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Sarah Kirk Selected as 2019 Oklahoma School Counselor of the Year
The Oklahoma School Counselor Association (OSCA) is pleased to announce that Sarah Kirk has been selected as the Oklahoma School Counselor Of the Year for 2018-2019 (#scoy19). Kirk, a graduate of Oklahoma State University, has been a school counselor at Monroe Elementary School in Norman since 2012.
The School Counselor of the Year program honors the professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates for the nation’s students, helping them achieve success in school and in life.
She was selected based on several criteria including: school counseling innovation, evidence of an effective comprehensive school counseling program, leadership and collaboration, professionalism, and advocacy.
Kirk’s tireless efforts have resulted in the creation of multiple innovative student leadership and support programs in response to data and feedback she gathers from stakeholders. One such program is “Kindness Ambassadors,” a group of students who lead the school’s participation in “The Great Kindness Challenge.” This program is a direct result of students telling her they wished kids would be nicer to each other at school. Sarah also leads mentoring programs, a therapy dog program, and a yoga club at Monroe.
Monroe Elementary School Principal Dr. Lori Connery says “I know Sarah to be a great advocate for students. She is a person of excellent character. She sets the bar high for herself and those she works with while garnering the respect of our students, parents, her peers, and our staff. She is the embodiment of an outstanding school counselor.”
Norman Public Schools’ Director of Guidance and Counseling, Sharon Heatly, lauded Kirk for her leadership. Sarah serves as a New NPS Counselor Mentor, presents regularly at progressional development events, and is in the process of applying for her school’s counseling program to become an American School Counselor Association Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP). “Her leadership extends statewide by serving as an Oklahoma School Counselor Association (OSCA) Board member. Sarah’s demeanor is always positive, calm, and in problem-solving mode.”
Sarah Kirk will travel to Washington, D.C. in January 2019 to be honored with the winners from every other state and to attend a black-tie gala where the American School Counselor Association will announce the national School Counselor of the Year.
About the Oklahoma School Counselor Association
The Oklahoma School Counselor Association (OSCA) is a chartered state division of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) that supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, social/emotional, and career development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. OSCA provides professional development and networking opportunities to Professional School Counselors in Oklahoma. For additional information on the Oklahoma School Counselor Association, visit www.okschoolcounselor.org.