Meredith Draughn, originally from Burlington, North Carolina, graduated in 2015 with an M.A. in professional school counseling. She completed her B.S. in health and exercise science from Wake Forest University.
“I chose to pursue my professional school counseling degree at Appalachian State University because it immediately felt like home. The professors and cohort model allow for counseling students to feel supported and known throughout their program and the options and add-ons offered within are unparalleled. I still look back on my graduate study years as some of the best in my entire educational experience.”
Draughn is employed as a school counselor at B. Everett Jordan Elementary School in Graham, North Carolina. Her responsibilities include:
- Leading collaborative efforts to advocate for student education and success by utilizing a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program within the Student Services Support Team;
- Conducting individual, group, and classroom counseling lessons in preventative and responsive natures;
- Serving as a representative on the school leadership team, MTSS committee, and district calendar committee; and
- Leading school-wide Morning Meeting program and facilitates “It Takes a Village” tutoring program with local Elon University students.
She also serves as the Positive Behavioral Intervention Support Coach, Tier 2/3 intervention coordinator, and 504 Chair.
Impacting Education in Her Community
“Unprecedented. Unparalleled. Unmatched,” said Draughn. “These are all words used to detail educational circumstances during a global pandemic. The past year can easily be described as one unlike any other.”
Draughn is making an impact on education in her community by helping students “believe that they can do hard things, but they don't have to do them alone.”
“In trying to live up to the role of a school counselor, I have tried to graciously adjust and still find ways to lead, advocate and collaborate to promote equity and access for all in order to improve student outcomes in a shaken community,” she added.
Draughn continues to work with her staff integrating social-emotional learning into the daily routine. In her lessons with students, she focuses on regulation and mindset.
“While I am hopeful that increased academic achievement will come from this, I can say that with this practice currently still in place, our discipline referrals are low, our school engagement is high, and our school community is filled with learners who know they are valued, known, and resilient,” she noted.
Counselor of the Year Award
In October, Draughn was named the North Carolina School Counselor Association School Counselor of the Year at the annual Fall Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“To be able to represent such an inspiring group of people is an honor and drives me to make sure I continuously live up to the title.”
“As the daughter of a school counselor, and someone who is lucky enough to work with incredible colleagues, I have witnessed the positive and life-changing impact that school counselors have on school communities my entire life,” said Draughn. “To be able to represent such an inspiring group of people is an honor and drives me to make sure I continuously live up to the title.”
The purpose of the school counselor of the year award is to recognize one outstanding professional who has made a positive impact in their school with students, teachers, and parents. Contributions to the profession can be measured by the use of the ASCA National model, evidence of data-driven practices, and the implementation of a comprehensive counseling program.
Meredith Draughn
