Counselor Yvonne Espinoza has earned the Counselors That Change Lives award from national nonprofit Colleges That Change Lives.

Espinoza, a Project Advance college counselor at Gonzalo Garza Independence High School earned the award for work that reflects the mission of CTCL: to promote and support a student-centered college search process.

“We’re extremely pleased for the recognition or Ms. Espinoza. Her work with students and genuine caring concern has helped multiple students realize their goals of a college degree,” said Garza High School Principal Linda Webb. “We’re thankful that she has chosen to use her talents at Garza High School.”

Espinoza mentors students to help them understand their college options. Often her first task is to convince parents that there are opportunities available for their students.

Chair of the CTCL Board, P.J. Petrone said that the eight awarded counselors help students frame their search beyond college ratings and rankings.

“Their tireless work does not go unrecognized and this program is our way of acknowledging all that they do to help students and families on a daily basis,” said Petrone. “Too often, media stories focus on the negative aspects of the college admission process and not enough on the individuals who are true to the counseling profession and change the lives of students each and every day.”

Espinoza will be recognized at the National Association of College Admission Counseling annual conference Oct. 1-3 in San Diego.                                

For more information, contact Maria Furtado, executive director of Colleges That Change Lives, at (727) 465-8005 or maria.furtado@ctcl.org.