School counselors don’t have much time in the day to slow down. If you’re trying to surprise them, be prepared to get your steps in. The Buncombe County Schools Student Services Surprise Squad recently caught up with three dedicated, compassionate counselors to share the news that they had been selected as BCS Counselors of the Year.
At Enka Intermediate, Jody Montrie was called to assist in a classroom, and found students clapping and cheering. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jamie Johnson, Student Services director Shanon Martin, and assistant director Holly Houchard were there to congratulate her as BCS Elementary Counselor of the Year. In one of her nominations, Ms. Montrie was celebrated as “a life-long learner dedicated to enhancing her knowledge base and skills to best serve students” and as “a pillar in her school community.”
The Surprise Squad had to quickly pop onto a bus in order to surprise Owen Middle’s Courtney Sanders as Middle School Counselor of the Year. Ms. Sanders was preparing to take a group of 8th graders to tour Nesbitt Discovery Academy. Ms. Sanders’ peers shared that her infectious positivity and work with student government and the school’s mentor program make her an excellent choice for the honor.
At A.C. Reynolds High School, counselor Emily Walters was welcoming visiting 8th graders from Cane Creek Middle School, and preparing to let them hear a performance from the Rocket Marching Band. Instead, a drumroll helped the Surprise Squad announce her as the BCS High School Counselor of the Year. Her nominations from colleagues celebrated her “extensive knowledge of everything,” and for her sensitivity and compassion in helping her students navigate all types of situations.
Congratulations to our BCS Counselors of the Year! Click here to watch a video of the surprises.