Forsyth Counselor Named Top in State

Heather Roth, school counselor at Otwell Middle School in Cumming, has been named the 2008 Georgia Middle School Counselor of the Year by the Georgia School Counselors
Association (GSCA).

The GSCA’s School Counselor of the Year program honors the best school counselors who are running a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at the elementary, middle or high school level.

Roth has worked at Otwell Middle School since 2004. During her tenure she has worked diligently to meet the needs of all her students through a variety of efforts such as classroom guidance lessons that involve student success skills, bullying prevention, study skills, healthy relationships and cultural diversity. Additionally, she implemented the Future Focus Career Development program at Otwell, helping all seventh graders have a better understanding of themselves, their interests and their abilities to guide them in planning for the future.

“Mrs. Roth is an exceptional school counselor whose goal is to ensure that all students
are provided counseling services through various venues,” said Debbie Rondem, director
of Student Support Services. “She has been chosen as Forsyth County Middle School
Counselor of the Year for her dedication, involvement and outstanding service to her
students, her school and her community. She is truly worthy of the title of Georgia
Middle School Counselor of the Year.”

Forsyth County Schools Superintendent L.C. (Buster) Evans also praised Ms. Roth for her achievement.

"We congratulate Ms. Roth on her great achievement; it is truly an honor for her to be
named the top middle school counselor in all of Georgia,” he said.

Evans called Roth an excellent example of the top-notch work performed everyday in Forsyth County schools.

“Ms. Roth and her colleagues throughout our system go above and beyond for our students' benefit everyday. It was a particular delight to be at her school when her principal, Steve Miller, made the surprise announcement to her and her faculty,” said Evans.

This is the second consecutive year Forsyth County Schools has had a Counselor of the Year.

“It validates to me that our educators are working strategically to address the interrelated academic and social needs of our students," said Evans.

Roth is now nominated for the title of the top school counselor in the nation.
For more information on GSCA and the GSCA School Counselor of the Year program,
visit http://www.gaschoolcounselors.com/.

-- Lydia Senn