administrators and families.
Guerra said that mission has guided her throughout her career.
“I became a school counselor because I wanted to be someone students could trust,” she said. “I wanted to be someone who listens, supports and advocates for them during some of the most important and sometimes difficult moments in their lives.”
She added that the daily relationships formed with students continue to motivate her work.
“But the reason I continue to do this work is because of the moments when students and families need counselors the most,” Guerra said.
The recognition also shines a light on the broader counseling team at Pieper High School and the districtwide emphasis on supporting students socially, emotionally and academically.
“I share this recognition with my counseling team, my campus and the students who trust me with their stories every single day,” Guerra said. “They are the reason this work matters.”
Pieper High School Leadership Celebrates the Impact
Pieper High School Principal Lauran Knight said Guerra’s leadership has had a lasting impact on students and the campus community.
“This is a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering commitment to students and our campus community,” Knight said. “She leads with compassion, integrity and a deep belief in the potential of every student she serves.”
Knight noted that Guerra’s work extends far beyond scheduling or academic advising.
“Her ability to build meaningful relationships, advocate for student success and support both academic and social-economic growth makes a lasting impact each day,” Knight said. “This honor reflects not only her excellence as a counselor, but the difference she makes in the lives of so many.”
Why This Matters for Comal ISD Families
As Comal ISD continues experiencing rapid enrollment growth, awards like this reinforce the importance many parents place on strong campus support systems and student-centered leadership.
For students facing academic pressure, mental health challenges, college planning decisions or personal hardships, counselors often become one of the most trusted adults on campus. Recognition at the state level signals that those efforts are making a measurable difference locally.
The $15,000 campus grant accompanying Guerra’s award could also help support future student-focused initiatives at Pieper High School.
The honor arrives at a time when conversations around student mental health, school culture and emotional support services remain at the forefront for Texas schools and families alike.
What Happens Next
The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards continue to spotlight educators and school leaders across Texas who are shaping the future of public education through leadership, innovation and student support.
For Comal ISD, Guerra’s recognition adds another point of pride for a district that continues expanding alongside the communities it serves throughout the region.
And for many students and families at Pieper High School, the statewide honor confirms what they already knew — trusted relationships inside schools can leave a lasting impact long after graduation.
Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of Comal ISD achievements, student success stories and education updates affecting local families.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
