The Buncombe County Schools (BCS) system is celebrating four friendly faces that students know they can always count on. This week, our Student Services Department Surprise Squad honored the 2025 BCS Counselors of the Year and School Social Worker of the Year. They popped in on some teammates to recognize them for their dedication to student success.
Amanda Herbert of Bell Elementary is the Elementary School Counselor of the year. Her peers shared how she pours her heart into supporting students and creates engaging lesson plans to help create a culture of kindness and respect, both in school and out in the community.
Jerri Wommack from Cane Creek Middle was named Middle School Counselor of the Year. Several of Ms. Wommack’s peers who work in high schools say they often hear from students about this “amazing counselor they so loved in middle school.”
The BCS High School Counselor of the Year is Ms. Barbara “Babs” Burlingame of Enka High School. Ms. Burlingame’s peers shared that despite looking after a big number of high school students, she works diligently to get to know them all and builds strong relationships. She also provides support to teachers as well.
Enka High School’s Molly Pitman is the School Social Worker of the Year. Her peers shared how she helped create the “Care Closet” and how she delivers supplies to family homes. She is a leader in the building, is always willing to help a colleague, and balances her busy job with coaching and volunteering at the school.
“These four educators are shining lights in their schools,” said BCS Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jamie Johnson, who joined Student Services Director Shanon Martin and Student Services Assistant Director Holly Houchard in surprising the four award recipients. “We are thankful for everything they do to help our students succeed and to foster a sense of belonging at their schools.”