Harnett County Schools proudly announces the recipients of this year's prestigious Elementary, Middle, and High School Counselors of the Year, School Social Worker of the Year, and School Nurse of the Year awards. Each of these dedicated professionals have demonstrated unwavering commitment, compassion, and expertise in their respective roles. Their contributions have not only enhanced the well-being of their students but have impacted the wider school communities they serve daily.
2023 - 2024 SCHOOL COUNSELOR(S) OF THE YEAR
Counselor of the Year - High School - Mrs. Morgan Colmenero, Harnett Central High School
"Education and its role in fostering students as they grow into successful, young adults is about addressing all of their needs. Being an advocate for them, I am excited to help students explore their interests and be a support to them and their families as they navigate through the joys and trials they face along their paths to college and career."
Counselor of the Year - Middle School - Mrs. Beth Fortner, Highland Middle School
"All students deserve a caring, responsive adult in their lives, and as a School Counselor, I have the ability and the privilege to impact youth during their most formative and tumultuous years. Every aspect of my story has led me to where I am today, and I am excited to see how the next 20 years unfold, knowing the students I serve will no doubt impact me more than I will ever impact them!"
Counselor of the Year - Elementary - Mrs. Kristen Poe, Buies Creek Elementary
"I chose to be a counselor because just like Educator Rita Pierson once said “Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be”- I want to be that champion for the students of Buies Creek Elementary."
2023 - 2024 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR
School Social Worker of the Year - Mrs. Kim Baker, Northwest Harnett Elementary School
"I took a social work class and found out that I could fulfill my dream of helping children but in a different way. Getting my school social work license would allow me to make a difference in the lives of children, by not only supporting their social, emotional and academic well being but by also removing barriers to their success."
2023-2024 SCHOOL NURSE OF THE YEAR
School Nurse of the Year - Mrs. Rebecca Campbell, Western Harnett High School
"As crazy as it sounds, when I was a little girl, I watched Emergency! on television. Dixie McCall was the emergency room nurse and what she did fascinated me. I decided as a young child I wanted to be a nurse like her, and I never changed my mind."
The winners were selected from a talented group of finalists from across the school district in each field.
Mr. Jermaine White, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services said he is “so thankful for these professionals and their contributions to Harnett County Schools. We are very proud to honor them and I look forward to their continued success in the district."
