MANTUA — "She’s a rock star in our profession."

That’s how a peer describes Crestwood Middle School counselor Lynne Morrison who was named Ohio School Counselor of the Year during the School Counselor of the Year Celebration in Washington, D.C. 

American School Counselor Association’s School Counselor of the Year program honors the best school counselors "who are running a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at either the elementary, middle or high school level," according to the association. 

Morrison was nominated to the association by Stanton Middle School counselor Carly Frey, in Kent. Morrison had to submit an application, and was selected as middle school counselor of the year before being awarded the overall Ohio winner. She said the ASCA then goes through the 50 state representatives and chooses a national school counselor of the year, which was Kirsten Perry out of Chicago this year. 

Frey, who was recognized for the middle school honor herself in 2015, said she has known and worked with Morrison for years and has "always been inspired by her energy, passion and drive to help serve students."

"We often have students that move to and from each of our districts and have always been able to call upon each other to best serve our Portage County population," Frey said. "This working relationship is of utmost respect and admiration. Lynne truly embodies what it means to be a school counselor who advocates for her students success on every level ... She’s a rock star in our profession."

Morrison said she felt like a rock star when she walked across the stage and accepted a plaque during a Friday night gala at Union Station in the nation’s capital. The gala followed a luncheon at the Kennedy Center, where honorees stood on risers behind keynote speaker Michelle Obama, former first lady of the United States. Obama’s Reach Higher initiative collaborated with ASCA to start the school counselor recognition. 

Morrison said what struck her about Obama in the brief interaction the group of counselors had with her was that "she was real."

"She was not full of pomp and circumstance, but very down to earth," Morrison said of Obama. "Her passion for education and helping kids reach their highest potential was contagious.

"One of the things that was very poignant about her speech was the fact that she noted that former celebrations had taken place at the White House. She recognized that it wasn’t about the White House but about the important, valuable work school counselors do on the ground. The White House was just a perk. She very passionately discussed the value of having school counselors at every level and shed light on why our work is so critical as part of the education team."

In her speech, Obama said school counselors have the power to show children that they matter.

"We know where the real work of changing kids’ lives happens," Obama said. "It happens on the ground, in classrooms and communities, and in those face-to-face, heart-to-heart interactions between our kids and caring educators and counselors ... You all have the power to show our children that they matter."

While meeting Obama was a highlight for Morrison, she said there were celebrities there such as "The Chew"s Carla Hall, "Chopped"s chef Amanda Freitag and Connie Britton from TV’s "Nashville" and "9-1-1," who called the school counselors "Soldiers of Love."

Also part of the luncheon was a step group called the Lethal Ladies of Baltimore, who Morrison said inspired her with their performance and their words about their principal. 

Morrison said the honor of being recognized for her work was special because the award came from colleagues. 

"I don’t think there is anything more rewarding than to earn that kind of respect from your peers and colleagues," Morrison said. "It’s been really fun too, because they have gotten the kids involved in the celebration, and that is why we do what we do."

She added that, as a representative of her profession, she feels sometimes people don’t understand what counselors do, and said it has opened up conversations with community members, families and other administrators as to why school counseling is important. She said it is important on every level — not just high school for college placement, but also for supporting children with mental, emotional and social issues.  

"Supporting children at every level is so important, especially now," Morrison said. "We bring our kids to a traditional school setting, and a lot of them don’t come from traditional backgrounds. They are facing issues of trauma, substance abuse, immigration/deportation, racism and the list goes on and on. So it is important for us as educators, and specifically us as school counselors who have expertise in behavior, to be able to collaborate so all kids can be successful in a traditional setting." 

Crestwood Superintendent David Toth said the district is lucky to have Morrison on staff.

"Ms. Morrison, above all else, is a wonderful person," Toth said. "She cares about all kids, is knowledgeable of her profession and is always positive and enthusiastic. We are very fortunate to have her be a part of the Crestwood family. She no doubt deserves this recognition."

Reporter Briana Barker can be reached at 330-541-9432, bbarker@recordpub.com or @brianabarker1.