The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has announced that Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School will receive the prestigious Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP) Award. The school’s counselors, Mary Ann Robbins, Ellen DeCuir and Missy Frye will be honored during a special ceremony at the American School Counselor Association’s annual conference June 27 in Seattle.

The RAMP designation is awarded to schools whose counseling programs align with the criteria set forth in the ASCA National Model. Schools that receive the RAMP designation are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment. Only 98 schools were selected nationwide to receive this award in 2011, and Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School is the only Louisiana school that will be awarded the RAMP designation.

Phyllis Crawford, principal of Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School, has been active and supportive in making it possible for her counselors to develop a comprehensive program over the past 14 years. She knows the impact that a program like this has on the overall academic school climate and is supportive of counselors addressing students’ academic, personal/social and career needs in middle school. She also sees the importance of counselors utilizing a data-driven program to meet the academic needs of students.

Robbins, DeCuir and Frye used a team approach and tapped into their individual skills to develop a comprehensive counseling program. Using their training in counseling techniques and educational knowledge, these counselors shared a vision to establish an effective program for all students at Sherwood Middle School.

The American School Counselor Association is a non-profit organization based in Alexandria, Va., that supports school counselors’ efforts to help students achieve success in school and helps prepare students to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. The Association provides professional development, publications, research and advocacy to more than 28,000 professional school counselors around the globe.

Brian Law, ASCA’s 2010-2011 president, said this year’s recipients are to be commended for their dedication to serving all students and demonstrating how effective school counseling programs can make a difference in students’ lives. “This year’s RAMP honorees have shown their commitment to students and the school counseling profession,” Law said. “This designation distinguishes these schools and encourages school counselors nationwide to continue to strive for success.”