Palm Lake Elementary School Counselor Linda Martin received the Florida School Counselor Association’s (FSCA) Elementary School Counselor of the Year Award – 2012. This distinguished award honors the counselor in the state of Florida who has made outstanding and exemplary contributions to students, the school community, and to the school counseling profession. Martin first won the Orange County School Counseling Association (OCSCA) Elementary School Counselor of the Year Award. The organization then submitted her name for the state competition.
Martin has led the Guidance Program at Palm Lake for 20 years. She works daily with students individually and in small groups. She also assists with classroom guidance and organizes the school mentoring program. One of Martin’s greatest accomplishments is creating Kids Who Care, a student service learning group that serves in the school, in the community, and the world. Her students support a local nursing home, a local animal shelter, Autism awareness, Relay for Life, and school beautification. They collect and donate food and clothing to families needing assistance; they serve as buddies for special needs and kindergarten students; and support a sister school in South Africa. She has also traveled to South Africa with a group, including two of her students, to paint the school and deliver needed supplies.
Martin has shared her knowledge with other counselors by presenting at local and state conferences. Participants in her workshop gain an understanding of how to start and run service learning clubs at their schools including the impact that clubs have on the schools and students.
Congratulations! We are so happy for your recognition. You have been an amazing role model for all guidance counselors and teachers. What a dedicated and caring person you are.