Decatur High School has been named a 2025 winner of the CREST Award for Counseling Excellence, an honor bestowed by the Texas School Counselor Association. DHS is the first school in the district to receive this prestigious recognition, placing it among an elite group of schools.
The CREST, or Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas, award recognizes outstanding counseling programs that demonstrate the highest levels of student support across academic, career, personal, and social domains.
The Decatur High School counseling team was officially recognized at an awards dinner on Feb. 1, where they received a banner to display on campus.
The team—composed of certified counselors Sean Stanton, Darlene Thweatt, and Ria Morrison—serves a diverse population of over 1,100 students.
"Our goal is to ensure that every Decatur High School graduate leaves feeling confident and prepared for their next chapter,” said Thweatt. “Earning the CREST award affirms the work we have done to create a comprehensive school counseling program that not only meets, but exceeds the standards set by the state and the Texas School Counselor Association.”
Key to the award was the successful implementation of the “Hope Rising” curriculum. Approved by DISD’s community-based Student Health Advisory Committee, this program has helped fill vital gaps such as character development; social and emotional health; and an integration of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills health requirements. Using the school’s Eagle Time advisory period, counselors created a week-long structure that included check-ins; personalized support for academic, emotional, and social readiness; teacher-led “Hope Rising” lessons; and increased student engagement through clubs and organizations.
"This award is a testament to the culture we are building at Decatur High School," said Principal Tammy Allen. "Our counselors are at the heart of our mission to support the 'whole' student, and we are thrilled to see their excellence recognized at the state level.”