GCPS Counselors to be Honored on Friday

Gwinnett County Public Schools will honor its counseling professionals in a special ceremony Frday, Feb. 8, when the Counselors of the Year also will be named.

The program is a way to show appreciation for the role school counselors play in students' lives -- from focusing on best practices to guide early learners to helping them prepare for college and beyond.

Not only will counselors be thanked by the district's superintendent and board, but also Counselors of the Year will be announced. The winners will move on to the regional level of competition.

Last year's winners were: Robin Zorn of Mason Elementary in Duluth; Brandee Appling of Bay Creek Middle; Tinisha Parker of Gwinnett County Online Campus; Assistant Principal Paul Johnson of Peachtree Ridge High in Suwanee; and Michelle Stangline of Sycamore Elementary.

Zorn went on to be named the State of Georgia Counselor of the Year in 2012. It was the first year for the state honor.

The 2013 Gwinnett County recognition takes place Friday at 8 a.m., at GCPS Headquarters, 437 Old Peachtree Road.

The program is part of National School Counseling Week, which is held every year during the first full week of February.