Stephanie Nelson ’20PHD Named 2023 North Carolina School Counselor Association School Counselor of The Year

Stephanie Nelson ’20PHD, a school counselor at Garner Magnet High School and graduate of the NC State College of Education’s Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy and Human Development counseling and counselor education concentration, has been named the 2023 North Carolina School Counselor Association (NCSCA) School Counselor of The Year.

“It is meaningful to me because it underscores that hard work, a growth mindset and always striving to serve students to the best of my ability is noticed and valued,” Nelson said.  

The NCSCA’s School Counselor of the Year Award recognizes a North Carolina counselor for their professional leadership and their contributions to developing and implementing comprehensive school counseling programs.

Nelson was surprised with the award at her school by a group that included NCSCA president Nartarshia Sharpe, administrators at Garner Magnet High School and her colleagues. 

“It was really special and celebratory,” Nelson said. “It was a very proud moment and I felt the love and support.”

In May, Nelson was named the 2023 Wake County Public School System School Counselor of the Year.