White ES Social Worker Wins Statewide Recognition
Lara Hulin named 2011 Texas School Social Worker of the Year
March 24, 2011
March 24, 2011
Ed White Elementary School’s Lara Hulin has been named the 2011 Texas School Social Worker of the Year by the planning committee for the twentieth annual Texas School Social Worker Conference. The 2011 event, which took place on February 24 in Austin, was sponsored by the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Social Work.
Nominees for the eleventh annual award had to be licensed social workers with a degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited university program and have a minimum of three years of experience as a school social worker. They must also have demonstrated exceptional skill and expertise in one or more of the following areas: developing creative strategies or techniques for working within a school system; implementing an innovative program or service in a school setting; and making a significant impact within a school district, campus, or specific population.
Hulin was chosen in part for the exemplary leadership she displayed in assisting students displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and for bringing the acclaimed Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program to her campus. She was named the district’s Employee of the Month in June of 2006, and the School-Based Liaison of the Year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston in 2007. Hulin was recognized by the HISD Board of Education for her accomplishments during its regular monthly meeting on March 10.
“I have observed first-hand her numerous contributions,” said White Elementary School Principal Thuy M. Le-Thai. “Despite a multitude of obstacles, Ms. Hulin’s commitment to helping all of our students overcome social, economic, and academic barriers allows each student to reach his or her full potential.”