East High School Earns National Counseling Excellence Award

School recognized for exemplary comprehensive counseling program

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:31am

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East High School in Des Moines, Iowa has been awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation from the American School Counselor Association, recognizing the school's commitment to delivering a high-quality, comprehensive, and data-driven school counseling program. East High is one of only six schools in Iowa to receive this national distinction, which is awarded to schools that align with the ASCA National Model criteria.

Why it matters

The RAMP designation is a prestigious honor that highlights East High School's dedication to supporting student academic growth and well-being through exceptional counseling services. As one of only a few schools in Iowa to earn this recognition, East High is setting a strong example for comprehensive school counseling programs that prioritize data-driven practices and student success.

The details

To earn the RAMP designation, East High School underwent a rigorous, year-long application process, collecting data and documenting how their counseling program aligns with the ASCA National Model. A panel of experts reviewed East High's application and assessed the implementation and impact of their comprehensive school counseling program.

  • East High School received the RAMP designation in January 2026.
  • The school will be recognized at the American School Counselor Association Annual Conference in July 2026.

The players

Matt Smith

Interim superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools.

Jill Versteeg

Principal of East High School.

Erin Cavazos

K-12 School Counseling Coordinator at Des Moines Public Schools.

Kristen Borel, Lauren Brandt Erickson, Ashlee Duimstra, Michael Freund, Natalie Madsen, and Jana McClelland

School counselors at East High School.

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What they’re saying

“Our school counselors make a difference in the lives of countless students because of the commitment they bring to their important work each and every day.”

— Matt Smith, Interim superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools (dmcityview.com)

“A good counseling team is vital to academic growth and the well-being of students. I am so fortunate to have a skilled and dedicated team here at East who are very deserving of this national recognition.”

— Jill Versteeg, Principal of East High School (dmcityview.com)

“This latest milestone earned by East High reflect our district's unwavering dedication to creating supportive educational environments and promoting student success through exceptional counseling services across our school district.”

— Erin Cavazos, K-12 School Counseling Coordinator at Des Moines Public Schools (dmcityview.com)

What’s next

East High School will be recognized for their RAMP designation at the American School Counselor Association Annual Conference in July 2026.

The takeaway

East High School's RAMP designation demonstrates the power of comprehensive, data-driven school counseling programs to support student academic achievement and overall well-being. This national recognition highlights Des Moines Public Schools' commitment to creating nurturing educational environments that prioritize exceptional counseling services for all students.