BY MORGAN PRACHAR(’17)

Many students know Mrs. Brandi Cooper as their friendly school counselor, but what many don’t know is that she is the president of the Ohio School Counseling Association as of Jan. 1.

One of her first duties as president was to attend the 2016 School Counselor of the Year ceremony in the East Room of the White House.

Cooper represented the state of Ohio, and traveled to D.C.  with Kris M. Owen from Ridgeview STEM Jr. High School in Pickerington, Ohio, who was one of the six finalists in the program; the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) paid for the state rep and the counselor to attend.

First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the celebration for school counselors and all the hard work they do for students.

Michelle Obama’s “Reach Higher” campaign has identified school counselors as a main part of a student’s school career. According to the White House, the first lady created this campaign to encourage students to take charge or their future and continuing education.

“Having Michelle Obama say how important counselors were was really cool to hear,” Cooper said.

During the trip the attendees got to visit Capitol Hill and meet their state’s senator. Although Ohio’s senator was not available at the time, they got a tour from his “people.” All the attendees got a tour of the White House, including the roped off areas most people are unable to walk through.

“It was crazy to be in a place where so many important decisions have been made” Cooper said.“It gave you an appreciation for our government.”

While they were at the White House they also got to see the president’s dogs.

During this trip attendees were able to witness a briefing session to see those in the House and the Senate in favor of campaigns like this. They also attended a gala to recognize those honored.

The First Lady has already secured the event to be held in The White house for next year.

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