SDSCA Awards

2025 Recipient
Dadra Avery

The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding service to the area of school counseling over an extended period of time. This is the top award determined by the SDSCA Awards Committee. Consider these points:

• Length of time as a school counselor.
• Contributions to SDSCA
• Professional contributions
• Civic and local contribution

Orv Schmieding Award Past Recipients

2025 Recipient
Amy Lupkes

This award is in recognition of a school counselor who:

• Has made outstanding contributions to their school, the counseling profession, or the community served
• Has excellent rapport with pupils, parents, and school personnel
• Is a highly respected counselor of students
• Is a current member of SDSCA with a Masters degree and is certified by the State of SD
• Has worked as a school counselor during the past year
• Is working towards the development or maintenance of a comprehensive school counseling program

Outstanding Professional School Counselor Award Recipients

2025 Recipient
Angela Beck

This award is in recognition of a school counselor who:

• Is a newcomer to the profession, who has entered the field within the last five years
• Is a model for new counselors demonstrating highest standards of professional competence
• Has made outstanding contributions to the school community and/or profession
• Has demonstrated excellent rapport with students, parents and school personnel
• Is a current member of SDSCA with a Masters degree and is certified by the State of SD

Rising Star Award Recipients

Special Contributions Award

2025 Recipient
Lindsey Johnson

This award is given in recognition of a person or organization who has:

• Made a contribution of unusual significance that substantially affects the school counseling profession, or
• Made a contribution that directly affects counselors; students; or a school program, and
• Is not eligible for any of the other awards.

Special Contributions Award Recipients

2025 Recipient
Erika Paladino Hazlett

This award is given in recognition of a school administrator who:

• Is a supervisor of school counselors on a building or district-wide level
• Supports the development, implementation, and continuation of a comprehensive school counseling program
• Demonstrates an understanding of a comprehensive school counseling program as a resource to all families
• Works collaboratively with school counselors to provide support and insight regarding all student needs and welfare
• Sees the school counselor as a valuable resource and helps advocate on behalf of the school counselor and comprehensive school counseling program
• May or may not be a member of SDSCA

Administrator Advocacy Award Recipients