<strong>From staff reports</strong>

Battery Creek High School Counselor Latoshia Middleton is the Beaufort County School District’s 2021 School Counselor of the Year.

In addition to honoring Middleton, the district also recognized River Ridge Academy’s Jillian Power as Middle School Counselor of the Year, Joseph S. Shanklin’s Latesha Jennings as Elementary School Counselor of the Year, and Hilton Head Island High’s Lisa Ditroia as Rookie School Counselor of the Year.

“We’re extremely proud of Latoshia Middleton,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said in a release. “She’s an amazing professional who is integral to her school community.”

“Good counsellors are essential to school success,” Rodriguez said. “They help students plan their futures and keep families informed about their children’s progress.”

A recent graduate of The Citadel’s Educational Leadership master’s degree program, Middleton is passionate about helping young people explore their options for the future.

“Since I was a young girl, I loved to help people,” Middleton said. “Just knowing that I could leave someone in a better position than when I met them makes my heart smile.”

“The only reward I want in return is to see the students I work with build off of what they receive, continually improving, and paying it forward,” Middleton said. “This is my main reason for becoming a counselor.”

Battery Creek Principal Chad Cox described Middleton as organized, interpersonal, and a strong communicator.

“There are no words grand enough to describe how valuable Ms. Middleton is to Battery Creek High School,” Cox said. “She is willing to help students and other teachers with instructional needs at all times.”

Cox credited Middleton with developing an incredible rapport with students, working with district office personnel in developing programs to engage the entire community, organizing and supporting numerous events, mentoring new staff members, and helping teachers integrate technology to enhance their instruction.

Battery Creek Assistant Principal Denise Lessard praised Middleton for her patience, grace, and flexibility during this year’s pandemic as she served both face-to-face and virtual students. “Ms. Middleton made every effort to ensure all students got exactly what they needed regardless of their instructional setting.”

A Battery Creek High School guardian said that over the past four years Middleton spent countless hours counseling, monitoring, guiding, and providing safe spaces for her child and others. “She establishes a rapport with the students in earnest, enabling them to feel comfortable and trust her, but she also does the same with their parents and guardians.”