Ewing, NJ. –On Friday, March 20, 2025 NJSCA honored school counselors from the different
counties within the State of New Jersey at the annual “Counselor of the County” Awards
Program. School counselors are nominated by their colleagues and are selected by their own
county’s School Counselor Associations for this award.
The award honors the professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates – and often
lifesavers – for the nation’s students. Melinda Herbst Kelley a school counselor from Monmouth
County Vocational High School, was selected as the 2025 Counselor of the County for
Monmouth County.
Candidates are selected for the Counselor of the County Award at their county-level school
counselor associations. They are selected because of their ability to deliver an effective school
counseling program which focuses on academic development, career counseling, and personal/
social support. They further distinguish themselves by proving to be leaders of systemic change,
advocates for students, and collaborative professionals who seek the success of the “whole”
student in school and in life. For more specific information on this association, visit:
Contact:
Submission by Dr. Dana Karas & Amy Lombardo
NJSCA Professional Recognition Chair
dkaras@spboe.org, alombardo@cartaretschools.org