It is inspiring to be in a room filled with state and national school counselors of the year. The energy is palpable, moving seamlessly from conversations about making a difference to recognizing those who do. On January 30, at Union Station in Washington, DC., 47 state counselors of the year reaffirmed their commitment to their students and profession, adding their own spark to the evening’s celebration.

A highlight of the night was the presentation of Carmen Larson, Ph.D., school counselor at Sarasota Middle School in Florida, as the 2025 School Counselor of the Year^®.

With a single sentence, Larson ignited the passion in the room: “She knew my name!” The emotion in her voice reflected the power of recognition–not just from former First Lady Michelle Obama but from an entire profession devoted to uplifting students. In that instance, the focus of the evening shifted from honoring hard work to affirming the impact of school counselors nationwide.

Recognition matters. As an educator, being seen and valued fuels the drive to keep making a difference. At events like this, there is a certain magic in the air–a spark of joy that goes beyond celebration itself. Abraham Maslow’s concept of self-actualization speaks to these moments, where aspirations, excellence, and recognition merge into something fulfilling. The power of celebrating success lies in its ability to inspire, energize, and elevate.

As Larson put it, “The SCOY award is not just a celebration of our work–it’s a call to action.” By recognizing outstanding counselors, we reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering environments where each and every student and every educator can thrive.

by Rich Long, Ed.D., executive director of LFA