5 schools win Sapphire Award for counseling success

In the age of prioritizing mental health, especially in schools and among the youth, five schools in the First State have been recognized for their excellence in the area. 

Here’s the 2024-2025 Delaware Sapphire Award for Excellence in School Counseling recipients: 

The state recognition is in its fifth year and recognizes school counseling programs that are comprehensive, data-informed and designed to serve all students.

School counselors Angela Johnson and Kristin Nye analyzed their data and recognized the need for early intervention for students with chronic unexcused absences. 

“We are immensely proud to be the first school in Red Clay to receive Delaware’s Sapphire Award for Excellence in School Counseling,” the two said in a joint statement. “This recognition underscores the vital role school counselors play in removing barriers to help students succeed academically, emotionally, and socially.”

One of their interventions included a breakfast club consisting of daily check-ins with the counselors, mindfulness activities, problem solving and planning for a positive day. 

Post-intervention data showed their efforts positively impacted those frequently absent students.

“One intervention we’re particularly proud of is our Breakfast Club Intervention, which utilized data for early intervention to combat chronic absenteeism,” the two stated. “Winning this award reassures our team at Anna P. Mote Elementary that comprehensive school counseling programming effectively supports our students, empowering them to grow and thrive.”

Thomas Garrett and Jenny Satterfield are the two counselors at Lake Forest Central Elementary; Mindy Adams is the one at Milton Elementary; David Eilers, Krissy Hall, Aaron Kellam, Takara Kellam and Sean Kenney are the five at POLYTECH High; and Amanda Applegate and Laura Malmstrom are the two at Sara Pyle Academy. 

Research shows that school counseling programs that are aligned to the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model improve student outcomes. 

These programs: 

• Are based on data-informed decision-making
• Are delivered to all students systematically
• Include developmentally appropriate curriculum focused on the mindsets and behaviors all students need for postsecondary readiness and success
• Close achievement and opportunity gaps
• Result in improved student achievement, attendance and discipline

Through the Delaware Department of Education’s partnership with the Delaware School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association, all five schools are now eligible to also receive ASCA’s Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) award.