MOUNT VERNON – Kathie Brown, a counselor at Knox County Career Center, crowned a three-decade career in education with a 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ohio School Counselor Association (OSCA).
Upon receiving the award Oct. 28 at the All Ohio Counselors Conference, Brown reflected on her student-centered career.
“Seeing students grow personally, academically, the confidence and professionalism they gain through experiences, is extremely rewarding,” she said in a press release.
Serving students is in her blood. Both of Brown’s parents were teachers, and her dad also served as a principal and school psychologist. Her early experiences as a 4-H camp counselor and peer counselor in college cemented her interest in following in their footsteps.
“I’ve been fortunate to have really great mentors in my life who have helped me navigate situations along the way,” she said. “It’s important to meet students where they’re at to help them grow. I try to be caring, respectful and a great listener along the way.”
Brown said she believes students appreciate the time that she spends with them and said she has seen community and parental support be essential to student success.
“It’s important to connect with students 1-on-1,” she said. "You’re always wishing you had more time with them (students) but you treasure the time you get to spend with them.”
Brown credited her award to her ability to remain aware and refreshed.
“It’s important to stay current with what’s going on. Learning new things has helped me along the way and allowed me to stay fresh. Continuous improvement is key,” she said.
“Self-care is a big part of the Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s important to take care of yourself and be healthy,” she said.
Superintendent Kathy Greenich said, “Mrs. Brown works very hard to meet student needs, whether individually or in small groups. Her dedication to education, KCCC and students made her very qualified to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award.”
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