Davis earns state-level RAVE award for counseling

Cindy Davis has earned the RAVE (Recognition of Accountability, Verification and Excellence) Award for her work as counselor at Mill Creek Elementary School.

“I was so excited to find out that I had received the next level of the RAVE Award,” Davis said. “It is very rewarding to know that all of my hard work … is being recognized.” In 2011, Davis helped Mill Creek earn the RAVE Silver Award.

In her work, Davis, a National Board Certified School Counselor, collects data through pre- and post-tests about subjects in her guidance lessons to prove their effectiveness. “I also use data from safety surveys and state testing to help guide programs and small groups implemented throughout the school year,” she said.

In her recommendation letter, Mill Creek Principal Melanie Barkley said the School Counseling Student Support Team, led by Davis, is an “essential element to our school’s safety and students’ academic success … and plays a vital role in promoting the academic, personal/social and career growth of our entire student body.”

Davis sees students individually, along with small and large groups, and emphasizes decision-making skills, early exploration of career and educational goals, self-awareness, self-esteem and interpersonal skills.

At Mill Creek, Davis coordinates the Giving Garden, Weekend Snack Pack, Red Ribbon Week and Ident-a-Kid; works with Peer Helpers and Safety Patrol; and organizes coat and food drives and cancer fundraisers.

She was named Alabama Elementary School Counselor for 2006-2007 and in the Top Ten Counselors in the nation.

The Davis family was a finalist for 2012 Madison Family of the Year. She has served as foster parent for children with Madison County DHR and taught the Christian Families Sunday School class for 13 years at Asbury United Methodist Church, where she is an usher.

Davis earned a bachelor’s degree at Samford University and a master’s degree in school counseling at the University of North Alabama.