Marion High School’s Pam Parkman has been named Secondary School Counselor of the Year by the Northeast Region of the Arkansas School Counselors Association.
The organization made the announcement last week. As a result of winning the award, Parkman will now have the opportunity to represent northeast Arkansas at the state conference this summer and be considered for Arkansas Secondary Counselor of the Year and the overall School Counselor of the Year for the entire state.
"We couldn't be more proud of Ms. Parkman for earning this recognition," said Dr. Mike Skelton, Marion High School principal. "She works hard every day to help our students find success on whatever path they choose. She is a true asset to our students and our school, and this award is incredibly well-deserved."
Parkman was selected for the award after being nominated by a fellow counselor and then voted on by other counselors in the Northeast Region. The voting is a “blind” process, where voters only see each nominee’s resume – all names and references to a particular school are removed.
Parkman said she is honored to be recognized, noting the hard work the counseling team does to serve students.
“We work hard to get students on the right paths that will lead them to success as college students, as technical program students, or as employees in the workforce,” Parkman said. “We help them prepare to be good community people, good parents, and lead successful lives. When our kids leave high school, we want them to be successful, well-rounded, and community-minded.”
Parkman who was also recognized as Elementary School Counselor of the Year in 2017, came to the Marion School District in 2011, originally serving at Marion Intermediate School. In 2017, she moved over to the high school, where she has served ever since.
“My favorite part of being a counselor is the live, face-to-face interactions I get to have with students,” Parkman said. “I love it when kids walk in here and talk about what’s going on with their day.”
Parkman was also quick to give credit to the other school counselors at MHS, Melissa Kohl and Jonnett Gammill.
“I couldn’t do anything without them. They’re awesome,” she said. “And our administrators are great -- they make it easy to be school counselors here.”
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district committed to helping every student find their unique path to success in school and in life. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.