Hanover High School career counselor named Counselor of the Year

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The career counselor at Hanover High School has been named one of the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling’s Counselors of the Year.

According to Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS), Jennifer Melton has been recognized as one of the best counselors in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland, West Virginia and Delaware through her work advocating for students which goes “above and beyond.”

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by my peers for the impact of my work and commitment to all students,” Melton said. “We are really lucky in Hanover to have such tremendous support for school counseling. Receiving an honor like this is also recognition for the emphasis Hanover County puts on this resource for our families.”

Melton is the county’s second consecutive counselor to be recognized by the association. Shannon Edwards, a career counselor at Atlee High School at the time, was named one of the Counselors of the Year in 2023.

“Ms. Melton is the epitome of what it means to be a career counselor who advocates, initiates ideas and strategies, and leads her team to the next level,” said Karla Allen, the county’s Coordinator of Counseling Services. “Her work in international schools brings a new wealth of information and expertise to HCPS career programs.”

Melton, who graduated from Longwood University and Virginia Commonwealth University, has been a school counselor for 18 years, having come to Hanover County in 2022. Before becoming a counselor, Melton taught eighth-grade civics and economics.

“She has made such a difference in the lives of our students as they prepare for next steps after high school,” said Hanover High School Principal Kristina Reece. “We are incredibly proud and honored to work with her.”

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