CLCS counselor honored with award
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The Chautauqua County Counselors Association (CCCA) recently announced its award winner for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Kara Smith, an elementary school counselor at Chautauqua Lake Central School, was named the Robert Minton Counselor of the Year as voted on by the members of the Chautauqua County Counselors Association.
"This award has been created to annually recognize a member of the association for their hard work, outstanding contributions and inspirational service that embody the professional and personal characteristics of Mr. Robert Minton, a local school counseling legend who dedicated over 30 years as a school counselor in Chautauqua County" said Tricia Dallas-McKoy, CCCA president. "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."
As a counselor at Chautauqua Lake Elementary School, Smith is described as a steadfast advocate for students, a trusted colleague, and a consistent source of positivity within her school community. Whether she is helping a student through a difficult situation, collaborating with colleagues, or bringing her best school spirit to every event, she consistently goes above and beyond to make Chautauqua Lake Elementary a fun and supportive place for all.
"Kara is what every principal hopes for in a school counselor – someone who loves getting into classrooms to teach students proactive social-emotional skills, and leverages her position to model caring across various aspects of the school day. She is an integral part of our PBIS committee, promoting school spirit and belonging among all students. I can’t imagine our school without her; she is so incredibly deserving of this recognition," said Megan Lundgren, Chautauqua Lake elementary school principal.
Smith is going into her ninth year as a school counselor at Chautauqua Lake and prior to that was a school counselor at Pine Valley for four years.
"Kara has been my mentor, sounding board, and a constant source of support. She has a unique ability to make people feel supported while also making them laugh; she brings an energy to our work that is impossible to ignore. Kara shows up every day with compassion, loyalty, and ALWAYS just the right amount of fun – something that is invaluable with the work we do. I’ve learned more from working alongside her than I ever could from a textbook and I am eternally grateful for her presence in our school community," said Leah Stow, Chautauqua Lake middle school counselor.
Smith is an active member of the Chautauqua County Counselor's Association, a role in which she explores new ideas, helps in fundraising events, and provides insight and support to her peers.
The Chautauqua County Counselors Association is a professional organization of school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and representing 19 Chautauqua County school districts along with a few representatives from local higher education institutions. Each school year, the Chautauqua County Counselors Association awards scholarships to Chautauqua County high school seniors pursuing a major in a counseling-related field, social work or education. Chautauqua County Counselors Association scholarships are fully funded by yearly membership dues, fundraising, and donations.
For more information about the CCCA or to make a donation to support the scholarship fund, contact CCCA President Tricia Dallas-McKoy at tdallasmckoy@frewsburgcsd.org.