There isn’t a stranger that doesn’t know Gilbert Chapel when they visit Austin High School. A campus celebrity, the district names Chapel as HISD’s July Employee of the Month.

“It’s joy to have Chapel. He doesn’t limit himself within his role as a substance abuse counselor,” Assistant Principal Jorge Medina said. “We can count on him to go above beyond

For the last 18 years, Chapel has served as a constant at Austin High School.

“I take pride in my job and it’s a team effort,” Gilbert said. “It’s about building a relationship with the students. No matter where they are academically supporting them emotionally also proves to be successful in building the student’s trust and social skills.”