Ola Middle School Counselor Named HCS 2025 School Counselor of the Year

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Ola Middle School Counselor Monae Gilchrist is Henry County Schools’ 2025 School Counselor of the Year (SCOTY).

Dr. Shanna Mitchell-Jones, the district’s 2024 School Counselor of the Year, made the announcement during a Feb. 7 ceremony at the McDonough Performing Arts Center.

The district’s SCOTY observance honors elementary, middle, and high school counselors for their significant contributions to ensuring every student receives a high-quality, world-class education.

National School Counseling Week, observed Feb. 3-7 under this year’s theme, “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive,” provided a fitting opportunity for the district to acknowledge school counselors’ critical role in fostering students’ academic success, emotional wellness, and personal growth.

“Today, we pay tribute to our school counselors for their work helping students succeed in and out of the classroom,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “I am honored and humbled to highlight the range of roles counselors assume, including crisis intervention and career planning in supporting and empowering our students. You are the heart and backbone of our schools, and we could not imagine our schools without you. Congratulations, and thank you for supporting our students and the entire school community.”

Gilchrist, a school counselor for over a decade, joined HCS in July 2020. The SCOTY award underscores her exceptional efforts and innovation in serving students, families, and the district. Her dedication to student success has inspired her to elevate school counseling to better meet the needs of the HCS community.

As a lifelong learner, Gilchrist continually embraces opportunities to introduce best practices to support her students and the district. Her commitment to her role has earned her the respect of her colleagues, who value her integrity, leadership, and ability to safeguard students’ well-being.

Gilchrist’s relentless advocacy and leadership are reflected in targeted academic support that helps students thrive and develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed beyond HCS. Her efforts to equip every child with college, career, and life competencies support the district’s mission to empower students for success in a global society.

“The School Counselor of the Year ceremony was a wonderful acknowledgment of Henry County Schools’ counselors,” Gilchrist said. “The celebration and recognition of our work with students, families, and school communities was unmatched, and I am beyond grateful to have been honored in this way by the district.”

In addition to awarding Gilchrist, HCS commended school counselors districtwide, spotlighting their passion for enabling a supportive and productive learning environment for every student.

Examples of excellence and the impact of counselors at the school and district level included a 45% increase in dual enrollment course participation districtwide, and one high school  – Dutchtown High School – being recognized for receiving scholarships totaling nearly $18 million for the Class of 2024.

Among the noteworthy recognitions for exceptional service, Eagle’s Landing High School Counselor Dr. Ntasha Hodge received the Administrator’s Choice Award. ELHS Principal Cheré Lewis nominated Dr. Hodge, acknowledging her outstanding commitment to her profession, dedication to enriching the learning experience, and efforts to foster a thriving school community by supporting all stakeholders.

McDonough High School Principal Monica Blasingame was named School Counseling Administrator of the Year, a distinction awarded to a leader who advances school counseling programs, empowers school counselors, and nurtures opportunities for students to thrive every day.

The district also introduced two new award categories highlighting excellence and leadership in school counseling.

McDonough Middle School Counselor Pakisha Reynolds received the Emerging Leader Award for demonstrating leadership, advocacy, and devotion to the profession.

Academy for Advanced Studies Counselor Karen Montgomery received the Distinguished Service Award for excelling in her role and supporting districtwide initiatives through innovative programs that help students, families, and colleagues, foster cross-divisional collaboration, engage stakeholders, and provide mentorship, resources, guidance to elevate the counseling profession.

“I am proud to celebrate the incredible work of our school counselors,” said Board Vice Chair Annette Edwards (Dist. 2). “As a board member and community advocate, I see how much counselors impact our students, families, and communities. You are not just counselors – you are mentors, problem-solvers, and advocates who help shape brighter futures. Today, we recognize your compassion and tireless efforts to support student success. Congratulations to all honorees, and thank you for your dedication and commitment to our students.”

The other SCOTY semifinalists were Stockbridge Middle School Counselor Nichole Wall and East Lake Elementary School Counselor Crystal Rivers.

Family members joined Dr. Pace, Mrs. Edwards, and other district leaders in paying tribute to the finalist and semifinalists, who received monetary awards from Georgia United Credit Union, official sponsor of the event.

“We are grateful for the hard work and tenacity of Henry County Schools’ counselors,” said Board Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4). “From helping students with internships and scholarships to addressing personal needs, they impact lives profoundly every day. Their invaluable guidance helps students navigate challenges, achieve goals, and feel supported and empowered to pursue their dreams.”