When it comes to advising and helping out the nations students, Diane Reese is one of Americas best, according to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and Naviance, a company specializing in school planning and advising systems.

Reese, who works with students at T.C. Williams High School and Academy 1/STEP Center, was recently named one of 10 finalists for the ASCA School Counselor of the Year award.

Out of approximately 100,000 school counselors in the country, Reese was one of 10 picked from a pool of 400 nominees. The decision-making process was based on criteria including creative school counseling innovations, effective counseling programs, leadership skills and contributions to student advancement.

Reese has been an Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) counselor for 10 years, clearly enough time to leave her mark through programming ideas and relationships with students.

Dianes dedication, strong work ethic and loyalty are remarkable, said Academy 1/STEP Center Principal Carolyn B. Lewis. She is a very strong advocate for the school counseling profession.
Sean Sanborn, a student, recognized the remarkable nature of Reeses efforts through personal experience. She helped me see that I could graduate and I felt a sense of renewed hope.

In her time at ACPS, Reese has developed several new programs for students, especially those considered at-promise. Some of these programs have included an after-school leadership program for girls and the Reading Circle Club, a program involving students and other staff members.

Currently, Reese, the only finalist with a Ph.D., is also a member of the advisory board for the Graduate School of Counseling at George Washington University, her alma mater.

The other nine award finalists hail from places as diverse as Georgia (four finalists), Indiana, Florida, California, Oregon and Wisconsin.