MOULTRIE — J.M. Odom Elementary school counselor Brian Law has taken it up a notch to the highest distinction in his profession.

Last week, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) notified Law that he was selected as National Elementary School Counselor of the Year.

Law said he was overwhelmed by the prestigious award from the worldwide nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va. with a membership more than 15,000 strong.

“I’m still in shock,” Law said Monday.

Law, Georgia’s Elementary School Counselor of the Year, had no thought of exceeding state level. In fact, when he got the notification letter in the mail he all but tossed it aside — unopened — thinking it was a bill for dues. When Thursday night rolled around, and he realized what the letter said, Law could scarcely believe it.

Odom Principal Doug Howell was equally bowled over.

“It’s unbelievable we could have such an award in Colquitt County,” he said. “I think this is the first time a counselor from Georgia has been the national counselor of the year. … Brian works very hard. He has such a good work ethic. This has really paid off for him and makes everybody look good. It’s just a wonderful award for J.M. Odom.”

Law was chosen from a large pool of outstanding nominations, ASCA Executive Director Richard Wong said.

“There were some incredible candidates in elementary this year. I was very impressed with them. … This was a very, very competitive field. I was pleased to see him get it. He was chosen because his work was so exemplary, and particularly because (the panel) were very impressed with the results they see. We’re putting more of an emphasis on the results and the difference counselors are making in the lives of students rather than just the activities and how much energy the counselors put into it,” Wong said.

For eight years, Law has poured himself into his work, developing the character and self-worth of his students through playful, interactive programs.

“I hope people can see that my job is not only my job but it’s my hobby. My love for kids and helping kids be successful in school is what I do and what I love to do,” Law said.

In fact with every correspondence he writes he reminds others “Always…for the children.”

For Law, it’s not just a motto; it’s a creed.

“I wouldn’t have gotten an award if it weren’t for the kids,” he said. “The biggest reward for me is for a kid to learn and be successful and know that I’ve made a difference in that effort.”

But Law does hope his distinction will drive home the importance of school counseling as a necessary service to children.

“I’m a firm believer that children cannot increase their IQ when their EQ — their emotional quotient — is not stable,” he said, adding he strives to be a friend to children so that they strive to succeed, be happy and like school.

Also, it shows that Colquitt County Schools is exceeding the standards of the rest of the nation, he said.

Law will be formally recognized at the ASCA annual conference this June in Reno Nev., and a profile of him and his work will be posted on the ASCA Web site.

“We do look to him as a leader now, and if we do need speakers or someone to write an article, we very often will ask our counselor of the year, but it’s not a set requirement,” Wong said.



On the Internet: www.schoolcounselor.org