Gov. Newsom Addresses School Counselors

• By: CASC
• On: 12/03/2024 17:10:17
• In: CASC Blogs

The 24th Annual California Association of School Counselors (CASC) Convention and Expo was an unforgettable success! This year's event exceeded all expectations, and I couldn't be prouder of our incredible team of volunteers, more than 100 workshop presenters, the tireless CASC staff and the unwavering dedication of the CASC Board of Directors. It was heartening to see school counselors, administrators and professionals from every corner of California come together, united by their commitment to serving students and advancing the school counseling profession.

For those who were unable to attend this historic gathering, we certainly missed you. And indeed, it was historic – this year, we welcomed more than 1,700 attendees, the largest assembly of school counselors in California's history! It's a testament to the growing recognition of the vital role school counselors play in the success and well-being of our students.

CASC was thrilled to share a message to California school counselors from Governor Newsom – watch his video for CASC.

Inspiring Speakers and Workshops
More than 100 diverse workshops covered a wide array of critical topics, from mental health and student advocacy to career development and equity in education. This year's lineup of keynote speakers was nothing short of spectacular. One of the most memorable highlights was the keynote speech by Dr. Manny Scott, an original Freedom Writer whose inspirational story of resilience and hope has moved audiences around the world. Dr. Scott, also an acclaimed author, shared his powerful journey from a troubled youth to a change-maker, and his message resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. He reminded us of our transformative power as educators and school counselors to impact the lives of our students, no matter the obstacles they may face.

Another highlight was Carolyn Gann, executive director of the California Partners Project, which was co-founded by California's First Partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Gann shared insights into statewide initiatives supporting children and youth, reaffirming the importance of collective efforts to ensure all students thrive both in and outside of school. Her presentation underscored the critical partnerships that enhance the well-being of California's young people and provided new ideas for collaboration.

For the first time, we were honored to host Jill Cook, executive director of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Cook spoke glowingly of the growing partnership between CASC and ASCA, emphasizing the importance of our collective work in shaping the future of school counseling. She extended a warm invitation to the 2025 ASCA conference, taking place in Long Beach.

A Time for Fun and Celebration
Beyond the professional development and networking, we made sure to incorporate plenty of fun into this year's convention. After all, school counselors work hard and deserve some time to unwind and connect! From a live karaoke session (with a band!) to dancing the night away, the sense of camaraderie was truly special. These moments of celebration remind us that while our work is serious, we must also find joy and fulfillment in what we do.

Our annual awards ceremony was another major highlight, with more than 300 attendees present to celebrate the achievements of their peers. We recognized seven outstanding award winners who have made significant contributions to the profession. We also celebrated the 33 schools that received the prestigious ASCA RAMP designation this year, a recognition that honors excellence in implementing a comprehensive school counseling program.

Looking Ahead: CASC's 25th Anniversary
As we look back on the success of this year's convention, we're already planning for an even bigger celebration next year. Our 25th Annual Convention will take place October 15–17, 2025, on the theme “Legacy of Excellence.” This milestone event will be a celebration of all that CASC has achieved over the past quarter century and a look forward to what we can accomplish together in the future. We invite you to mark your calendar and join us as we honor the legacy of excellence that our profession embodies.

Gratitude and Partnerships
Finally, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the many educational and industry partners who attended this year's convention. Their presence speaks volumes about the growing recognition of the value and importance of school counselors. When those outside of our profession take the time to attend and support our events, it demonstrates that our work is critical not only for students but for the entire educational ecosystem.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this year's CASC convention a remarkable success. The dedication, passion and collaboration I witnessed throughout the event reminded me once again why school counselors are the heartbeat of our schools. Let's continue to build on this momentum and strive for even greater impact as we prepare for our next milestone – CASC's 25th anniversary. I look forward to seeing you there!

Contact Loretta Whitson, Ed.D., CASC executive director, at executivedirector@schoolcounselor-ca.org.