A Ripon Unified School District counselor said being named San Joaquin County School Counselor of the Year is both a professional validation and a deeply personal milestone after years of overcoming self-doubt and supporting students through academic and emotional challenges.
Frank Martinez, who works at Weston Elementary School and began the role in 2021, earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 2012 before completing a master’s degree in counseling, with a focus on school counseling, in 2016 from St. Mary’s College of California.
Martinez was nominated for the award by Weston Elementary School Principal Lisa Fereria. In her nomination letter, Fereria said Martinez “has made a remarkable impact on students from kindergarten through eighth grade.” She noted several of his accomplishments, including establishing the Lunch Bunch program, which allows students to meet during lunch to discuss social issues, stress management and emotional wellness…