Felipe Zanartu, an elementary school counselor from Murrieta, was named Riverside County Office of Education's Counselor of the Year.
Patch Staff
MURRIETA, CA —A Murrieta Valley Unified School District Counselor was named among the Riverside County Educators of the Year, according to the Riverside County Office of Education.
In a surprise visit to campus, Felipe Zanartu received his award for his role as a school counselor at Cole Canyon Elementary School.
"For the last six years, Felipe Zanartu is far more than an outstanding support for the success of all students. He also trains new counselors and facilitates professional development locally, statewide, and nationally to grow exemplary model counseling programs. His work has elevated the profession within his own district to the extent that counselors were added to support each elementary school in the district," a district spokesperson said in a recent news release.
"Felipe is a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the California Association for School Counselors. His belief is that exemplary school counselors are those who prioritize measurable outcomes, equity, and student-centered growth. In just the last five years, Felipe has guided 18 schools to achieve Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) recognition in Riverside County, California, and across the country.
"He is a frequent presenter at the National School Counselor Leadership Conference and serves as a RAMP-reviewer for schools that are aligning their counseling focus with best practices and national standards.One of Felipe’s innovative creations is the House Challenge Program. This initiative encourages kindness, respect, good citizenship, teamwork, and sportsmanship through structured play via intramural sports competitions. For students who might not otherwise participate in competitive extra-curricular sports programs, this program builds confidence, social skills, and connections with their peers while teachers, staff, parents, and community members support as coaches and referees.
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One parent described the program as “saving my child’s 5th grade year,” according to a statement.
Zanartu earned a Master’s degree in School Counseling from San Diego State University, and his Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from the Riverside County Office of Education’s School of Education.
Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Dr. Edwin Gomez, spoke about Zanartu at the recent surprise ceremony with more than 1,000 students and educators gathered at an outdoor assembly on the campus of Cole Canyon Elementary School.
“Today, I have a very special announcement because it is important that in this county, we honor, celebrate, and acknowledge our great educators and team members that work with all of you students,” Gomez said. “Mr Zanartu works for many of you. He's visible. He's on the playground. He's in the classroom. He's working with your teachers, and he's working with the team—all because he cares for every single one of you. Just like all of your teachers, and all of your staff members here in your educational family, Mr. Zanartu always goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Zanartu described his thouths, immediately following the surprise announcement.
"This was incredibly unexpected,” he said. "My biggest thing is for all of you here is to really have fun. Make school the best experience it can be. I know if you have fun, and you love school, and make really good friends, and good relationships, you're going to be successful. I'm just really hoping that I can be one step in helping your life be successful. Thank you so much.”
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