Awards OSCA Awards provide an opportunity for the association to recognize and show appreciation for the accomplishments of school counselors, counselor educators, administrators and legislators across Ohio. Members are encouraged to consider submitting a nomination for a professional deserving of recognition. OSCA hands out the following awards annually. To submit an application, click on the name of the award. Please note that some awards to not have an application and are chosen internally by the OSCA Board and Operations Team. The awards applications will close on April 30 of each year. Award applications are currently closed and will reopen sometime in spring 2026. Any questions regarding the grant program can be directed to the Professional Recognition Chair at bethhinshaw@ohioschoolcounselor.org.
Ohio School Counselor of the Year Award (OSCA Membership Required) Each year, OSCA selects one member as the Ohio School Counselor of the Year. This person is someone who has demonstrated excellence in delivering a comprehensive, data-drive program focused on student success. This year, OSCA will select up to five (5) finalists who will be invited to attend the annual awards ceremony at the conference and among the finalists, the Ohio School Counselor of the Year will be named. Finalists will be provided with a complimentary registration to the state conference to support their attendance. The Ohio School Counselor of the Year recipient will then have the opportunity to represent Ohio for the ASCA National School Counselor of the Year program. Members my self nominate themself for this award or a nomination may be submitted by any other person who is not a member.
School Counseling Excellence Award (OSCA Membership Required) This award is handed out in three different categories: Academic Programming Excellence, Career Programming Excellence, and Social/Emotional Programming Excellence. No more than two (2) awards per category will be handed out. The award recognizes school counselors who are implementing innovative, data-driven and successful programs focused on improving student success within the three domains of school counselor programming. Applicants will submit information about the program, what school counseling/learning standards it addresses and what outcome data supports the impact of the program. Members my submit applications for one or all areas. Must be an OSCA member to apply.
Counselor Educator of the Year Award This award honors a counselor educator who has made a significant contribution to the school counseling profession and the development of pre-service school counselor. Must be an OSCA member to submit a nomination.
Administrator Appreciation Award This award recognizes an administrator (i.e. principal, superintendent, school board, department chair, etc.) that has contributed to the growth and understanding of school counseling among stake holders within their schools and districts. Must be an OSCA member to submit a nomination.
RAMP Up Ohio Award The RAMP Up Ohio Award recognizes schools committed to delivering school counseling programs aligned with the ASCA National Model framework. The RAMP Up Ohio Award is meant to be a precursor for school applying for the ASCA RAMP designation. This award demonstrates to administrators, school boards, staff, families, and the community at large that the school counseling program is committed to supporting the mission of the school and district. Must be an OSCA member to apply.
Lifetime Achievement Award This award recognizes OSCA members who have contributed to the school counselor Profession with excellence. This award is selected internally by the OSCA Board of Directors and Operations Team and does not have an application. 
Advocate Award This award recognizes individuals who have promoted and/or supported Ohio school counseling in a significant way. This award is selected internally by the OSCA Board of Directors and Operations Team and does not have an application. |
Congratulations to our 2025 Award Recipients
Ohio School Counselor of the Year Nicole McDonald, Centerville City Schools Administrator Appreciation Award Kathleen Kisabeth, James A. Garfield Local Schools Katie Thorton, Centerville City Schools Counselor Educator of the Year Rita Tilton, University of Dayton Lifetime Achievement Award Kate Webster, Columbus City Schools Presidential Leadership Award Cara Habermehl, Vermilion Local Schools | RAMP Up Ohio Award Knox County Career Center Glendale Primary School (Bedford) Ohio School Counselor Accountability Report (OSCAR) Recipients Cheshire Elementary School (Olentangy) Heritage Elementary School (Olentangy) Indian Springs Elementary School (Olentangy) Johnnycake Corners Elementary School (Olentangy) Peachblow Crossing Elementary School (Olentangy) Scioto Ridge Elementary School (Olentangy) Shale Meadows Elementary School (Olentangy) |