Some educators inspire with their words, others with their actions—and a rare few do both. Shelly Hackett, a counselor at Hooks High School, is one of those people. Her journey from the classroom to the counselor’s office is driven by a heart for helping students push through challenges and find their own paths to success.
“I graduated from Texas A&M University at Texas Tech,” Hackett said. “I was a substitute teacher during my last two years of college, and that was the only other job I had.”
Although she always dreamed of teaching—declaring that ambition as early as first grade—it was a pivotal classroom moment that led her toward counseling.
“As a classroom teacher, I remember having a situation where my hands were kind of tied,” she explained. “I couldn’t do any more for a student, and that gave me the push.”
She also credits her first principal for encouraging her to aim higher.
“They told me I didn’t want to do that the rest of my life—that I needed to go back to school.”
Hackett began her teaching career at the junior high level before becoming a counselor and eventually made her way to Hooks High School, where she’s been for five years.
“My first teaching job was at the junior high,” she said. “I taught there for a while, became a counselor, then left—and came back.”
Her decision to return to Hooks had a very personal reason behind it.
“I always said I wanted to work with Ms. Shannon since she was my high school counselor,” Hackett shared. “This is the only place I would have left my prior job to go to.”
Now back in her hometown, Hackett says there’s nothing like working in a place where the roots run deep.
“I love being at Hooks,” she said. “I love the kids. I love the families. There’s nothing like coming back to your hometown and working there.”
One of the most fulfilling parts of her role is seeing students rise above their doubts and struggles.
“My favorite part is when you get to see the kids be successful at whatever it is,” she said. “Whether it’s school, home, work—whatever—and then seeing them come out the other side.”
Her advice to students is filled with belief and encouragement.
“Go be great,” she said simply. “Go and do whatever it is that you’re wanting to do. You can do it.”
Reflecting on her own high school experience, Hackett says what she remembers most is the friendships—and how different things were in her time.
“My favorite part of high school would be friends,” she recalled. “Other than that, the time I grew up was a different time. There are a lot of things I feel like you guys miss out on.”
Today, Hackett continues to stay involved by leading the National Honor Society, where she finds joy in watching students grow into leaders.
“I do enjoy it,” she said. “I enjoy watching these kids grow up and do hard things and be successful.”
When asked about a quote that guides her, she draws from Scripture, grounding her work and life in faith and courage:
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
With compassion, strength, and wisdom, Shelly Hackett continues to be a steady presence in the lives of Hooks students—offering guidance, encouragement, and the reminder that greatness is within reach.
