HCPSS Counselors Named State Counselors of the Year

March 4th, 2026

Two Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) school counselors recently were recognized by the Maryland School Counselor Association (MSCA).

Reservoir High School’s (RHS) Stephanie Thurmon — HCPSS’ 2025 School Counselor of the Year — was named the 2026 Maryland Counselor of the Year and MSCA’s High School Counselor of the Year. Additionally, Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS) Counselor Shanté Owens-Young was selected as MSCA’s 2026 Middle School Counselor of the Year. Both Thurmon and Owens-Young were recognized for their leadership, collaboration, professionalism, and their support for data-driven programs supporting students’ career, social/emotional and academic development.

Stephanie Thurmon walking out of her office, smiling. — Reservoir High School Counselor Stephanie Thurmon.

“Stephanie inspires her department at RHS with her clear goals and unwavering dedication. She fosters a collaborative environment where she leads her team with a heart for service and a vision for equity, ” says HCPSS Coordinator of School Counseling and Student Records Kami Wagner. Thurmon’s approach is “profoundly data-driven,” Wagner adds, highlighting Thurmon’s ability to identify and eliminate barriers to student success.

RHS and HCPSS staff gathered around Stephanie Thurmon. — RHS student services staff and administrators and HCPSS Central Office staff gather around Stephanie Thurmon.

“This prestigious recognition reflects Mrs. Thurmon’s 22 years of unwavering dedication to students, families, and the profession of school counseling. Throughout her career, she has exemplified excellence in academic advising, social-emotional support, and college and career readiness guidance. Her work has made a lasting impact on countless students and has strengthened the culture of care and belonging that defines Reservoir High School,” adds RHS Principal Dr. Karim Shortridge.

In reflecting on Owens-Young’s recognition by MSCA, Wagner says, “Shanté’s data-driven and deeply empathetic approach has enabled her to identify and address critical and diverse student needs, ensuring every child has a ‘safe harbor’ and the tools necessary to thrive socially and academically. Shanté represents the very best of the school counseling profession.”

LEMS’ Principal Brian Wallace adds, “It always makes my heart smile when an award of this magnitude is bestowed upon someone who is most deserving; a person who toils day and night for the betterment of others. Mrs. Owens-Young is a servant leader who exemplifies what it means to truly help young people navigate the most critical and vulnerable times in their lives…and she does it with an authenticity that is unmatched. I am proud to listen to, learn from, and lead with her and I am honored to serve beside her as we uplift the Lake Elkhorn Middle School community in Howard County, MD!”

Thurmon and Owens-Young will be recognized at MSCA’s annual conference on March 15. In addition, Thurmon will represent the state of Maryland this fall as MSCA’s nominee for the 2027 American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National School Counselor of the Year.