This week in Washington, the American School Counselor Association hosted educators from across the country to celebrate the contributions that school counselors make to student success. Among those recognized was Lezlie DelVecchio-Marks, School Counselor at Burchfield Primary School, who was named 2022 Pennsylvania School Counselor of the Year. DelVecchio-Marks has worked as School Counselor at Burchfield for 7 years and in the Shaler Area School District for 15 years, serving at every primary school in the district except Marzolf Primary School—the school that she attended herself as a student.

DelVecchio-Marks joined the other awardees from across the country at the U.S. Department of Education for a fireside chat with U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on Thursday, February 3rd.  The awardees were then honored at the American School Counselor Association Gala, held at Union Station in Washington D.C. on the evening of February 3rd.

DelVecchio-Marks reflected that she is humbled by this honor and grateful to get to meet other school counselors from across the country, ahead of National School Counseling Week 2022 February 7–11, 2022. “School counselors are in the unique position to serve all students. We work collaboratively to equip students with tools to grow academically; social-emotionally; and to build the attitudes, skills, and knowledge to be successful in their future careers. I personally feel blessed to work with an awesome administrator and encouraging staff who consistently support my efforts to provide a comprehensive school counseling program to our precious and valued students!” DelVecchio-Marks said.

Jeffrey Rojik, Principal at Burchfield Primary School, expressed, “Lezlie connects with students, families, and staff in a way that creates relationships and trust. Her enthusiasm, positivity, and creativity is contagious throughout the school. She is always seeking ways to improve the experiences of our students and families. From classroom lessons, small group discussions, or one-on-one counseling, Lezlie will do whatever it takes to make Burchfield a great place to be!”

“Each year, the School Counselor of the Year program shows us what the research tells us—that school counselors have a significant impact on students’ academic achievement, social/emotional development and plans for life after graduation,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “Through their dedication, contributions and excellence, these finalists have demonstrated their commitment to the values and mission of the school counseling profession.”