This summer, the ACT Counselor Blog is featuring counselor-submitted stories that highlight the impact of ACT-focused initiatives in schools. In our first spotlight, we’re proud to share a submission from Maria Flores, College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Specialist at Weslaco East High School in Weslaco, Texas. Maria shares how her school launched an ACT Recognition Program to celebrate students who excel academically and how the effort has shifted the culture on campus.
At Weslaco East High School, we’ve always known our students are capable of greatness. Many of them are first-generation college-bound, balancing academics with responsibilities at home and in the community. While athletic achievements often take center stage in high school, we knew it was time to shine a light on another kind of excellence: academic success, especially in ACT performance.
That’s why we launched our ACT Recognition Program, a campus-wide initiative designed not just to celebrate students who scored above state and national averages on the ACT but also to build a culture that values academic achievement and postsecondary readiness.
The first recognition event was more powerful than we could have imagined. Students were beaming as they walked across the stage to receive their shirts, surrounded by proud teachers and families. For many, it was their first time being publicly recognized for an academic accomplishment, and it mattered. We had families ecstatic to be included and taking photos with their children, proud to see their hard work acknowledged in such a meaningful way.
Weslaco East is a place where Wildcats support each other, and this program proved that when we invest in our students’ academic journeys, they rise to the occasion. The pride on their faces, the excitement in their steps, and the way they wore their ACT shirts like jerseys was a reminder that achievement takes many forms and they’re all worth celebrating.
ACT Recognition Implementation Guide and campus resources.
This wasn’t just about test scores. It was about visibility and encouragement. Many of our students had never thought about how far a strong ACT score could take them, especially when it comes to university admissions and scholarship opportunities. The recognition program helped change that narrative. It opened doors, started conversations, and elevated ACT awareness across campus. It showed students that their dreams of college were not only valid but possible.
We also saw it as a strategic effort to increase our overall ACT average. By recognizing high achievers, we were setting a standard and encouraging others to strive for similar success. We shared their stories, celebrated their dedication, and made academic recognition something to aspire to.
Thank you to Maria Flores and the team at Weslaco East High School for sharing this inspiring story. Your commitment to celebrating academic achievement and building a college-going culture is a powerful example of how schools can elevate student success in meaningful ways.
We’re excited to continue spotlighting the incredible work of counselors across the country. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you.