Locust Grove Middle School Counselor Named HCS 2026 School Counselor of the Year

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Locust Grove Middle School counselor Jessica Thompson is Henry County Schools’ 2026 School Counselor of the Year (SCOTY).

Dr. Shanna Mitchell-Jones, the district’s 2024 School Counselor of the Year, announced the winner during the Feb. 6 ceremony at the McDonough Performing Arts Center.

The district’s annual awards and recognition ceremony celebrates elementary, middle, and high school counselors for their role in cultivating high-performing school cultures. This year’s event placed the spotlight on more than 70 exceptional school counselors, who collectively received 135 awards across multiple categories, culminating in Thompson’s selection as district SCOTY.

“I am truly honored and deeply grateful to be named Henry County Schools’ School Counselor of the Year,” Thompson said. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the collective role of the students, families, teachers, and colleagues I have the privilege of serving each day.”

Thompson embodies the qualities of a highly effective school counselor, supporting students, families, peers, and the district in nurturing a thriving school community. Her concern for the well-being of the whole child motivates her to establish structures that promote student success.

Prioritizing impactful collaborations, professional development, and strategic networking has empowered Thompson to achieve positive outcomes for students. Her ability to forge meaningful connections with diverse stakeholders and her genuine compassion for students have advanced learning environments in which students feel secure, valued, and equipped to reach their full potential.

A unique combination of expertise and compassion, supported by tireless advocacy and a commitment to innovation, paved the way for her to receive the HCS 2026 SCOTY award.

“I am proud to be a school counselor and sincerely appreciate being recognized for doing what I love most – building relationships, advocating for students, and supporting them in their academic growth, social-emotional development, and future career planning,” Thompson added. “I share this honor with the outstanding team at Locust Grove Middle School, whose dedication and collaboration make a lasting impact on our school community. It is truly a joy to serve the students and families in Henry County.”

Thompson also received awards for serving as an Internship Supervisor, Sixth-Grade Team Leader, and Professional Recognition Chair on the Georgia School Counselor Association’s Leadership Team.

“Our SCOTY celebration is a fitting end to National School Counseling Week,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “This year’s theme, ‘School Counselors Amplify Student Success,’ perfectly embodies the difference every counselor makes in Henry County Schools every day. Congratulations to our awardees, and thank you, school counselors, for your extraordinary efforts on behalf of our students, families, and community. Your exemplary work is a powerful reflection of the impact one individual can have on the lives of many.”

Carrecia Augustin from Smith-Barnes Elementary School and Cyntonia Carten from Hampton Middle School were named semifinalists.

Woodland Middle School Principal Michelle Wilkerson was named Administrator of the Year for exemplifying outstanding support for school counseling services aligned with the American School Counselor Association’s National Model.

School counselors influence all areas of student success. While their work is often considered in relation to students’ emotional welfare, their impact consequently extends to overall performance as reflected in district outcomes such as a 49% increase in dual enrollment credits earned during the 2024-2025 school year, a 34.7% increase in eligibility for the Zell Miller Scholarship in 2025, and a 46% increase in scholarship totals during the 2024-2025 school year.

Additional Awards

HCS counselors received accolades for outstanding commitment to their profession and for helping to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student. Additional awards included:

• Administrator’s Choice Award: Angela Davis from Dutchtown Middle School and DeeAnn Clarington from Pate’s Creek Elementary School received the award, which is presented to counselors who most exemplify excellence, based on school principal nominations.
   
• Distinguished Service Award: Twyla Wright from Walnut Creek Elementary received the award for her service as Summer Bridge Facilitator Leader. The honor goes to a school counselor whose dedication and contributions reflect a strong commitment to the profession and who consistently reflects professionalism and care for students, families, and the school community.
   
• Unsung Hero Award: Dalili Brown of Cotton Indian Elementary and LaShawn Johnson of Fairview Elementary School received this award, which honors counselors whose steady leadership and selfless service made a meaningful difference during a time of crisis at their school. Brown was recognized for applying life-saving measures to aid a student, while Johnson was recognized for life-saving acts and supporting colleagues following the loss of a beloved team member.
   
• Highest Scholarship Total: Dutchtown High School counselors Lakeshia Ammons, Wallace Corker, Monique Edwards-Santiago, Timica Parker, and Dr. Marcia Teemer received this award for guiding the Class of 2025 to earn $18,329,279 in scholarships.

The district acknowledged McDonough Middle, New Hope Elementary, and Unity Grove Elementary for receiving the Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP School) designation, displaying commitment to excellence in implementing a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model. This recognition, awarded at the ASCA 2025 Annual Conference, reflects a deep commitment to equity, student success, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Mitchell-Jones was also recognized at the Georgia School Counselor Association’s Annual Conference last fall as Georgia’s only ASCA Certified school counselor. The certification is the association’s highest professional distinction for demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and assessing a comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors who earn this certification show a deep commitment to ethical practice, continuous professional growth, and excellence in service to students.

Mitchell-Jones was named the district’s 2025-2026 Emerging Leader for exemplifying leadership, advocacy, a deep commitment to advancing the profession, and making a meaningful impact today while helping to shape the future of school counseling.

“Bright futures begin in Henry County Schools, and that’s due in large part to the vital role our school counselors play in supporting our students and families and in establishing a culture of care across our district,” said Board Chair Pope (Dist. 4). “Thank you for your tireless advocacy, devotion to our students, and commitment to leveraging your unique gift and passion to advance public education in Henry County.”

Board member Annette Edwards (Dist. 2), other HCS leaders, Georgia United Credit Union (GUCU) representative Melissa Gabriel, and the honorees’ families were among those gathered to celebrate excellence in school counseling across HCS. GUCU presented monetary awards to the SCOTY winner, semifinalists, and the Administrator of the Year.