Paris ISD Counselor Andrea Irwin has been named a finalist for the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA) Counselor Of The Year.
The TREA said the Counselor of the Year category is new in 2026, expanding its recognition of the critical role educators play in supporting the whole child.
This year marks the highest number of nominations in the program’s history, underscoring the growing recognition of excellence across rural Texas schools.
Finalists have been selected across six categories: Counselor, Paraprofessional, Principal, School Board, Superintendent, and Teacher.
The finalists and winners will be celebrated during the OTY Awards Luncheon at the TREA Annual Conference, held June 14–17, 2026, at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock. The luncheon will take place on Tuesday, June 16.
“Each year, we are inspired by the level of excellence and commitment shown by educators and school leaders across rural Texas,” said Bill Tarleton, Executive Director of TREA. “The record number of nominations this year speaks volumes about the strength of our rural schools and the people who serve their communities with passion and purpose.”
2026 OTY Finalists:
Counselor
Amanda Dawson | Gordon ISD
Nancy Flores | Rio Hondo ISD
Andrea Irwin | Paris ISD
Sarah Olson | Rogers ISD
Channa Pustejovsky | Abbott ISD
Angelica Walls | Rio Hondo ISD
Paraprofessional
Andres Cantu | Rio Hondo ISD
Richard King | Rio Hondo ISD
Judy Nichols | Rogers ISD Dale
Simmons | Newton ISD
Susana Velazquez | Gordon ISD
Misty West | Gordon ISD
Principal
Angela Askew | Comanche ISD
Austin Baxley | Yantis ISD
Jon Coker | Abbott ISD
Amber Holland | Gruver ISD
Sarah Nichols | Hunt ISD
Gina Overby | Anson ISD
School Board
Colorado ISD
Cumby Collegiate ISD
Dawson ISD
Goliad ISD
Gordon ISD
Thrall ISD
Superintendent
Holly Campbell | Gordon ISD
Mikayle Goss | Boles ISD
Luci Harmon | Hunt ISD
Brandon Hubbard | Chilton ISD
Jessica Milam | San Vicente ISD
Larry Polk, Jr. | Colorado ISD
Teacher
Andres Alvarez | Rio Hondo ISD
Daniel Aguilar | Rio Hondo ISD
Christy Haymon | Newton ISD
Rebecca Krebs | Lindsay ISD
Michelle Reed | Gordon ISD
Shelley Ray | Gordon ISD
