Summit High School Counselor Honored With 2023 Union Co. Award

SUMMIT, NJ - One Summit High School counselor has been setting an extraordinary example in Union County, earning the county’s top award for school counseling this year, according to awards officials.

Scott Petrillo, a school counselor from Summit High School, was selected as the 2023 Counselor of the County for Union County on Thursday, the New Jersey School Counselor Association said.

"Mr. Petrillo has been a school counselor at Summit High School for over 20 years,” Laura Kaplan, Summit's Director of School Counseling, said in a statement. “During his time, he has provided exceptional service to the students, families, staff, and community members he works with. Mr. Petrillo stands out as a leader within the department. He remains committed to professional development, staying current, and meeting the changing needs of our students.”

Honorees are nominated by their colleagues and are selected by their own county’s School Counselor Associations for this award, Summit Public Schools said in a statement. The annual Counselor of the County award honors the professionals who dedicate their careers to serving as advocates – and often lifesavers – for students, with awardees selected on criteria surrounding effective school counseling providing academic development, career counseling and personal/social support. Outstanding counselors should also prove to be leaders of systemic change, advocate for students and collaborate with others seeking the success of the “whole” student in school and in life.

“[Petrillo] is the first to volunteer for events, propose new ideas, and evaluate current practices to see how we can improve,” Kaplan added. “As a veteran counselor, he is a model and mentor for all those who work with him."

Congratulations, Mr. Petrillo!