Counselors recognized for substantial work in community

MADISON – The role of counselor in Madison City Schools involves a multi-layer grid of assistance to promote a student’s emotional, academic and social well-being. The proficiency of Madison counselors’ work often leads to honors and awards.

Madison Board of Education recently recognized several counselors for earning statewide honors and other workplace distinctions. Board members said MCS counselors often earn multiple awards and receive commendation in back-to-back years.

* Carissa Davis, counselor at Midtown Elementary School, received the Asa Sparks New Counselor of the Year honor for 2021.

* Sadie Sturdivant, counselor at Columbia Elementary, earned the Asa Sparks New Counselor of the Year Award for 2022. Alabama School Counselor Association issues this distinction.

For Davis and Sturdivant, the Asa Sparks award recognizes one school counselor in Alabama who has worked in that role for less than three years and demonstrates excellence in the school counseling profession and implements a top-notch comprehensive school counseling program.

* Stephanie Allen earned the Counselor Administrator award from the Alabama School Counselor Association. Allen works as Mental Health Services Coordinator for Madison City Schools. Allen’s award recognizes one person each year who provides outstanding support services and leadership to school counselors while operating in an administrative capacity with the school system.

* Carol Torello works as counselor at RISE Academy (Restore, Inspire, Support & Engage), which has class space at James Clemens. The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community recognized Torello for her work in advocating against teenagers’ habits with tobacco, vaping and drug use.

The award presentation for Torello included Dr. Kerry Donaldson, Administrator for RISE Academy; Wendy Reeves, Executive Director of Partnership for a Drug-Free Community; and Ann Marie Martin, lecturer with Partnership.

In addition to coordinating education efforts on vaping’s dangers, Torello implemented “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” book study. She partners with local restaurants to feed in-need students. Torello also helps student families find employment opportunities, conducts home visits to support students and counsels students on an array of issues.