Bussey Middle School’s counseling team has earned the Rising Star Award from the Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA) for the 2025–2026 school year. This prestigious award recognizes effective and outstanding school counseling programs in Texas. 

It highlights programs that are data-driven, developmentally appropriate, and delivered to all students to improve student outcomes, close achievement and opportunity gaps, and prepare students for post-secondary success.

The Rising Star Award specifically honors schools in the early stages of developing a comprehensive counseling program, acknowledging those that have established strong foundational components. 

“This distinction means Bussey's counseling program is among the best in the state, which is a reflection of our counselors' passion, professionalism, and dedication to helping every student soar,” said Principal Amanda Ramos.

The counselors reflected on how it felt to win the Rising Star Award.

“We were all so excited when we learned we’d won,” 6th-grade counselor Demetria Howard recalled. “It was a moment to celebrate all the progress we’ve made together.”

Building a program with heart

The team spent months compiling data, reviewing goals, and documenting growth over the last two years. Their success comes from teamwork, drive, and a shared commitment to students.

“We all have different personalities and strengths, but they complement each other,” 8th-grade counselor Donna Fischer explained. “We make sure we have fun while doing this. If you’re not having fun, you’re not going to be successful.”

The counselors credit their bond and tireless support of every student for helping Bussey reach new levels of achievement.

“We’re a family,” Fischer continued. “Our administrators support us, and that makes everything possible.”

Prioritizing relationships

Counselors emphasize that relationships are the foundation for both academic and emotional growth.

“Relationships with students, staff, and families are the first step,” 7th-grade counselor Fidel Lozano explained. “Once trust is there, everything else follows. Students, teachers, administrators, and families all feel part of the community. That is when growth happens.”

They show that care in creative ways. Students see them in costume at Halloween, dancing at school events, and celebrating positive behavior through music and small rewards.

“Some students act too cool to show excitement, but they love it,” Howard said. “Even shy students end up smiling and returning for more.”

A culture of growth and belonging

Since joining Bussey, the team has helped transform the campus. Students who were once struggling have made remarkable academic and social progress.

“Some of the hardest-to-reach students became some of our best,” Fischer said. “Watching that growth is the most rewarding part of this work.”

Former students often return to visit and share updates about their high school experiences, a sign of the lasting impact.

“When students come back, we see the difference we make,” Howard said. “It shows that believing in them changes everything.”

Continuing the climb

The team is already planning new initiatives to keep building on their success. Small groups are forming, and strategies are being implemented to strengthen the program further.

“We earned the Rising Star this year, and now we are ready for the next level,” said Fischer. “We want students to rise, and we rise with them.”

They also launched a Bussey Counselors Instagram to highlight student achievements and campus life, helping families stay connected and celebrate success.

“Parents who were hard to get in contact with before can now see their children thriving,” said Lozano. “It builds a stronger connection between school and home.”

Bussey’s counseling team reflects the care and focus of educators who believe in every student. Their work transforms lives, strengthens the campus community, and sets the stage for students to soar.