As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, UNCP School Counseling faculty, students, and Pembroke school counselors met with Pembroke Mayor Greg Cummings on February 7 to discuss the school counseling profession.

The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who "implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century," according to Cummings.

In a proclamation, Cummings cited school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal, educational and career development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master's degree in professional school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.

National School Counseling Week was celebrated from Feb. 4 – 8 to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within school systems nationwide. It highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.