Gwinnett celebrates outstanding School Counselors

     As part of National School Counseling Week, celebrated February 2-6, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is highlighting the key role school counselors play in the academic success and overall well-being of all Gwinnett school children. On February 3, the school district named its top counseling award winners during the 2026 GCPS Counselor of the Year program. The winners are: 

2026 Gwinnett County Elementary School Counselor of the Year: 

Sherry Ferguson of Ferguson Elementary School 

     Sherry Ferguson exemplifies what it means to serve the whole child. In her daily work, she consistently advocates for students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being, ensuring that every child feels seen, supported, and valued.  

     “Ms. Ferguson makes a profound difference in the lives of our Ferguson students, families, and staff every single day,” says Altonise Royal, Principal of Ferguson Elementary School. 

     Ferguson’s work goes far beyond individual counseling sessions. Royal says Ferguson is a leader and a problem-solver, and has been a steady presence for the school community, especially during moments when students need guidance, encouragement, and care the most. 

     “Those who know her will tell you; she is intentional about building strong relationships, collaborating with teachers and families, and creating systems of support that help students grow and thrive,” adds Royal. 

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2026 Gwinnett County Middle School Counselor of the Year: 

Robin Butler of Snellville Middle School 

     Robin Butler knows students by name, and just as importantly, Snellville Middle School families know her by name. She champions equity and believes deeply in creating a sense of belonging, while courageously challenging any circumstance that stands in the way of it. Through community mentoring, lunch-and-learn opportunities with families, and her leadership of the Counselor Advisory Council, Butler ensures that every voice matters and every student feels seen.  

     In addition, Butler conceived and continues to lead Career Day, an event that has grown year after year and now garners strong community support and investment in Snellville Middle. She is instrumental in inspiring postsecondary learning through the school's new college and career center, where students are exposed to possibilities, pathways, and futures they may not have considered, all while building confidence and purpose.  

     Butler’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in her belief that learning never stops, including herself. She is a learner at heart, actively engaging in Georgia School Counseling Association conferences, professional learning, and courageous conversations rooted in curiosity. She also serves as a mentor counselor to those new to the profession or new to a school level or setting, developing others through her leadership and generosity. 

     “Ms. Butler leads with integrity, compassion, and vision, and always aims for excellence. She is a believer in chance, an agent of change, and a woman of compassion and character,” says Meshaun Vaughn, Principal of Snellville Middle. 

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2026 Gwinnett County High School Counselor of the Year: 

Pamela Medlin of Meadowcreek High School 

     Pamela Medlin shows up with purpose every day. She listens with her whole heart. She believes in students before they believe in themselves. And because of that, students walk out of her office stronger, steadier, and more hopeful. Her students describe her as caring, logical, comforting, attentive, encouraging, open-minded, and deeply invested in who they are and who they can become.  

     “Pamela Medlin embodies compassion, courage, and a relentless belief in the potential of every child who walks through our doors,” says Meadowcreek High School Principal Dr. Kevin Wood. “When you ask her students what makes Ms. Medlin so special, you hear stories that do not just describe a great counselor— they describe a life-changing one.” 

     Durrant Williams, Director of GCPS Counseling, College and Career Services, says National School Counseling Appreciation Week is an opportunity to honor the heart of the district’s schools, GCPS school counselors. Every day, they champion students’ academic success, social-emotional growth, and postsecondary aspirations with compassion, expertise, and an unwavering belief in what students can become. Their work changes lives, often in ways that are unseen but always deeply felt. 

     “We are especially proud to celebrate our three Counselors of the Year, whose excellence, leadership, and commitment represent the very best of our profession. Their impact reflects the collective strength of our counseling team, and we are grateful for every counselor who shows up daily to advocate, guide, and inspire,” Williams adds. 

Along with the three Counselors of the Year, GCPS recognized the Administrator of the Year and the Writer of the Year.

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2026 Gwinnett County Mary Joe Hannaford Counselor Administrator of the Year:  

Sarah Axmann of the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) 

     Mary Joe Hannaford was a nationally renowned counselor, educator, and supervisor who served as Coordinator of Counseling for GCPS for more than ten years. She worked tirelessly to advocate for students. Hannaford was responsible for ensuring that GCPS had a counselor in every elementary school. When reviewing nomination forms for the Administrator of the Year Award, the selection committee looks for evidence of an administrator’s support and promotion of counseling services, assistance with the implementation of new programming, and efforts to improve existing counseling program services.

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2026 Gwinnett County Writer of the Year: 

Dr. Erin Kilpatrick of Archer High School 

     The Writer of the Year Award recognizes writing published within the last three years that contributes to the professional learning of school counselors and emphasizes the importance of school counseling as an integral part of the educational process.

     In addition to these recognitions, six schools were honored for their commitment to their school counseling programs. Meadowcreek Elementary School, Moore Middle School, Norcross Elementary School, Roberts Elementary School, Sycamore Elementary School, and White Oak Elementary School were awarded the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation. Meadowcreek Elementary and Moore Middle are first-time recipients, while Norcross, Roberts, Sycamore, and White Oak elementary schools had their designations re-certified. The RAMP designation signifies that schools provide students with the support they need to succeed academically and personally. 

     “This week, we say thank you as we recognize the extraordinary difference school counselors make for students, families, and our entire school community,” says Williams.