Marion Seventh Grade Academy’s Jessica Jefferson has been named the Arkansas Mid-Level School Counselor of the Year by the Arkansas School Counselors Association.
The award is presented annually to school counselors in Arkansas who showcase leadership, collaboration, professional development, and exemplary conduct in their implementation of comprehensive, data-driven school counseling programs. ArSCA recognizes three school counselors annually, one from the elementary level, one from the middle school/junior high level, and one from the secondary level.
“I am truly grateful for this remarkable honor,” Jefferson said. “It brings me great joy to know my efforts are making a meaningful impact and that I have the opportunity to share this experience with others.
Jefferson has been a school counselor for 15 years, including the last two at 7GA. Before stepping into the school counselor role, she spent several years as an elementary school teacher.
“Embarking on the journey to become a school counselor was never part of my original plan, yet here I find myself, deeply immersed in an area that has consumed 19 incredible years of my life, with 15 of those dedicated to school counseling,” Jefferson said. “I often describe it as a calling — an unexpected yet profoundly meaningful path that has shaped both my career and the lives of countless students.”
Jefferson said the most rewarding aspect of her work as a school counselor is witnessing the real, transformative impact she can have on her students.
“Reflecting on my own childhood, I realize how greatly I could have benefited from having a school counselor by my side during my younger years,” she said. “This awareness drives my passion every day, as I strive to support and guide students in ways that make their own journeys a little easier. The thought of making a significant, positive difference in their lives is what makes every moment worthwhile.”
The School Counselor of the Year recognition process begins with nominations, with each nomination highlighting the impact of the counselor on students and the school. Nominated counselors must be ArSCA members and submit material to demonstrate their program and initiatives at their school. Next, a committee, independent of ArSCA staff and board, evaluates the candidates based on the established criteria. Finally, the committee votes to select the honorees.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district that ensures an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade academy, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.