A local school counselor has been named among the best in the state.
Samantha Vidal of Creekside Elementary School was named the Indiana Association of School Counselors Elementary School Counselor of the Year.
Vidal is in her sixth year as the school counselor at Creekside.
The school earned the Gold Star and completed other certification programs.
Here is what Vidal said about the award:
Why did you apply for the award?
I was nominated by our principal, Mark Heiden. I completed the application because it could only bring positive attention to our school and school counseling program. I want the community to know that we are doing great things over here.
Why do you think you received the award?
There are so many deserving school counselors who also could have won. I am in good company here in Franklin Community Schools and Johnson County. The judges were looking for school counselors who are implementing a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that aims to meet the needs of all students. I have really worked hard to use our student data to build my program and select interventions based on student need. My school counseling program is balanced to focus on academic achievement, personal/social needs and career development. I also implement proactive interventions and lessons instead of being reactive and waiting until there is a problem.
Why did you want to become a school counselor?
I really love working with children. I love helping them to reach their full potential and become well-rounded people. I also love that every day is different and new. You never know what will happen when you walk into school each day! Children always keep things interesting.
