May 6, 2026 - Pieper High School Lead Counselor Kristen Guerra won the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Secondary Counselor Award, receiving $10,000 in cash and a $15,000 grant for the campus.
“I am incredibly honored to be selected as the H-E-B Excellence in Education secondary school counselor,” says Guerra, who has been in education for 18 years, a counselor for 13 years and with Comal ISD for seven years. “This is such a humbling experience, but it validates the impact that school counselors have on students and communities.”
This is the first time that someone from Comal ISD has received an H-E-B Excellence in Education Award, and the first time that Guerra has won, although she was a finalist in the Rising Star category in 2013.
“I became a school counselor because I wanted to be someone students could trust. 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. But the reason I continue to do this work is because of the moments when students and families need counselors the most,” Guerra says.
“I share this recognition with my counseling team, my campus and the students who trust me with their stories every single day. They are the reason this work matters. Thank you to H-E-B for supporting public education and believing in the impact of school counseling and mental health.”
The winners of the 2026 statewide awards were announced during a ceremony Sunday in Houston where H-E-B awarded $480,000 in cash and grants to six teachers, two counselors, two principals, one early childhood facility, one public school board and two school districts.
“We are proud to celebrate Mrs. Guerra,” says Pieper High School Principal Lauran Knight. “This is a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering commitment to students and our campus community. She leads with compassion, integrity and a deep belief in the potential of every student she serves. Her ability to build meaningful relationships, advocate for student success and support both academic and social-economic growth makes a lasting impact each day. This honor reflects not only her excellence as a counselor, but the difference she makes in the lives of so many.”
Congratulations!
Photo description
-Pieper High School Lead Counselor Kristen Guerra was named the winner of the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Secondary Counselor Award on Sunday, May 3. Photo courtesy of H-E-B.