Often overlooked and underappreciated,

Fayette County's school counselors were thanked for their work Monday

night by the Board of Education.

Feb. 2-6 is National School

Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association

(ASCA), intended to focus public attention on the contribution of professional

school counselors within U.S. school systems.

This week provides recognition

for school counselors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs,

a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet

the challenges of the 21st century.

In a proclamation read Monday,

Superintendent John DeCotis cited school counselors for being actively

engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests

and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter

the challenges of raising children in today's world; for focusing

on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal, educational

and career development; and working with teachers and other educators

to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential

and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves.

More than a dozen of Fayette's

counselors lined the front of the board meeting room for the proclamation,

accepted by Faith Hardnett, longtime school system employee and now head

of student services.

"I love this job, and

I love and appreciate every one of you," said Hardnett with her trademark

enthusiasm. "It's a joy to come to work everyday with these

professionals."

School counselors are certified,

experienced educators with a master's degree in guidance and counseling.

The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral

part of the total educational program.

"Every day, school counselors

work with school counseling programs that address the personal/social,

academic and career needs of all students," said Russell A. Sabella,

Ph.D., ASCA president. "Their ultimate goal is to enable all students

to achieve success in school and to become responsible and productive

members of our society."

As part of its celebration

for National School Counseling Week, Fayette County School counselors

will be engaging in various activities such as making school broadcasts

about National School Counseling Week, sending out information about school

counseling in counselor or school newsletters, decorating bulletin boards

and hallways, conducting student activities, and recognizing teachers,

staff and administrators for their support to the guidance counseling

program.

More than 14,000 school counselors

nationwide will be participating in the week's festivities.