National School Counseling Week kicks off on Monday. The annual five-day event, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the many ways counselors help students succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Fun contests and local events are scheduled across the country, making it the perfect time for school counselors to celebrate the profession they love.

This year’s theme is “School Counselors: Helping Students Reach for the Stars.” Photo and video challenges are planned throughout the week

Learn more about the week and follow along with the festivities on social media using the hashtag #NSCW18.

Anxious to kick off the celebration? Tune in at 10 a.m. (ET) today to see former First Lady Michelle Obama honor 2018 School Counselor of the Year Kirsten Perry. The event, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, will be livestreamed.

Admitted writer/editor Mary Stegmeir welcomes additional comments and story ideas at mstegmeir@nacacnet.org.