In addition to naming counselors of the year, the organization also recognized a non-counselor who has worked hard during the year to advance counseling programs and services at an individual school or systemwide. This year's Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Tracie Fleming, principal of McIntosh High.

"It is a high honor for me to be recognized by you today. I appreciate all that you do for our students," Fleming told the counselors as she accepted the award.

Tucker nominated Fleming, a first year principal at McIntosh. Since becoming principal, Fleming has made the counseling program one of her top priorities, organizing regular meetings with the counseling staff to discuss how to expand and improve programs and services.

School counselors at all levels provide valuable services to students and their families as well as faculty and staff. On a daily basis they are involved in character education, violence prevention, career planning and much more.

Counselors are professional educators who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today's diverse student population. They don't work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve school success.

Professional school counselors align with the school's mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program.

In addition to honoring colleagues, the association also installed its 2004-2005 officers: Sonya Tucker (McIntosh High), president; Phyllis Bennett (Cleveland Elementary), president elect; Jo Ann Swafford (Fayette Middle), past president; Kristi Murin (Crabapple Lane Elementary), elementary worksetting VP; Sue McEwan (Flat Rock Middle), middle school worksetting VP; Lorabeth Stroup (Fayette County High), high school worksetting VP; Joy Conklin (Peeples Elementary), secretary and Amor Kok (exceptional children's services), treasurer.