 2465 Gillespie Street
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Contact:
Lindsay Whitley
Associate Superintendent, Communications and Community Engagement
Phone: 910-678-2303
Email: lindsaywhitley@ccs.k12.nc.us
For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2024
Local District Honors School Counselors,
Names School Counselor of the Year
Fayetteville, N.C. — Cumberland County Schools (CCS) leaders converged on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) in the Tony Rand Center today, to recognize the tremendous efforts of school counselors throughout the district. As a part of the celebration, CCS announced its top school counselor.
The surprise announcement of Tanisha Dumas from W. H. Owen Elementary School as CCS' 2024 School Counselor of the Year was made in front of approximately 285 school counselors, principals and school administrators.
According to Kristy Newitt, the district's counselor coordinator, this prestigious honor is a testament to Dumas' commitment and contributions to the well-being and success of students within her school.
"She is an influential advocate for her students and staff and has helped create a culture of trust, support and acceptance," said Newitt. "Tanisha has also been a support to her school counseling peers and has been a mentor for new counselors as well as a site supervisor for those completing a master's degree program. She has led professional development sessions and is consistently learning how to grow herself."
Also during the afternoon celebration, Principal Baruti Kafele, a nationally known master teacher and transformational school leader, served as the keynote speaker. He talked to the educators about the importance of school counselors and the vital role they play each day within their school community.
Cumberland County Schools is observing National School Counseling Week from February 5-9, 2024, to highlight the impact that school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
 Tanisha Dumas, CCS' 2024 School Counselor of the Year
 Pictured l-r: Kristy Newitt, CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr., Tanisha Dumas, School Board Chairwoman Deanna Jones
 Principal Kafele speaks to the audience
 School leaders and counselors enjoy lunch
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