Jordan Blevins entered an assembly room at the Robert Cabral Agricultural Center, where her colleagues, family, and friends had gathered.

They came together to surprise her with the prestigious School Counselor of the Year award from the California Association of School Counselors.

"I don't have words," Blevins said, tearfully. "I love my job. Period. The fact that this is happening is mind-blowing, and I have no actual words for what's happening right now. Just thank you to all of you, Stockton counselors."

Blevins has been a school counselor for Stockton Unified School District since 2018. Prior to joining Pacific Law Academy in 2023, she spent five years at Hazelton Elementary School.

In addition to her role as a school counselor, Blevins serves on the Board of Directors for the California Association of School Counselors and teaches the education counseling master's program at the University of La Verne.

Blevins is well-acquainted with recognition. She was named Stockton Unified School District Counselor of the Year in 2022 and was honored as San Joaquin County's School Counselor of the Year in April.

"We're lucky to have Jordan representing Stockton Unified and all of our great work," Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez told the audience. "When I came here a little over a year ago, we were talking about the exemplary work that all of you do here within the district, and I think we're fortunate because now that we have the state-level Counselor of the Year, they will look to us. They will look to us and not only know the fantastic work that Jordan does at PLA, but also the fantastic work that all of you do because she represents that."

Monroe Elementary School Principal Victor Zamora, who worked closely with Blevins during her early years in the district, expressed his astonishment at her achievements.

"She has always been amazing since the beginning of my first year when I started at Hazelton. She was always, especially during COVID, asking us, 'What do you need? What can I do to help you?'" Zamora said. "She's eager and always willing to learn, and share her knowledge."

Blevins' mother, Stacy Bauer, shared that Blevins lost her father four years ago, who had always dreamed of becoming a school counselor. "He didn't do it because I went to school and he was making money, and you know how that goes, and he never went back to school for it, but he always wanted to do that," Bauer told her daughter. "Through you, he's looking at you and he sees it, and it's amazing what you're doing. He's probably a lot of the reason why you're doing it. I'm very proud of you."

Blevins will now compete with other state winners for the title of National School Counselor of the Year.