Every year the Lehigh Carbon School Counselors Association selects a counselor located within Lehigh or Carbon County to be awarded the LCSCA Counselor of the Year Award.

The counselors are nominated by people who see their work in action and deem them to be deserving of the award. LCSCA then goes to committee for review and finally selects a nominee.

This year, during National School Counseling Week, Mary Ellen Greco of Panther Valley Intermediate School was selected to receive the award, titling her the counselor of the year.

“It was a very humbling experience,” Greco said. “I did not expect to be selected. It was a total shock and surprise!”

Lisa Mace, principal of the Intermediate school, took a big role in making sure she did not find out beforehand. As Greco attends most meetings and was already aware of the existence of the award, Mace had to preplan to ensure the surprise wasn’t leaked.

“I knew that she would be (at the meeting) for a networking workshop,” Mace said. “Our guidance counselor let the Elementary counselor and (Greco)’s family know so they could be there.”

Greco said those in attendance included Principal Mace, her fellow counselors from the Jr./Sr. high school and elementary school, both of her parents, her oldest brother, her niece and her husband and two of her children.

One of her children, Anthony, who attends Bloomsburg and could not make it, surprised her with a phone call later in the day to congratulate her.

There was a luncheon after the presentation of the award, and her family, friends and co-workers celebrated Greco’s success together.

Currently holding a Masters in School Counseling from Kutztown University, Greco appreciates Mace and fellow counselor Daniella Bales for recognition in their nomination letters and continuous support. Greco also took the time to recognize her team for their devotion.

“I work with a wonderful, dedicated staff (who) are extremely passionate about working with students. … I also appreciate my fellow counselors in my district and in Carbon County.”