Alexandra Huguelet, Ed.S., counselor at Mary Lin Elementary School, has been named 2016 Georgia School Counselor of the Year by the Georgia School Counselors Association.

Known for her positive attitude, love of children, and commitment to improving school climate and culture, Huguelet was nominated for the award by former colleagues. Her selection was based on essays, a video submission, and data from her previous elementary school showing a 47 percent decrease in student discipline referrals. Through her work as a school counselor, Huguelet serves as an advocate who strives to remove academic, social, and emotional barriers to student success.

The GSCY award honors professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates – and often lifesavers – for the nation’s students. Huguelet will be honored during a special ceremony on Nov. 2 in Macon, Georgia.

"I'm still in shock," said Huguelet, who joined the Mary Lin school community in August after spending four years at Powder Springs Elementary School. "It is such an honor to be recognized by your peers, and this award shows how effective school counselors can be."

In her role as school counselor, Huguelet pulls from a variety of curricula and national standards to engage students. She uses methods, such as visual arts, drama/role play, yoga, and deep breathing techniques to help students communicate and cope with anxiety, anger, or other challenges they may face.

Huguelet also works with students in large and small groups. She focuses on a wide range of issues from basic school success skills like responsibility, leadership, self-control, bullying prevention, and goal-setting, to changing family dynamics and coping and social skills.

"This is a really exciting time to be at APS," she said. "The district offers a curriculum and national standards that fit into the three domains of academic, social-emotional learning, and career readiness, which allows me to create a program to meet my students' needs."

Huguelet said she's fortunate to receive the support of parents, teachers and students, and to work in an environment that allows her to address the whole child, based on each student's particular needs.

"As a counselor, the most rewarding part is the hugs, smiles and love notes from students," said Huguelet, who is currently working on her doctorate degree in counseling and student personnel services at Georgia State University. "Kids are so loving and appreciative, and the feeling you get helping them is indescribable. That's why it's so important for me to provide students with a safe place to be heard at school."