Pictured from left to right: Mike Ginestre, Sherman Central School Superintendent, Ann Morrison, Sherman Central School Pre-K-12 Principal. Nicole Marino, SCS Assistant Principal, Lori Svenson, Sherman Central School Counselor, Robert Minton, Retired Chautauqua County School Counselor, Alissa Rinaldo, CCCA President, and Stephanie Cook, CCCA Vice President. Submitted photo

The Chautauqua County Counselors Association (CCCA), which includes 19 public school districts and three institutions of higher learning, recently announced its award winners for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Lori Svenson, a school counselor at Sherman Central School was named the inaugural Robert Minton Counselor of the Year as voted on by Chautauqua County school counselors and social workers.

“This award has been created to annually recognize a member of the Chautauqua County Counselors Association for their hard work, outstanding contributions and inspirational service that embody the professional and personal characteristics of Mr. Minton,” CCCA President Alissa Rinaldo said. “As a recipient of this award, one is being acknowledged for their work, their kindness and their bright spirit. We hope that in recognizing the countless efforts and dedication to the students and community that the legacy of Mr. Minton will carry on through those who follow in his footsteps and continue to pave the way in creating positive change and spreading kindness into the world.”

Rinaldo adds, “Mrs. Svenson not only shines in her role at Sherman Central School, she largely contributes to the success of CCCA.”

Svenson has worked at Sherman Central School for two years in the counseling department. In addition to her current position at Sherman Central School, Mrs. Svenson has served as a Chautauqua County school counselor for a total of 7 years.

“We are so proud that Lori Svenson won the Chautauqua County Counselors Association’s Robert Minton Counselor of the Year Award,” said Mike Ginestre, Sherman Central School District Superintendent. “Sherman Central School was fortunate to work with Mr. Minton for three years in our counseling department. He dedicated countless hours, energy and knowledge to the counseling position. Our students benefited greatly from his experience and he pushed students to find the very best opportunities for their future.”

Svenson was added to the Sherman counseling department when Mr. Minton retired and it hasn’t skipped a beat.

“When Mr. Minton retired, we picked up right where he (Minton) left off with the addition of Mrs. Svenson to our counseling department,” Ginestre said. “She embodies what Mr. Minton was all about and is passionate about the success of our students. In just two years at Sherman, she has become an integral part of our team. She knows our students and addresses their needs above all else. She works with us to create plans for at-risk students and then implements those plans flawlessly. She put our students above all else. We are so lucky to have her as a Wildcat and know she was extremely deserving of this award.”

The Chautauqua County Counselors Association awarded three scholarships in the amount of $300. The 2019-2020 student recipients were Victoria Kujawa of Dunkirk High School, Katie Bodenmiller of Westfield Academy and Central School and Matt Barton of Southwestern Central School District.

Each school year, the CCCA awards scholarships to Chautauqua County high school seniors pursuing a major in a counseling-related field, social work or education. CCCA scholarships are fully funded by yearly membership dues, fundraising and donations.

The Chautauqua County Counselors Association (CCCA) is a professional organization comprised of School Counselors and School Social Workers representing 22 Chautauqua County school districts and higher education institutions: Bemus Point, Brocton, Cassadaga Valley, Chautauqua Lake, Clymer, Dunkirk, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, Falconer, Forestville, Fredonia, Frewsburg, Jamestown, Jamestown Business College, Jamestown Community College, Panama, Pine Valley, Ripley, Sherman, Silver Creek, Southwestern Central School District, SUNY Fredonia and Westfield Academy and Central School. The CCCA aims to advance the welfare and interests of students by supporting the professional welfare of its members.

Along with Rinaldo, who serves as the president, other officers of the Association include Vice President Stephanie Cook (E2CCB Academy at Maple Avenue), Secretary Corinne Case (Jamestown Community College) and Treasurer Chrissy Conklin (Jamestown Business College).

A goal of the CCCA is building partnerships with local businesses and agencies. By forming community connections, the people of Chautauqua County can combine our resources to make a greater impact. The members work together to coordinate and expand student aid programs in the county as well as promote legislation beneficial to schools and colleges. Members conduct research, share experiences and affect closer cooperation among members.

A fundraiser golf tournament was scheduled to be held this summer but due to the global pandemic, it was postponed to 2021.

For more information about the CCCA or to make a donation, contact Rinaldo at arinaldo@e2ccb.org.