Schools

Quaker Valley Honors School Counselors with Velma Award

The award was recently presented to six counselors at the district's opening day event.

 recently honored six school counselors with the Velma Award, one of the district’s most prestigious honors.

The Velma is symbolized by a giraffe and recognizes an individual or group for sticking one’s neck out. Established in 2001, the Velma Award is named for , retired assistant superintendent, who used to hand out giraffes to recognize staff.

According to the district, thanks to the work of its school counselors,  is the first in the North Atlantic region to have each of its schools earn Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) distinction from the American School Counselor Association. The American School Counselor Association established RAMP in 2003 to promote exemplary school counseling programs.

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To date, more than 400 schools across the country have received RAMP status. In addition to four schools, three other schools in Pennsylvania have earned RAMP recognition, according to the district.

The school counseling staff includes Rose Ann Bergandy of ; Dr. Christy Clapper of , who recently retired; Jessica Geis-Frysinger of ; Amy Keller of ; Matthew Parrish of ; and James Walls of .

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The award is announced during the district's annual opening day ceremony that marks the beginning of the new school year.

, who presented the award to the counselors. The counselors will share the symbolic giraffe until they present the award to next year's honoree. 

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