WV Chamber Foundation Announces 2027 School Counselor of the Year Finalists

Charleston, W.Va. - The West Virginia Chamber Foundation proudly announces finalists for the 2027 West Virginia School Counselor of the Year (COY). Chosen from county school counselor of the year winners across grade levels statewide, these finalists are committed to ensuring student success by providing services that support academic achievement, career development and social/emotional growth. Working in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), the Chamber Foundation will reveal state winners during the 2026-27 Champions of Learning Gala on Sept. 8, 2026, in Charleston.

New in 2026, the Champions of Learning recognition program was established to shine a light on the work of professional staff within county school systems who are essential to supporting the whole child.

The 2027 COY finalists are as follows:

Hilary Gibson

Hilary Gibson is a school counselor at Huntington High School (HHS) in Cabell County known for her commitment to student-centered, creative and dedicated student support. She brings more than a decade of experience working with students across multiple grade levels. Her work focuses on creating meaningful, positive relationships within her school community and ensuring all students feel seen, known and heard. Gibson earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Marshall University. Throughout her seven years at HHS, Gibson has strengthened schoolwide systems by collaborating to implement a consistent Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports framework utilizing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. This work ensures students have access to structured supports that prepare them for their next steps beyond high school graduation.

Miriam Mason

Miriam Mason is a school counselor at Mylan Park Elementary School in Monongalia County. She serves students in a Title I setting and leads wellness initiatives as the school's wellness coordinator. Mason earned her Master of Arts in Counseling, holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, is a Certified Mental Health and Nutrition Clinical Specialist and is also an active member of both the West Virginia School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association. She uses data-informed strategies to support student outcomes in attendance, behavior and academic achievement while advocating for equitable access to mental health services. Mason implements the school's comprehensive counseling programming through the American School Counselor Association framework and The Regulated Classroom: Bottom-Up, Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices. In addition to her work in the school setting, Mason provides counseling services in private practice, where she supports clients across all ages and integrates a holistic, wellness-based approach to care. She also supervises graduate counseling interns from West Virginia University and mentors fellow counselors within her county. She has presented at professional conferences and collaborates with community partners to expand access to resources for students and families.

Jennifer Pickett

Jennifer Pickett has served as a school counselor in Marshall County since 2005. She began her journey after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wheeling University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from West Virginia University. During her counseling internship at the Belmont County (Ohio) alternative program, Pickett served as the senior high therapist for the alternative high school classroom. Throughout her career, she has impacted countless students across the county, serving at several schools before establishing long-term roots at McNinch Primary School. Pickett finds it especially fulfilling to work with students in their early, formative years. She focuses heavily on safety, emotion regulation and character education, while also highlighting the importance of academic growth.

Angguna Rowe

Angguna Rowe serves as the school counselor at Huff Consolidated Elementary and Middle School in Wyoming County. Rowe is a licensed professional counselor, an approved licensed professional supervisor and a nationally certified counselor with specialized training in clinical trauma. She is passionate about supporting students' academic, social/emotional and career development through relationship-centered, evidence-based practices. Rowe's work focuses on removing barriers to learning, strengthening attendance and engagement, supporting mental wellness and helping students build resilience and confidence. In addition to school counseling, she is the founder of HomeTown Professional Counseling and serves as a clinical counselor at West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine Behavioral Health Pavilion of the Virginias. Rowe earned a Master of Education in School Counseling with a clinical counseling endorsement from Liberty University and a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in Child Development and Human Services from WVU. Additionally, she completed the Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Labor and previously studied education at Bluefield State College. Rowe has presented on youth mental health and student wellness at the West Virginia School Counseling Conference and the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships GEAR UP annual conference. She believes every child deserves to feel seen, supported and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Dabney Sheetz

Dabney Sheetz is a 21-year veteran school counselor currently serving at Frankfort Elementary School in Greenbrier County. Throughout her career, she has served elementary, middle and high school populations, including alternative settings. Presently, Sheetz serves third- and fourth-grade students in the classroom and in small groups. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in secondary social studies from Virginia Tech. She also holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. Sheetz worked for five years as a secondary social studies teacher before attending Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a career in school counseling.

"School counselors work alongside educators, families and community partners to ensure that students are prepared to become productive, well-adjusted members of society," said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. "By supporting the whole child, their work is instrumental in establishing a welcoming environment conducive to every student's success. The selflessness of these finalists is inspiring, and I look forward to celebrating them in September."

Upcoming Announcements

The 2027 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year (SPOY) finalists were announced in June and can be viewed on the SPOY page of the WVDE website.

Future announcements include:

• West Virginia Principal of the Year: July 13, 2026
• West Virginia Teacher of the Year: July 20, 2026

Learn more about the COY program.