2019 School Counselor of the Year Honored at State Capitol

• By: CASC
• On: 02/27/2019 17:43:43
• In: CASC Blogs

(Sacramento) -Assemblyman Jose Medina (D-Riverside) honored Corona-Norco USD school counselor Josh Godinez as "California School Counselor of the Year" during a special ceremony at the State Capitol earlier this month. Josh's extensive involvement in school counselor leadership and his service as a school counselor and former classroom teacher were noted. "Mr. Godinez is committed, dedicated and always available to his students. His work over the years is to be commended," Medina said. He goes on to credit Godinez's leadership and efforts with seniors in increasing their likelihood of success post-graduation. Josh hails the event as a highpoint in his career stating, "It was such an honor to be present as the Assembly celebrated school counselors statewide and a privilege to have this recognition bestowed upon the school counseling profession by longtime school counseling advocate, Assemblymember Medina. I feel it is our responsibility to give voices to the school counseling profession, and these ceremonies draw attention to the important work school counselors do on behalf of our students. I don't consider this recognition mine alone. It includes all the school counselors working tirelessly and those students who often do not have a voice  if it were not for the efforts of their school counselors." 

Besides Medina's appreciation of Josh's significant contributions to his students at Centinela High, Medina also acknowledged the important role of school counselors in California schools. The ceremony coincided with National School Counselor Week and this was the first time in California history that the profession of school counseling was recognized formally at the state level. There to receive that recognition and proclamation was Patty Taylor, CASC Assistant Executive Director. These instances of acknowledgments are important to ensuring that California decision makers understand the vital and integral role school counselors play in California schools. 

Assemblymember Jose Medina, former CASC Legislator of the Year (2016) and former public school teacher officiated the ceremony. Medina's various state leadership roles include the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, Chair of the Assembly Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy Committee, and Chair of the California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs Select Committee, preserving California's businesses and partnerships. Mr. Medina is passionate about education in believing that an educated workforce is a critical component to the success of California. To view the video of the State Assembly, Feb. 4, 2019 hearing go to:  https://www.assembly.ca.gov/media/assembly-floor-session-20190204/video. The ceremony honoring Mr. Godinez begins approximately 39 minutes into the taping.