One of Carolyn Aarons’ many job responsibilities as a guidance counselor at Daniel Island School is to recognize her students’ achievements and encourage them to reach their fullest potential. Now she has an accolade of her own to celebrate. Aarons was recently recognized as one of three counselors in the state to be named as finalists for the 2010 South Carolina Higher Education Awareness Readiness Transition (HEART) Award.
The finalist award, given to Aarons at a ceremony on May 19 at the Columbia Museum of Art, recognizes excellence in school counseling and success promoting higher education in elementary, middle and high schools throughout the state. Out of 60 nominees, three recipients and three finalists were chosen by a specially-appointed selection committee.
"Ms. Aarons stands out as a model school counselor because she starts the college conversation early," said Dr. Karen Woodfaulk, director of student services for the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, one of the sponsoring organizations of the award competition. "Her innovative ideas and tailored, career-focused programming propels Daniel Island School students forward in exciting and new ways."
According to DIS Principal Robert Candillo, who nominated Aarons for the award, she has implemented a number of successful initiatives at the school, including "outstanding career days" for grades K-8, dress-up days for students to demonstrate their future professions, and special career workshops for grades 5-8. Aarons has also served as a member of the "Making Middle Grades Work" team at DIS and the School Improvement Council. In addition, she has hosted several interns from the Citadel and acts as a mentor to first-year counselors. She has received a number of awards over the years, including the 2005 South Carolina Counselor of the Year, 2004 Tri-County Counselor of the Year, and a Most Innovative Program of the Year Award in 2001-2002.
"Carolyn Aarons is a dedicated counselor who seeks innovative ways to bring careers to life at Daniel Island School," said Candillo. "Mrs. Aarons works hard to help our children understand the possibilities that lie ahead of them no matter what they are interested in. She is a role model for her fellow counselors and I can’t think of anyone more deserving to qualify as finalist for the SC Heart Award."
Madeleine Conway, an 8th grade student at DIS, also submitted a letter nominating Aarons for the award.
"I feel very fortunate to have had Mrs. Aarons as my counselor," wrote Conway, who plans to attend school at Bishop England next fall. "I feel that she has really prepared my class for high school and beyond. (She) is an extremely important person at our school and is admired by all. She is gentle, supportive, kind, caring, and understanding to name just a few of her many qualities."
Aarons also received a $1,000 incentive grant for Daniel Island School as part of her award.
