Senator Helming Proclamation Recognizing School Counselors

Recognizing School Counselors during School Counseling Week, February 6-10, 2023

WHEREAS, School counselors and school counseling programs are a vital and integral part of the educational process and experience; and

WHEREAS, School counselors provide an array of services in public and private schools throughout the state which benefit students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the broader community; and

WHEREAS, Among these, school counselors provide essential counseling and information, developmental guidance, and educational and career planning; and

WHEREAS, School counselors are actively involved in helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, school counselors help parents focus on ways to further the educational, personal, and social growth of their children; and

WHEREAS, School counselors encourage students to set realistic goals, and develop critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills; and

WHEREAS, Through this work, school counselors motivate students to see and reach their full potential in school and in life; and

WHEREAS, School counselors also identify and work with community resources that enhance and complement comprehensive school counseling programs in order to assist students to become productive and engaged members of society; and

WHEREAS, School counselors further help students solve problems, deal with conflict and, are increasingly called upon to support children’s mental health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, Oftentimes, school counselors make themselves available simply to listen and empathize; the importance and value of their work cannot be overstated, and is due our collective gratitude and respect; now, therefore, be it

PROCLAIMED, That School Counseling Week provides an opportunity to increase awareness of school counseling programs and services; to note the significant role school counselors play in our schools and in our children’s lives; and, to acknowledge and commend the exemplary dedication and unique contributions of professional school counselors; and be it further

PROCLAIMED, That I, Senator Pamela A. Helming, express my deep appreciation and respect for our school counselors and proudly recognize the individual contributions of each school counselor in the 54th Senate District during School Counseling Week.

February 6, 2023