Hanford High's Julianne Atencio Named Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year

Hanford High School counselor Julianne Atencio has been named the Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year by the Washington Industrial Technology and Education Association (WITEA). This honor recognizes Atencio’s outstanding commitment to student success and her impactful work in advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE).

WITEA presents this award to school counselors and career development professionals who demonstrate innovation in career exploration, a strong commitment to student opportunity, and active advocacy for CTE as a vital educational pathway.

Julianne Atencio exemplifies these qualities through her tireless efforts to connect students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that align with their skills and interests. As a passionate advocate for CTE, Atencio empowers students to explore diverse career pathways and supports them in gaining industry certifications and access to post-secondary opportunities.

In her roles as Counseling Department Chair and AP Coordinator at Hanford High School, Atencio works closely with CTE instructors to ensure students are enrolled in the right courses, helping to strengthen and grow the school’s CTE programs. Her efforts to promote CTE to students and families have led to increased enrollment and engagement across campus.

A forward-thinking leader, Atencio was also an early supporter of the Career Pathway to Graduation initiative, underscoring her dedication to creating clear, accessible routes to success for all students.

Join us in congratulating Julianne Atencio!