USCA Annual Awards

​In addition to the School Counselor of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards, new to 2020 there is a USCA Team of the Year Award!  

Nominations will be narrowed down to 3 finalists in each category and these 3 finalists, along with their nominator and principal, will be invited to our annual USCA Awards Gala in May.  Winners in each category will be announced our Awards Gala.  The USCA Counselor of the Year winner will also have the opportunity to go on to represent Utah in Washington, D.C. at the national level with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). 

You can read about each award below and get a preview of the questions that will appear on the application.  When you are ready to make your nominations, select the button below!

Email hillary.emmer@utschoolcounselor.org with any questions.

All applications are DUE MARCH 1, 2020!

Nominate Your Favorite School Counselors Here!

School Counselor of the Year (CoY)

The School Counselor of the Year Award (5+ years experience) honors the best counselors who run a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at the elementary, middle, or high school level. They are working to provide the best outcomes for their students, are leaders in their counseling centers, and are positive influences in their schools.  

Counselor of the Year Questions

1. How is this nominee an exemplary School Counselor?
2. How does this school counselor work to help students who may be struggling to do well in school or who may not have the means to take advantage of certain programs, etc.?
3. How does this school counselor ensure successful transitions with students?
4. How does this school counselor facilitate college and career readiness for students?
5. How does this school counselor work to advocate for the School Counseling profession?
6. How is this school counselor making a difference in the lives of students?
7. Anything else that you would like to add that has not been covered in a previous question?
8. Upload a Letter of Recommendation.

Rookie School Counselor of the Year (RoY)

The Rookie School Counselor of the Year Award honors the best of our new counselors (1 - 4 years of experience) at either the elementary, middle, or high school level. These rookie counselors bring new ideas, new enthusiasm, and change for the better in their counseling departments, while still learning from other counselors' experiences.

Rookie of the Year Questions

1. How does this nominee stand apart from other new school counselors?
2. How does this school counselor work to help students who may be struggling to do well in school or who may not have the means to take advantage of certain programs, etc.?
3. How has this school counselor continued to learn and grow in their profession?  (professional development, collaborating with mentors and colleagues, showing resilience through struggles, etc.)
4. How does this school counselor facilitate college and career readiness for students?
5. How does this school counselor work to advocate for the School Counseling profession?
6. How is this school counselor making a difference in the lives of students?
7. Anything else that you would like to add that has not been covered in a previous question?
8. Upload a Letter of Recommendation.

School Counseling Team of the Year (ToY)

Our best school counselors often work on great school counseling teams.  Most counselors attribute their greatness to the workings of their team. This award is designed to recognize those stand out teams who lead the way in comprehensive school counseling programs at either the elementary, middle, or high school level.

Team of the Year Questions

1. How is this team an exemplary School Counseling team?
2. How does this team work to help students who may be struggling to do well in school or who may not have the means to take advantage of certain programs, etc.?
3. How does this team ensure successful transitions with students?
4. How does this team facilitate college and career readiness for students?
5. How does this team work to advocate for the School Counseling profession?
6. How is this team making a difference in the lives of students?
7. Anything else that you would like to add that has not been covered in a previous question?
8. Upload a Letter of Recommendation.